OVERVIEW

Our client is a leading consultancy specialising in geo-environmental and geotechnical engineering. They work on a diverse range of projects, including residential developments, commercial buildings, renewable energy projects such as wind farms, and coal mining risk assessments.
They are seeking a Geotechnical / Geoenvironmental Engineer with 3 to 5 years’ relevant industry background to join their growing team in Cardiff. This role offers the opportunity to take responsibility for planning and supervising ground investigations, analysing data, preparing technical reports, and supporting both geotechnical and geoenvironmental assessments. You will work on a wide range of development projects, with a balance of office-based analysis and fieldwork, while also mentoring junior staff and engaging with clients and regulators.

REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology, Environmental Geoscience, Civil Engineering or a related geoscience discipline. A postgraduate geoscience related degree is advantageous but not essential.
• Professional background: Minimum of 3 years relevant industry background, including both geotechnical and geoenvironmental, contaminated land, ground investigation, data analysis, report preparation, and regulator liaison.
• Driving licence: Full, valid UK licence essential.
• Residency: Must have the legal right to work in the country of employment.

Key Skills

• Technical foundation: Strong technical understanding of ground investigation techniques, soil and rock logging, contamination assessment, appraisal of foundation solutions, and remediation techniques.
• Practical fieldwork: Ability to supervise contractors, and to log and sample soils and rocks accurately to relevant standards.
• Analytical ability: Proven capability to interpret complex geotechnical and geoenvironmental data and contribute to effective engineering solutions.
• Report writing skills: Excellent technical writing ability, with background in preparing desk studies, site investigation reports, remediation strategies, risk assessments, and CMRAs.
• IT proficiency: Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office; background with geotechnical or risk assessment software is desirable.
• Communication: Confident written and verbal communication skills for interacting with clients, contractors, and regulators.
• Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team and to mentor junior colleagues.
• Adaptability: Flexible and proactive approach to work, with willingness to travel and undertake site work in varying conditions.
• Commercial awareness: Understanding of project scoping, pricing, and delivery requirements.
• Attention to detail: Commitment to accuracy in data collection, interpretation, and reporting.
• Resilience: Positive attitude when working on challenging projects in different environments.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Site investigation supervision: Plan and supervise ground investigation works including borehole drilling, trial pitting, and in-situ testing, ensuring that contractors work safely and in accordance with site-specific RAMS.
• Soil and rock logging: Undertake soil and rock logging in line with current geotechnical standards.
• Soil sampling: Undertake soil sampling and scheduling for laboratory chemical and geotechnical analysis.
• Health & safety risk assessment: Assist in preparing site-specific RAMS, carry out on site dynamic risk assessments, and promote safe working practices during site activities
• Data collection & analysis: Record and interpret site investigation data, including ground conditions, sampling information, laboratory test results, to support geotechnical and geoenvironmental assessments.
• Reporting writing: Preparation and review of Phase 1 Desk Studies, Phase 2 Site Investigation Reports (factual and interpretative), Remediation Strategy reports, and Coal Mining Risk Assessments (CMRAs), ensuring clarity, accuracy, and technical quality.
• Contaminated land assessments: Undertake human health, controlled waters, and ground gas risk assessments in line with current guidance.
• Design support: Contribute to the design of geotechnical solutions for foundations, retaining walls, earthworks, and slope stability, with guidance from senior staff where appropriate.
• Client and subcontractor interaction: Act as a point of contact on site, liaising with clients, contractors, and colleagues as required.
• Client collaboration: Attend client meetings, liaise with contractors, and provide technical input and recommendations to support project delivery.
• Mentoring: Provide guidance, supervision, and support to graduate engineers and junior staff.
• Regulator liaison: Communicate with regulators (e.g. Local Authority, NHBC, Mining Remediation Authority, Environment Agency/Natural Resources Wales) as required to support approvals and compliance.
• Software use: Apply geotechnical analysis software and utilise logging/database tools such as HoleBaseSI.