Technical Director - Contaminated Land Management

ERM; Vaud; On-site; CHF 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Workcation

Pension contributions

Corporate benefits

Leadership programs

Job summary

ERM seeks a Principal Technical Consultant or Technical Director for Contaminated Land Management to lead complex soil and groundwater investigations and remediation projects in Switzerland and across Europe. You will act as a technical authority, ensuring high-quality deliverables, regulatory compliance, and strong client relationships.

You will mentor multidisciplinary teams, drive knowledge building, and contribute to the growth of remediation services, with fluency in German, French, and

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required or equivalent in a related field.
• 10+ years of environmental consulting experience in Switzerland with groundwater/remediation focus.
• Proven leadership of large multi-disciplinary projects and client engagement.
• Fluent in German and French, and proficient in English.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex soil, groundwater, and remediation projects as technical lead.
• Provide guidance on hydrogeological models, CSM, and remedial strategy.
• Oversee investigation programs, risk assessments, feasibility studies, and designs.
• Mentor junior consultants and develop internal best practices.

Skills

Hydrogeology

Environmental site investigation

Remediation

Hydrogeological modeling

Regulatory knowledge (Switzerland)

Client-facing consulting

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree in Hydrogeology / Geology / Environmental Engineering

Job description

Principal Technical Consultant / Technical Director – Contaminated Land Management (Altlasten/Sites Pollués)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Technical Consultant or Technical Director with deep technical expertise in environmental site investigation and remediation , and a strong background in hydrogeology. In this senior leadership role, you will serve as a technical authority and strategic advisor for complex site investigation, soil and groundwater contamination, and remediation projects across Switzerland and Europe. You will drive project excellence, assure high quality of deliverables, mentor our consulting teams, and support key client relationships across multiple sectors.

This position is ideal for a seasoned consultant who combines expert-level technical depth with client-facing consulting skills and the ability to lead large, multi-disciplinary assignments.

Your Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Serve as the technical lead for complex soil, groundwater, and environmental remediation projects.
• Provide technical guidance on hydrogeological models, conceptual site models (CSM) and remedial strategy selection.
• Oversee the development and review of investigation programs, risk assessments, feasibility studies, and remediation designs.
• Ensure technical quality, regulatory compliance, and methodological excellence across all project phases.

Project & Client Management

• Act as principal-in-charge for high-value projects, ensuring budget, scope, and timeline performance.
• Advise industrial, corporate, and private equity clients on legacy liabilities, remediation strategies, and environmental risk mitigation.
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships and identify opportunities for business growth.

Team & Practice Development

• Mentor, guide, and develop junior and mid-level consultants in environmental site investigation, remediation and hydrogeology.
• Drive internal knowledge building and contribute to the development of best practices and technical standards.
• Support the growth of our remediation and site investigation service line across Switzerland with focus on the German speaking part.

Your Profile

• Min. Master** ’ **s Degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Environmental Engineering, or related field
• Strong multi-year (10+) experience in environmental consulting in Switzerland with a clear focus on groundwater, contaminated sites, and remediation.
• Proven expertise in:
  • Hydrogeological modeling
  • Contaminant fate and transport and fate
  • Remediation technology selection and design
  • Regulatory framework in Switzerland
• Strong track record in managing and overseeing large, complex consulting projects.
• Demonstrated client-facing skills and experience advising senior stakeholders.
• Ability to lead multi-disciplinary project teams and coach junior consultants.
• Fluent in German and French, as well as in English

What We Offer

• A senior position with significant autonomy and the opportunity to shape strategic direction within our site investigation and remediation practice.
• Complex and high-impact projects in Switzerland and across Europe.
• A collaborative, international environment with world-wide experts across environmental, engineering, and sustainability disciplines.
• Professional development opportunities, including leadership programs and advanced technical training.
• A multitude of benefits including workcation, pension contributions, corporate benefits and more.

ERM is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive, it’s an essential part of what makes ERM a great place to build a career and helps us create better solutions for our clients.

We welcome talent from all backgrounds and provide equal opportunities for every candidate. If you have a disability, are neurodivergent, or need accommodations during the selection process, we’re here to support you. Our commitment doesn’t stop at hiring. Once you join us, we’ll ensure you have the tools, support, and adjustments needed to succeed and feel a true sense of belonging. Learn more about our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging (DIB) efforts by visiting our website or exploring our 2025 Sustainability Report.