Associate Geotechnical Engineer - Dams & Reservoirs

slihrms; Epsom; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An experienced Associate Geotechnical Engineer is sought to lead the delivery and growth of our dams and reservoirs capability across the UK and internationally. You will oversee design, assessment and rehabilitation of earth embankment dams, reservoirs and water-retaining structures, mentoring teams.

You will provide technical leadership on dam safety, seepage and foundation analysis, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, support client relationships and business development, and mentor junior

Qualifications

• Degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering is required.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with a recognised professional institution.
• Extensive consultancy or infrastructure delivery experience in earth dams and reservoirs.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead dam and reservoir projects from concept through construction.
• Provide technical oversight for geotechnical assessments and dam safety evaluations.
• Mentor graduate and senior engineers; support professional development.
• Coordinate geotechnical inputs across major infrastructure programs.
• Support business development and client relationships.

Skills

Dam engineering

Geotechnical analysis

Project leadership

Client relations

Chartered Engineer (CEng)

Mentoring

Education

Degree in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

CEng or equivalent professional qualification

Tools

GeoStudio Suite

PLAXIS 2D/3D

SLOPE/W

SEEP/W

SIGMA/W

Job description

Overview

Due to an expanding project portfolio, we are seeking an experienced Associate Geotechnical Engineer to lead the delivery and growth of our dams and reservoirs capability. This is an exciting opportunity for a technically strong engineer with extensive experience in the design, assessment and rehabilitation of earth embankment dams, reservoirs and water-retaining structures. Some of our flagship projects include Fens, Lincs, Broad Oak and Havant Thicket reservoirs.

As an Associate, you will provide technical leadership across a portfolio of dam engineering projects, support strategic client relationships, mentor multidisciplinary teams, and contribute to the continued growth of our water and geotechnics business.

Working across the UK and internationally, you will play a key role in helping clients manage dam safety risks, improve asset resilience and deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions. You will also contribute to the development of future engineering talent and help strengthen our reputation for technical excellence in dam and reservoir engineering.

Your role

As an Associate Geotechnical Engineer, you will lead project delivery, provide technical oversight, support business growth and develop engineering capability across the dams and reservoirs practice.

Technical Leadership & Project Delivery

• Lead the delivery of dam and reservoir engineering projects from concept through construction.
• Provide technical oversight for geotechnical assessments, design reviews and dam safety evaluations.
• Lead the design, assessment and rehabilitation of:
  Earth embankment dams.
  Reservoir infrastructure.
  Flood defence embankments.
  Dam rehabilitation and raising schemes.
  Seepage mitigation measures.
  Foundation improvement works.
  Drainage and filter systems.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams and coordinate geotechnical inputs across major infrastructure projects.
• Support Reservoir Panel Engineers and contribute to dam safety inspections, statutory assessments and risk evaluations.
• Lead technical reviews and quality assurance of reports, calculations and design deliverables.
• Promote best practice in dam engineering, geotechnical design and risk management.

Client & Business Development

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, regulators and key stakeholders.
• Support business development activities, framework opportunities and proposal preparation.
• Contribute to strategic planning and the growth of the dams and reservoirs business.
• Support the development of long-term client relationships and repeat business opportunities.
• Represent the business through technical excellence, professional engagement and collaborative project delivery.

Leadership, Mentoring & Team Development

• Act as a mentor and trusted adviser to graduate, assistant, engineer and senior engineer level staff.
• Provide day-to-day guidance on technical analysis, engineering judgement and project delivery.
• Support career development through coaching, constructive feedback and performance development.
• Contribute to graduate development programmes and support engineers working towards Chartership (CEng).
• Share knowledge through technical training, workshops, lunch-and-learn sessions and communities of practice.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen technical capability across the dams and reservoirs team.
• Support resource planning and provide meaningful development opportunities for junior engineers.
• Encourage innovation and the adoption of new tools, analytical methods and digital engineering approaches.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and technical excellence.

About you

We are looking for a recognised technical leader with a passion for dam engineering and geotechnical excellence. You will combine strong engineering judgement with excellent communication skills, commercial awareness and a collaborative leadership style. You will be motivated by solving complex technical challenges, developing people and helping grow an industry‑leading dams and reservoirs practice.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with a recognised professional institution.
• Significant experience in consultancy or infrastructure delivery with a strong focus on earth dams and reservoir engineering.
• Demonstrable experience leading geotechnical and dam engineering projects.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and client relationships.
• Strong commercial awareness and project management capability.

Technical Expertise

• Strong understanding of:
  Embankment dam design.
  Seepage and internal erosion assessment.
  Piping and filter design.
  Foundation assessment and treatment.
  Slope stability and deformation analysis.
  Dam safety and risk management principles.

Software & Digital Capability.

• Geotechnical Analysis.
• GeoStudio Suite (Seequent).
• SLOPE/W, SEEP/W and SIGMA/W.
• PLAXIS 2D and/or PLAXIS 3D.
• Finite