Offshore Site Investigation Manager/Geologist

NWS; Oxford, Worcester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an experienced Offshore Site Investigation Manager/Geologist to lead comprehensive geological investigations. This role involves planning and executing offshore deep borehole drilling campaigns, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. You will play a crucial role in developing Site Characterisation Plans to inform future drilling activities, making a significant impact on environmental safety and project success. If you are passionate about geoscience and eager to contribute to groundbreaking projects, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in offshore deep borehole operations and project leadership.
• Strong understanding of site characterisation techniques for depths of 200–1000m.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of offshore geological investigations.
• Develop Site Characterisation Plans for regulatory submissions.
• Ensure compliance with HSE standards across offshore operations.

Skills

Geoscience

Geotechnical Engineering

Offshore Deep Borehole Operations

Site Characterisation Techniques

Data Acquisition Methods

Procurement Processes

Interpersonal Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Education

Degree in Geoscience

Postgraduate Qualification in Geoscience

Job description

Nuclear Waste Services has a vacancy for an experienced Offshore Site Investigation Manager/Geologist to join our team flexible working from our office in Harwell, Oxfordshire.

NWS is progressing into the field investigation phase of the GDF programme, transitioning from desk-based feasibility studies to large-scale, multidisciplinary site characterisation. This includes planning a comprehensive programme of subsurface investigations including high-resolution seismic surveys and the drilling of deep (~1000m) boreholes in the offshore environment to characterise the geological, hydrogeological, and geomechanical properties of potential host rock formations.

We are seeking an experiencedOffshore Site Investigation Manager / Geologistto lead the planning, specification, procurement, and execution of offshore geological investigations, with a primary focus on deep borehole drilling campaigns. The work will be supported by a team of NWS Geoscientists and Geological Investigations Managers, as well as other technical experts (geophysicists, hydrogeologists, engineering geologists etc) and an expert supply chain.

Specifically, you will be responsible for development of Site Characterisation Plans that will define the scope of geological investigations that NWS will undertake to characterise the subsurface for the GDF and that will form the basis for the submission to the environmental regulator in 2026/2027 to drill boreholes to characterise the subsurface.

A Site Characterisation Delivery Partner (SCDP) will be appointed (circa early 2028) to deliver the site characterisation programme. You will work with the SCDP to ensure the implementation of the Site Characterisation Plans, requiring the specification, procurement and management of site characterisation operations, including the drilling of deep, offshore boreholes.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-SCDP Phase (Pre-2028)

• Provide technical leadership for the planning and development of offshore deep borehole investigations.
• Define site characterisation objectives in collaboration with NWS technical leads and subject matter experts.
• Plan and specify offshore borehole operations, including borehole design, data acquisition (e.g., wireline logging, geophysical surveys), hydro-testing, and in situ stress testing.
• Develop and deliver tools and techniques to support offshore site characterisation.
• Prepare technical specifications to support procurement of investigation services and related activities.
• Lead the development of Site Characterisation Plans to:
  • Inform regulatory submissions (e.g., Environmental Permits, Development Consent Order).
  • Support the procurement and onboarding of the Site Characterisation Delivery Partner (SCDP).

Post-SCDP Appointment (From 2028)

• Support the mobilisation and onboarding of the SCDP, ensuring effective knowledge transfer and alignment with NWS objectives.
• Oversee SCDP preparations and enabling works for offshore borehole campaigns.
• Collaborate with NWS SMEs and functions to develop operational procedures and governance frameworks.
• Act as theIntelligent Clientfor offshore site characterisation, providing strategic oversight and technical assurance.
• Work with SCRD Leads to develop internal resourcing plans to maintain NWS’s intelligent customer capability.
• Ensure integration of site investigation outputs with programme requirements and safety case development.
• Promote and uphold NWS and international HSE standards across all offshore operations.

Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Essential:
  • Degree in Geoscience, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
  • Significant experience in offshore deep borehole operations (planning, specification, or delivery).
  • Proven leadership in subsurface or geoscientific projects, including contractor and team coordination.
  • Strong understanding of site characterisation techniques applicable to depths of 200–1000m.
  • Familiarity with borehole data acquisition methods (e.g., geophysical logging, hydro-testing, stress testing).
  • Experience in procurement processes for site investigations, from specification through to contract delivery.
  • Ability to critically evaluate technical approaches and challenge established methodologies.
  • Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to build trust across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Excellent communication skills, including the ability to represent NWS in high-level external engagements.
• Desirable:
  • Postgraduate qualification in a geoscience discipline.
  • Chartered Geologist or Engineer status (or working towards).
  • Experience with nationally significant infrastructure or nuclear-related projects.
  • Knowledge of UK regulatory frameworks for offshore investigations and environmental permitting.

For internal candidates currently on RWM T&C’s, the RWM grade equivalent for this role is 3-2