Geotechnical Engineer - GI Supervision

ERSG Ltd; Inverness; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ERSG Ltd in Scotland seeks an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to provide on-site supervision and technical oversight during a ground investigation programme. You will coordinate with drilling teams, laboratory personnel and the wider project team to ensure safe, efficient execution in line with the approved GI scope.

The role requires logging of soils/rocks, monitoring of drilling, sample handling and data interpretation, with strong emphasis on health, safety and environmental compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Geotechnical Engineer or Engineering Geologist on GI projects.
• Experience with boreholes, trial pits, sampling and in-situ testing.
• Strong understanding of soil and rock logging/classification.
• Knowledge of groundwater monitoring and sampling.
• Good understanding of UK geotechnical practices and standards.
• Able to identify and report unexpected ground conditions and risks.
• Excellent communication with contractors and project teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site geotechnical supervision of GI works (boreholes, trial pits, sampling).
• Monitor drilling and investigation activities per GI scope and method statements.
• Log soil/rock conditions and groundwater observations.
• Review borehole/trial pit records for accuracy and consistency.
• Coordinate in-situ testing, sampling and groundwater monitoring.
• Ensure samples are properly labelled, stored and transported for testing.
• Maintain daily site records, diaries and progress reports.
• Escalate unexpected ground conditions to senior staff.
• Liaise with GI contractor and site management to resolve issues.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, environmental and quality requirements.
• Assist in preparing final GI report and data.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Ground investigation

Site supervision

Boreholes

Trial pits

In-situ testing

Soil logging

Rock logging

Health & safety

UK standards knowledge

Tools

CSCS / ECS

SMSTS / SSSTS

BS 5930 knowledge

Eurocodes knowledge

Job description

Geotechnical Engineer - Ground Investigation Supervision

Location: Scotland

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to provide site-based supervision and technical oversight during a ground investigation programme in Scotland.

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that ground investigation activities are carried out safely, efficiently and in accordance with the approved investigation scope, specifications and relevant industry standards. The role will involve close coordination with the ground investigation contractor, drilling teams, laboratory personnel and the wider project team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide on-site geotechnical supervision of ground investigation works, including boreholes, trial pits, window sampling, cable percussion and other investigation techniques as required.


• Monitor drilling and investigation activities to ensure they are undertaken in accordance with the approved GI scope, specifications and method statements.


• Log and record soil and rock conditions, including strata changes, groundwater observations, fractures, weathering and other relevant geological features.


• Review and verify borehole and trial pit records, ensuring accurate and consistent recording of ground conditions.


• Supervise and coordinate in-situ testing, sampling and groundwater monitoring activities.


• Ensure appropriate samples are recovered, labelled, stored and transported for laboratory testing.


• Monitor groundwater levels and conditions and ensure relevant observations are accurately recorded.


• Identify unexpected or abnormal ground conditions and escalation these to the Project / Senior Geotechnical Engineer.


• Liaise with the GI contractor, drilling supervisors and site management to resolve technical or operational issues.


• Ensure investigation works are undertaken in accordance with health, safety, environmental and quality requirements.


• Maintain accurate daily records, site diaries, photographs and investigation progress reports.


• Review GI contractor progress against the agreed programme and identify potential delays or issues.


• Attend site meetings and provide updates on progress, technical issues and ground conditions.


• Support the wider geotechnical team with interpretation and review of GI data where required.


• Ensure investigation activities comply with relevant British Standards, Eurocodes and project specifications.


• Contribute to the preparation and review of the final ground investigation report and associated factual data where required.

Essential Experience

• Proven experience working as a Geotechnical Engineer / Engineering Geologist on ground investigation projects.


• Experience with a range of ground investigation techniques, including boreholes, trial pits, sampling and in-situ testing.


• Good understanding of soil and rock logging and classification.


• Experience reviewing borehole logs and GI records.


• Knowledge of groundwater monitoring and sampling.


• Strong understanding of UK geotechnical and ground investigation practices.


• Ability to identify and report unexpected ground conditions and potential geotechnical risks.


• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with contractors, site teams and engineering consultants.


• Good understanding of UK health, safety and environmental requirements.

Desirable Experience

• Previous experience working on major infrastructure, energy, utilities, transport, rail or civil engineering projects.


• Experience supervising GI works for large-scale infrastructure developments.


• Experience with contaminated land investigations.


• Experience with geotechnical laboratory testing and interpretation of results.


• Knowledge of BS 5930 and relevant Eurocodes.


• CSCS / ECS or equivalent site certification.


• SMSTS / SSSTS or similar site management qualification.


• Membership of a relevant professional body such as ICE, Geological Society or

ersg are an equal opportunities employer; we are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all job applicants. We do not discriminate against applicants on the basis of age, sex, race, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or religious background; all decisions are based on merit