Principal Geologist / Geotechnical Engineer (CEng or CGeol)

Kingdom & Partners; Exeter; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Rock Geo is seeking a Principal Engineering Geologist / Geotechnical Engineer to lead multidisciplinary geotechnical and geo-environmental projects from Exeter, with regular travel to Cornwall and sites across the South West. You will develop clients, deliver high-quality reports, and mentor junior staff while maintaining Chartered status.

The role requires extensive UK experience, strong leadership, and a proactive approach to safety and project delivery.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of UK ground conditions, with emphasis on South West geology.
• Experience with site walkovers, ground investigations and reporting.
• Ability to derive geotechnical parameters from investigations.
• Understanding of lab tests and result interpretation.
• Ability to assess geo-environmental risk and develop a Conceptual Site Model.
• Experience in managing small to mid-size projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead ground engineering and geotechnical projects within the team.
• Direct others across site investigations, design, slope stability and contamination tasks.
• Respond to client enquiries, define scope and prepare quotations.
• Mentor graduates to Senior Engineering Geologist level.
• Plan and manage large ground investigation programmes and testing.
• Coordinate with colleagues to develop site-specific solutions and cost efficiencies.
• Ensure health and safety documentation for site and design works is prepared.

Skills

Geotechnical design

Site investigations

Desk studies & reporting

Project management

Mentoring staff

Communication

CAD software

Health & Safety

Client engagement

Education

BSc or MSci in Geology/Engineering Geology/Civil Engineering

MSc in Engineering Geology or Geotechnical Engineering

Chartered Geologist (CGeol) or Chartered Engineer (CEng)

CSCS Card

SSSTS or SMSTS

Full UK Driving Licence

Tools

CAD

Geotechnical software

Laboratory coordination

Job description

Principal Engineering Geologist / Geotechnical Engineer (CEng or CGeol)

Exeter, Devon — with regular travel to the Cornwall office, project sites and clients across the South West and wider UK

Role overview

Applying the ground engineering skills and knowledge developed during their career to date to lead the delivery of multidisciplinary geotechnical and geo-environmental projects across Red Rock Geo’s core service lines, to develop clients and opportunities, and to support the development of more junior members of staff.

Key responsibilities

• Work within the Ground Engineering team, generally directing others, across Red Rock Geo’s core service lines: site investigation, geotechnical design, slope stabilisation, rockfall risk management and contaminated land.
• Line manage, and assist in the development of, Graduate Engineering Geologists through to Senior Engineering Geologists.
• Respond to enquiries from clients, identify project scope and prepare quotations.
• Technically lead and manage ground engineering and geotechnical projects.
• Plan, specify and manage large ground investigation and laboratory testing programmes, including challenging sites such as coastal slopes, cliffs and rock faces.
• Liaise with colleagues, clients and other engineers to develop project-specific solutions, and identify opportunities for cost efficiencies on projects.
• Support more junior members of staff to develop a clear understanding of ground conditions on a project site, to collate and analyse field and laboratory testing results, and to undertake analyses related to project design.
• Check Desk Studies, Ground Investigation Specifications, Ground Investigation Reports and Remediation Strategies.
• Maintain Chartered status (CEng or CGeol).
• Behave and work in accordance with company values, standards and procedures.
• Communicate openly with other members of the Ground Engineering team.
• Recognise the skills and experience of other team members and remain ready to learn from them.
• Attend sites and projects where required to carry out surveys, inspections, ground investigations and earthworks, as well as to meet clients and contractors.
• Understand and manage the commercial requirements of projects, and understand the commercial requirements of the company as a whole.
• Ensure work is carried out efficiently and effectively.
• Carry out work in accordance with company Health & Safety rules, and prepare and check Health & Safety documentation for both site works and design works.

About you

Person-Specific Criteria Essential Desirable

Qualifications and Training

• BSc or MSci (or equivalent) in Geology, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Chartered Geologist (CGeol) or Chartered Engineer (CEng).
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• MSc in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering or similar.
• CSCS Card.
• SSSTS or SMSTS.

Experience, Knowledge and Skills

• An excellent knowledge of the typical ground conditions and geology of the United Kingdom, with particular relevance to South West geology, including coastal and cliff environments.
• Extensive experience of site walkovers, ground investigations, and factual and interpretive reporting.
• Experience of checking a variety of reports, including Desk Studies, Ground Investigation Specifications, Ground Investigation Reports and Remediation Strategies.
• A strong ability to anticipate and interpret ground conditions and to develop accurate ground models from ground investigation and desk study information.
• A strong ability to derive geotechnical parameters from qualitative and quantitative ground investigation information.
• An excellent understanding of the commonly undertaken geotechnical and geo-environmental laboratory tests, and how to interpret their results.
• A strong understanding of how to assess geo-environmental risk on a site and how to develop a Conceptual Site Model.
• A strong knowledge of industry-standard geotechnical software, including CAD systems.
• Experience of project and commercially managing small to medium size projects.
• Good verbal and written English.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to resolve uncertainties.
• The ability and willingness to mentor and impart their knowledge and experience to others.
• A proactive approach to the health and safety of themselves and others, as well as familiarity with relevant safety regulations and industry standards.
• The ability to organise their own work and time management.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to express ideas.
• A positive and proactive team player who demonstrates a willingness to apply themselves in a workplace environment.
• The ability to prepare quotations for projects of all sizes.
• The ability to independently engage with existing and potential clients to derive opportunities and to identify the required scope of works.
• Identifies opportunities for Business Development and growth, and actively participates in pursuing these opportunities.
• Experience of preparing contracts relating to our work.
• A self-starter who displays a 'can do' attitude towards tasks and is willing to learn.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork in various environments, including coastal and rock slope sites.