Scientist - Contaminated Land

RPS Group Plc; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental consultancy in the Tees Valley is seeking a Senior Scientist/Engineer to lead contaminated land investigations and remediation projects. The ideal candidate will possess a degree in a relevant field, post-graduate experience, and strong project management skills. They will manage site works, prepare technical reports, and supervise junior staff while ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards. This role fosters team collaboration and requires excellent communication skills for client interactions.

Qualifications

• Degree in geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology or environmental science required.
• Postgraduate qualification beneficial.
• Managing projects in contaminated land or geo-environmental engineering.

Responsibilities

• Manage contaminated land investigations and remediation projects.
• Supervise site works and manage budgets.
• Prepare technical reports and attend client meetings.

Skills

Project management

Site supervision

Technical report writing

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Research capabilities

Education

Degree in geology, engineering geology, or related field

Master’s degree (desirable)

Tools

GIS software

Job description

Overview

Due to an expanding workload, we are looking to recruit a new Senior Scientist/Engineer to supplement our existing team and help us to enhance our already excellent reputation.

Responsibilities

• Project management and delivery of contaminated land investigations and remediation projects on time, within budget, and in line with appropriate quality standards.
• Site supervision of works throughout Northern Ireland, including procuring and managing ground investigations.
• Preparing technical reports including Preliminary Risk Assessments (Desk Study) and Quantitative Risk Assessments (GQRA/DQRA).
• Attending client and design team meetings and preparing presentations.
• Managing financial budgets of job tasks.
• Supervision and mentoring of junior staff, reviewing technical reports and providing constructive feedback.

Qualifications

• Degree in geology, engineering geology, hydrogeology or a relevant environmental science discipline.
• Postgraduate qualification such as a Master’s degree is beneficial.
• Working towards chartership with a relevant body such as CIWEM, IEMA or GeoSoc.
• Substantial post‑graduate experience in contaminated land or geo‑environmental engineering, including managing projects throughout the whole lifecycle.
• In‑depth understanding of current UK contaminated land technical guidance, relevant legislation and the development planning regime.
• Ability to undertake self‑directed research to keep abreast of new and emerging trends within the contaminated land industry.
• Experience designing, procuring, managing and supervising ground investigations on site, including soil logging and sampling, groundwater and ground gas monitoring.
• Ability to make informed and experienced decisions on site with minimal input from line managers and to manage and direct sub‑contractors.
• Knowledgeable in current practice and governing standards/guidance for the investigation and remediation of contaminated land, and able to produce detailed technical reports such as Phase 1 geo‑environmental desktop study reports (PRA) and Phase 2 interpretative reports including qualitative and quantitative risk assessments (GQRA/DQRA).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to write clear, concise and technically robust reports.
• Confident in managing projects as they grow and evolve.
• Good understanding of health, safety and environmental management, and proactive in encouraging good HSE practices.
• Team player with strong social, interpersonal and communication skills.
• A full clean driving licence.
• Desirable: experience undertaking WM3 compliant waste classifications using HazWasteOnline, undertaking environmental due diligence assessments and confident using GIS software.