Senior Engineering Geologist

Zutari; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Zutari is seeking an Engineering Geologist in Cape Town to provide geological input for various projects across Africa and the Middle East. The role involves technical delivery, project management, and developing innovative solutions for complex ground conditions.

The ideal candidate will have a BSc (Hons) in Engineering Geology, at least 5 years of experience, and knowledge of relevant software tools. Join a dynamic team committed to excellence and sustainability within a diverse workplace.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years industry experience.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to deliver geological/geotechnical projects.
• Experience with geological software packages.
• Leadership capabilities for mentoring junior geologists.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical delivery and project management.
• Liaise with design disciplines for coordination.
• Build strong client relationships.
• Implement innovative approaches for ground problems.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Geological analysis

Problem-solving

Project management

Technical delivery

Client relationship management

Education

BSc (Hons) degree in Engineering Geology

Professional registration with SACNASP

Post-graduate qualification

Tools

gINT

Leapfrog

Rockscience software

MS Office Suite

Job description

At Zutari, we understand that every strong structure begins with a deep understanding of the ground beneath it. Our Ground Engineering capability provides innovative and reliable solutions that transform complex ground conditions into safe, stable, and buildable foundations for infrastructure across Africa and the Middle East. We are looking for problem solvers who thrive on complexity and are motivated to turn uncertainty into engineered certainty.

Role Overview

The Zutari Ground Engineering Team is looking to appoint an Engineering Geologist with knowledge and experience in detailed technical analysis of the ground conditions to join our established, industry-leading team in Tshwane or Cape Town. This position provides a broad range of project opportunities both locally and internationally. The team offers work across projects ranging from Energy, Transport, Water, Built Environment, and Resources. This provides a good opportunity for developing a career across a broad spectrum of ground engineering solutions. The Engineering Geologist will join a strong cohort of Geotechnical Engineers and Engineering Geologists working closely together in developing solutions. The role offers a great opportunity to further develop a professional career with a multi-disciplinary international engineering consultancy. We are committed to fostering a culture that empowers our people, promotes teamwork, and encourages sustainability with attractive remuneration packages. As an engineering geologist, you will be responsible for geological input in projects and ensure these projects are delivered to the client’s requirements, complying with quality standards, and within the agreed programme and budget.

Role Responsibilities

• Provide a mix of technical delivery and project management with a significant focus on problem-solving, analysis, and design.
• Liaise with other design disciplines to develop and maintain design coordination.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, both internally and externally.
• Apply new knowledge and devise new approaches in industry to solve complex ground problems.
• Adhere to all applicable health and safety standards and practices, on-site and in the office.
• Compile safety files before site investigations.
• Travel to projects located in South Africa, other African countries, the Middle East, and other countries as necessary.

Qualifications Requirements

• BSc (Hons) degree in Engineering Geology or equivalent.
• Registration as a Professional Scientist (Pr Sci Nat or equivalent) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), or proof the process is underway.
• A post‑graduate qualification is advantageous.
• Membership with the South African Institute for Engineering and Environmental Geologists (SAIEG) is advantageous.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years industry experience.
• Communication and report writing skills, and ability to work with clients to develop new and existing business opportunities.
• Good knowledge and experience in delivering geological/geotechnical projects using applicable standards and principles.
• Experience using relevant geological and geotechnical software packages (e.g., gINT, Leapfrog, Rockscience software, GIS).
• Experience in geotechnical investigations including data gathering, site characterisation, formulating ground models, sampling, analysis of ground conditions and laboratory results, and report writing.
• Skill and experience in geological/geotechnical analysis and providing inputs into design.
• Experience working across multi-disciplinary engineering teams.
• Commercial and project financial awareness, including preparation of proposals and bid submissions.
• Experience in managing small projects is advantageous.
• Ability to provide mentoring and technical guidance for younger graduate engineering geologists.
• Proactive communication skills to work with colleagues and other design teams.
• Ability to communicate confidently and professionally with all levels of staff and clients.

Software Competency Requirements

• GiNT (Openground is advantageous)
• Rockscience software (Dips, RocFall, RocTopple, RocPlane, Swedge, etc.)
• Leapfrog (advantageous)
• MS Office Suite

We believe that a diverse workforce is key to our business success. We seek the best people for our jobs based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. We embrace the principle of equal opportunity in employment, and we work towards eliminating all forms of unlawful discrimination in our employment practices. In support of diversity and the equal opportunity principle, preference will be given to individuals from designated groups within South Africa.