Geotechnical Engineer (Site-Based, Contract)

Location: UK (predominantly site-based; some office/remote as required)
Type: Contract, 6–12 months (with potential extension)
Reports to: Senior/Principal Geotechnical Engineer

About the role

We’re hiring a site-focused Geotechnical Engineer to support construction-phase delivery across earthworks, foundations, slopes and retaining structures. You’ll apply Eurocode 7 fundamentals, keep QA tight, and turn field data into clear, actionable advice—working closely with senior staff, contractors and labs.

What you’ll do (site-led)

• Construction support: Assist with day-to-day geotechnical queries (RFIs/changes), record decisions, escalate risks promptly.
• Working platforms & access: Check compliance against design intent/BR470 principles; gather evidence (materials, thickness, inspections).
• Earthworks & materials: Track compaction/QA (NDG, CBR/plate load), review ITPs, log moisture/acceptability and advise on remedial actions.
• Temporary/permanent works interfaces: Help review stability/settlement/bearing checks when design or sequencing changes arise.
• GI & verification: Arrange/supervise trial pits, in-situ tests and sampling; manage photos, logs and chain of custody; update ground model notes.
• I&M / observational: Read instruments (e.g., VWP, inclinometers, settlement plates), maintain dashboards, flag exceedances and propose next steps.
• Documentation & assurance: Produce concise site memos, NCR responses, red-lines, and weekly summaries for clients and the senior engineer.

What you’ll bring

• 2–6 years’ post-graduate geotechnical experience (site and/or design); working towards CEng MICE.
• Sound grasp of Eurocode 7 basics (ULS/SLS) and UK practice for earthworks, platforms and foundations.
• Comfortable with spreadsheets and hand checks; exposure to PLAXIS/LimitState/Wallap a plus.
• Clear communicator, organised, and confident engaging with contractors and labs.
• Tickets: CSCS (required); full UK driving licence. SMSTS/PTS desirable but not essential.

Typical deliverables

• Daily/weekly geotechnical site notes and action trackers.
• QA/ITP reviews with compaction and materials summaries.
• Targeted calcs or worked checks (with senior oversight).
• I&M updates with trigger–action recommendations.
• Close-out records and handover packs (photos, test data, certificates).

Contract & logistics

• Duration: 6–12 months (extension possible).
• Pattern: Predominantly site-based (4–5 days/week); occasional nights/weekends if works demand.
• Commercials: Competitive day rate; IR35 status determined per assignment.
• Travel/PPE: UK-wide travel as required; PPE per policy; expenses per agreement.

NDA & professionalism

Operate within strict client confidentiality. All outputs must be NDA-compliant, evidence-based and suitable for independent audit.

How to apply

Send a concise CV (max 3 pages), earliest start date, preferred locations, and a brief note on two relevant projects (your role and outcomes).

Keywords / tags (SEO): geotechnical engineer, site-based, Eurocode 7, earthworks, working platforms, BR470, foundations, slope stability, retaining walls, QA/ITP, NDG, CBR, instrumentation & monitoring, ground investigation, UK, contract 6–12 months