At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality geotechnical solutions and mentor junior staff in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join Fairhurst LLP, a leading multidisciplinary engineering consultancy in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 33 days leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a culture focused on sustainability, inclusivity, and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse projects while building strong client relationships.
- Qualifications: Degree in Geology or related field; experience in rail sector preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Fairhurst LLP is one of the UK’s largest private multidisciplinary partnerships of consulting engineers, delivering civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, planning, water, and landscape architecture services across 16 principal offices in the UK. Fairhurst specialises in providing cost‑effective, sustainable engineering solutions and prides itself on high-quality service delivery, technical excellence, and long-standing client relationships.
Role Overview – The Engineering Geologist / Senior Engineering Geologist role will deliver high quality geotechnical solutions across a wide range of projects, with a strong focus on the rail sector. Based in our Leeds office, the postholder will produce and review technical reports, undertake design works, supervise ground investigation and site activities, support project and contract management, and mentor junior staff. You will apply your expertise in ground modelling, geotechnical design, and risk assessment while working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineering team. The role also involves direct client engagement and contribution to business development, supporting successful project delivery and long term client relationships.
This is an excellent opportunity to work within one of the UK’s leading Civil, Structural & Geotechnical Engineering Consultancies, delivering integrated solutions for governments, businesses, rail organisations, architects and planners.
- Deliver high‑quality interpretative geotechnical reporting with minimal supervision.
- Carry out risk‑based assessments including Preliminary Risk Assessments and Mining Risk Assessments.
- Undertake hand calculations and use appropriate geotechnical software to support design development.
- Provide technical problem‑solving and specialist input throughout the project lifecycle.
- Support and contribute to project and contract management, including programme and budget control.
- Lead and manage site activities, including supervision of ground investigations and site data collection.
- Manage assigned workloads effectively, ensuring delivery to time, cost, and quality standards.
- Engage directly with clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
- Build and maintain strong professional relationships to encourage repeat business and long‑term collaboration.
Quality & Compliance – Promote and maintain high standards of health, safety, and environmental compliance during office and site activities. Support compliance with rail industry and client‑specific requirements and procedures. Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior geologists and engineers. Contribute positively to team development and knowledge sharing within the office and wider business. Take responsibility for personal and professional development, including progression towards or maintenance of Chartered status.
Qualifications:
- Degree in Geology or a related discipline (essential).
- MSc in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field (desirable).
- Relevant industry experience, commensurate with the Engineering Geologist / Senior Engineering Geologist level.
- Experience working within the rail sector, including earthworks inspections and reporting.
- Proven experience producing geotechnical reports, including Geotechnical Interpretative Reports and Mining Risk Assessments.
- Demonstrable experience in ground investigation planning, specification, supervision, and interpretative reporting.
- Full UK driving licence, with willingness to travel to site as required.
- Strong understanding of geology, ground models, and geotechnical engineering principles.
- Ability to carry out hand calculations and use geotechnical analysis software.
- Good understanding of ground investigation techniques, sampling methods, and laboratory testing.
- Experience undertaking Preliminary Risk Assessments.
- Familiarity with earthworks and/or drilling and grouting techniques (desirable).
- Commercial awareness and understanding of consultancy project delivery.
- Proactive, professional, and committed to continuous learning and development.
- Committed to delivering high‑quality, technically robust work.
Continuous Development: Competitive salary and benefits, aligned to experience and location. ~33 days annual leave (inclusive of Public Holidays) including annual leave purchase and buy-back scheme ~ Bonus Schemes including loyalty bonus, introducer fee and qualifications award ~ Access to Staff Health Plan, Employee Assistance Programme including a 24-hour advice line. ~ Life Insurance, Personal Accident and a generous Contributory Pension Scheme ~ Interest-free travel loan, Cycle to Work Scheme and Arnold Clark Affinity Scheme ~ Payment of professional fees. ~ Hybrid and flexible working opportunities will be considered ~ Career and professional development and opportunities on high‑profile projects. ~ A culture built on responsiveness, flexibility, and sustainable, value‑adding engineering. That’s why we’re working together to build a better, more inclusive and diverse future for engineers and the engineering industry.
Senior Engineering Geologist - Contract in Leeds employer: Fairhurst
Fairhurst LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Leeds where engineers can thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, competitive benefits including generous annual leave and a contributory pension scheme, and a culture that values flexibility and sustainability, employees are empowered to deliver high-quality geotechnical solutions while fostering long-term client relationships. Join a leading consultancy that prioritises technical excellence and collaborative teamwork, making a meaningful impact in the engineering sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Engineering Geologist - Contract in Leeds
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that a CV just can’t.
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Share specific examples of your work in geotechnical solutions and how you've tackled challenges in the rail sector.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research Fairhurst LLP, understand their projects, and think about how your background fits into their goals. Prepare questions that show your interest in their work and how you can contribute.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Fairhurst.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Engineering Geologist - Contract in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Engineering Geologist role. Highlight your relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, especially within the rail sector, and showcase any specific projects that demonstrate your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for Fairhurst. Mention your passion for sustainable engineering solutions and how your background aligns with our commitment to high-quality service delivery.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your technical expertise! Include details about your experience with ground modelling, risk assessments, and any geotechnical software you’re proficient in. We love seeing candidates who can bring technical problem-solving to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fairhurst
✨Know Your Geotechnical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your geotechnical principles and ground modelling techniques. Be ready to discuss your experience with geotechnical reports, risk assessments, and any relevant software you've used. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since the role involves project and contract management, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed projects in the past. Highlight your ability to control budgets, timelines, and quality standards, as well as any experience leading site activities or supervising investigations.
✨Engage with Client Relationships
Fairhurst values strong client relationships, so think about times when you've engaged directly with clients or stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to business development and maintained long-term collaborations. This will demonstrate your understanding of the consultancy aspect of the role.
✨Emphasise Continuous Learning
The company is committed to professional development, so talk about your journey towards Chartered status and any ongoing learning initiatives you're involved in. Mention any relevant courses or certifications you've pursued, showing that you're proactive about your growth in the field.
