Geotechnical Engineer Exeter, Devon | Permanent | South West Projects £35,000 – £40,000 + Overtime + Christmas Bonus + Pension + Healthcare Bigger projects. Better sites. Less time on the road. If you're a Geotechnical Engineer who's spent the last few years investigating residential developments and smaller schemes, you might be wondering what else the industry has to offer. How about major reservoirs, water treatment works, flood alleviation schemes and large-scale highways projects? We're working with an established geotechnical engineering consultancy that's built its reputation supporting some of the UK's leading Tier 1 civil engineering contractors. They're looking to appoint a Geotechnical Engineer to join their Exeter team, offering the opportunity to work on technically interesting, large-scale infrastructure projects across Devon, Somerset and Cornwall. And here's one of the biggest attractions: you'll actually get to work locally. Unlike many consultancies operating nationally, this team's projects are concentrated across the South West. That means less time travelling the length of the country and more time doing the job you enjoy, with a better balance outside work. What makes this opportunity different? Projects worth getting excited about Forget endless residential plots and repetitive investigations. You'll be involved in substantial civil engineering schemes, including major water infrastructure, reservoirs, flood defence projects and highways. Properly managed sites Working alongside established Tier 1 contractors means exposure to professionally managed projects, with excellent site infrastructure, organisation and health and safety standards. A genuinely regional workload The Exeter office covers Devon, Somerset and Cornwall. You'll enjoy the variety of different projects without the expectation of regularly travelling nationwide. A chance to develop your experience You'll be joining an established team with opportunities to broaden your technical knowledge and build your experience across complex ground investigation projects. What you'll be doing Planning, coordinating and supervising geotechnical and ground investigation works. Undertaking site investigations across major civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Supervising drilling operations, sampling, testing and associated site activities. Recording and interpreting ground conditions and investigation findings. Producing factual reports and contributing to technical reporting. Liaising with contractors, clients and project teams to ensure investigations are delivered safely and effectively. Maintaining high standards of health, safety and technical compliance throughout site operations. What we're looking for We're ideally looking for someone with 3–5 years' experience working in geotechnical engineering or ground investigation. You'll bring a relevant degree in Geology, Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering or a related discipline, alongside practical experience of site investigation works. You'll be comfortable working on site, coordinating investigations and communicating with contractors and colleagues. Most importantly, you'll have an appetite for getting involved in larger, more technically interesting projects. Considering relocating to Devon? Applications are very welcome from engineers currently working elsewhere in the UK who are looking to build their career in the South West. What's on offer? £35,000 – £40,000 basic salary, depending on experience. Overtime to boost your earnings. Christmas bonus. Company pension. Healthcare benefits. Interesting, varied infrastructure projects. A regional workload covering Devon, Somerset and Cornwall. The opportunity to work alongside leading Tier 1 civil engineering contractors. Ready for something bigger? If you've built a solid foundation in geotechnical engineering but feel like you're investigating the same types of sites week after week, this could be exactly the change you're looking for
Geotechnical Engineer employer: Girling Jones Ltd
Join one of the UK's largest and most established construction groups as a Pre-Construction Director in Bristol, where you'll lead a talented team and shape the future of regional projects. With a strong emphasis on collaborative client relationships and sustainable construction, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and influence within a supportive work culture. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package while working in a dynamic environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Geotechnical Engineer
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Girling Jones Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Geotechnical Engineer at Girling Jones Ltd.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Girling Jones Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
