Engineering Geologist: Water/Wastewater Geotech Specialist in Exeter

Mott MacDonald Bentley is a fully integrated design and build business combining the design expertise of Mott MacDonald with the contracting experience of JN Bentley to deliver award‑winning projects. Working for Mott MacDonald Bentley, you will work on major water and wastewater schemes throughout all phases of the project from feasibility through to construction. With an annual turnover surpassing £500m, Mott MacDonald Bentley cements its position as a leader within the industry. The sustained, robust business performance creates an ideal environment for career growth.

In November 2023, MMB secured its first ever framework with South West Water, the company responsible for the water and wastewater services of 1.8 million customers in Cornwall, Devon, the Isles of Scilly and parts of Dorset and Somerset. The multi‑million‑pound AMP8 contract runs for five years to 2029 – with the potential for a further five‑year extension – and sees us bring our track record of innovative project delivery to the south‑west of England for the very first time. We’ve got a great opportunity to be innovative and creative in these new projects to deliver affordable solutions. You will work on projects that make a real difference to our environment and our communities.

Working primarily in the UK water market, MMB provides the feasibility, design, construction, and commissioning services needed to keep water flowing and wastewater treated. As an Engineering Geologist within MMB you will be supported by an existing Geotechnical team distributed across multiple national MMB framework contracts with some of the UK’s largest water companies. On occasion it may be necessary to support other framework teams across the wider MMBC business unit and as such may on occasion be required to travel out of area. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the geotechnical functions throughout the lifecycle of various projects. From concept design to commissioning, you will ensure that all civil aspects are meticulously considered and integrated.

The Role Of An Engineering Geologist Within MMB Includes:

• Undertake geotechnical desk studies, design of ground investigations, compilation of ground investigation tender documentation and contract administration.
• Support in the technical supervision of ground investigation fieldworks and liaison with ground investigation contractors.
• Interpretation and verification of ground investigation data including presentation of appropriate ground model, development of geotechnical design parameters and clear presentation of ground risks.
• Production of ground investigation reports and geotechnical design reports in accordance with EC7.
• Liaise with wider non-specialist project team members (design and construction) to develop best-value engineering designs and clearly communicate identified project ground risks and suitable mitigation.
• Undertake various geotechnical analyses and design, produce calculation packages, input to works specifications and drawings for construction.
• Understanding, applying and contributing to design standards with a good knowledge of Client and industry standards.
• Be able to appropriately challenge Client specifications and present and defend solutions to complex problems.
• Identifying opportunities to improve delivery processes including development and implementation of standard designs, sustainable solutions, and digital tools.
• Acting as technical checker on project documents and undertaking technical reviews for projects across teams.
• Supervising and mentoring our Graduates and Engineers assisting them to develop their knowledge and skills.
• Undertaking site reviews to ensure buildability of solutions and integration within the existing systems.

What you’ll need:

• Degree in geotechnical engineering or engineering geology (MEng/MSc).
• Working towards or have achieved Chartership through a relevant Institution (ICE/IOM3/GeolSoc).
• Strong engineering geology and geotechnical design competencies, ideally in the water/wastewater sector.
• Experience in the field of ground engineering in the UK, with a full understanding of the geotechnical lifecycle of construction projects.
• Previous experience undertaking project desk studies, identifying key ground risks, planning and supervising ground investigations, developing ground models, undertaking ground interpretation and delivering elements of geotechnical design.
• A valid driving licence and willingness to travel to sites.

What’s in it for you:

• Financial wellbeing: MMB match employee pension contributions between 4.5% and 7%. As an independently owned business we share the financial success of the business with all our colleagues including our annual bonus schemes. Payment of annual professional institution subscription costs.
• Health and wellbeing: A minimum of 33 days holiday each year, inclusive of public holidays, with the ability to buy, sell or carry over annual leave through our flexible benefits programme. Access to Life Assurance, Private Medical Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance and Health Screening options. We are happy to talk openly about flexible working and how we can support your responsibilities beyond the workplace. Join a wide range of groups including our Advanced Employee Networks which support our LGBTQ+, gender, race and ethnicity, disability, and parents/carers communities.
• Enhanced family and carers leave: Enhanced family leave policies, including 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave, and two weeks paid paternity/partner leave plus the option for shared parental leave. Up to 2 paid additional days leave are provided for those with significant caring responsibilities.
• Learning and development: MMB are committed to empowering our people to grow professionally and thrive in their careers. We offer structured development schemes that support your journey toward professional chartership. From day one, employees are fast‑tracked towards chartership reviews and benefit from mentorship, hands‑on experience, and tailored training opportunities.

Mott MacDonald Bentley are not currently offering sponsorship to candidates under the Skilled Worker visa route in the UK. This decision is a consequence of the changes made to the Skilled Worker route by the UK Government in April 2024. We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.