At a Glance
- Tasks: Supervise geotechnical and geo-environmental investigations across diverse sites.
- Company: Join Tetra Tech, a leader in consulting and engineering services.
- Benefits: Structured development programme, mentoring, and opportunities for professional qualifications.
- Other info: Flexible working options and travel across South Wales and the UK.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience while making a real impact on environmental projects.
- Qualifications: 2:1 degree in geology, engineering geology, or environmental science required.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Joining Tetra Tech as a graduate is more than starting a new job – you’ll become part of our Next Gen Talent development programme, designed to support you as you build your career with us. Alongside hands‑on experience and exposure to real projects, you’ll benefit from a structured programme of regular learning, training and development opportunities, helping you grow your technical and professional skills as you progress. You’ll be supported throughout your development by experienced colleagues, giving you the opportunity to learn, build your network and develop the skills and experience needed for a successful long‑term career with Tetra Tech.
Join Tetra Tech’s national geo‑environmental team, gain hands‑on experience across South Wales and the UK, and develop the specialist skills needed to build a successful career in ground investigation, geotechnical and geo‑environmental consultancy.
Purpose & Scope of the Role
As a Graduate Ground Investigation Engineer, you will join our 100‑strong national geo‑environmental resource, supporting ground investigation, geotechnical and geo‑environmental consultancy services for a diverse range of public and private sector clients. Based in Cardiff, your primary focus will be supervising geotechnical and geo‑environmental ground investigations, mainly across South Wales, with opportunities to work on sites elsewhere in the UK.
Your Impact in this position
- You will play an important role in delivering high‑quality site investigations that inform the design, assessment and development of land and infrastructure.
- With guidance from experienced colleagues, you will build practical and technical capability through site‑based work, mentoring and tailored development support aligned with your career goals.
Ground investigation: Assist with planning, procuring, supervising and managing geotechnical and geo‑environmental investigations across a range of sites and sectors.
Geo‑environmental and geotechnical development: Build your knowledge of contaminated land, site investigation, brownfield redevelopment and geotechnical engineering through varied project experience.
Site‑based technical delivery: Develop practical experience working on investigation sites across South Wales and the wider UK, applying technical guidance in real‑world environments.
Technical communication and analysis: Use strong analytical, written, communication and presentation skills to record findings, contribute to project outputs and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.
Professional development and teamwork: Work collaboratively within a national team while progressing towards professional qualification, such as Chartered Geologist or Chartered Scientist, with mentoring and tailored training.
Training, Qualifications & Experience
You will have, or expect to achieve, a minimum 2:1 degree in geology, engineering geology, environmental science or a related subject. Enthusiasm and determination to develop within the ground investigation and geo‑environmental sector are essential, alongside strong analytical and communication skills. Relevant experience, such as a work placement, is desirable. You will need a full driving licence, ideally with access to a vehicle, and be suitable to obtain security clearance.
Based in Cardiff, this role combines office‑based development with regular site work, primarily across South Wales and occasionally elsewhere in the UK. Office attendance will reflect training, mentoring, collaboration and project requirements. Hybrid or flexible working may be available for suitable non‑site activities, subject to team and business needs. Travel to project sites is an essential part of the role.
Application Closing Date: 31st October 2026
Assessment Centre to be held: February 2027
About Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity. We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science® to solve our clients’ most complex problems.
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day‑to‑day role.
Graduate Ground Investigation Engineer in Cardiff employer: Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment for hydrogeologists looking to make a meaningful impact in the groundwater and geothermal sectors. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have opportunities to develop your project management and leadership skills while working on diverse projects across Great Britain and Ireland. The company promotes a collaborative culture that values innovation and creativity, ensuring that every team member can contribute to sustainable solutions in a flexible and hybrid working setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Ground Investigation Engineer in Cardiff
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Graduate Ground Investigation Engineer role you’re after at Tetra Tech.
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Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Tetra Tech a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Tetra Tech.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Graduate Ground Investigation Engineer at Tetra Tech, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Ground Investigation Engineer in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Graduate Ground Investigation Engineer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Tetra Tech a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Tetra Tech specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tetra Tech
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Tetra Tech, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Tetra Tech want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
