Principal Geo-Environmental Consultant - Leeds

Join a fast‑growing geo‑environmental consultancy delivering technically complex and nationally significant projects across the UK. You’ll work alongside industry‑leading specialists on high‑profile developments in sectors including Defence, Water, Energy, Nuclear and Property, helping clients solve complex environmental and land quality challenges while developing your own technical and leadership expertise.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As a Principal Geo‑environmental Consultant based in Leeds, you will join a northern geo‑environment team of 30 specialists and become part of Tetra Tech’s national team of over 100 geo‑environment professionals across 10 UK and Ireland offices. The team delivers Ground Investigation, Land Quality & Remediation, PFAS and EDD services, and Groundwater & Geothermal expertise to both public and private sector clients. You’ll lead and support a broad range of geo‑environmental projects for organisations including the MOD, Homes England, Harworth Estates, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water and major airport operators. Working within multidisciplinary teams, you’ll provide technical oversight across the full project lifecycle, from desk studies and site investigations through to remediation design, implementation and regulatory liaison. You’ll also contribute to a business that has grown significantly in recent years and continues to invest in innovation, people development and flexible working.

Your Impact in this Position

You’ll play a key role in delivering technically robust and commercially successful projects while helping to develop the next generation of geo‑environmental professionals. Your expertise will support the design and supervision of ground investigations, interpretation of soil, water and gas data, development of conceptual site models, and production of remediation strategies and specifications. You’ll manage projects, budgets and programmes of work while supporting tender submissions, fee proposals and client relationships. The role also involves reviewing health and safety documentation, supporting compliance with CDM regulations, overseeing remediation works and providing geo‑environmental support across the wider northern team.

Technical Leadership

You’ll apply strong technical knowledge of contaminated land assessment and remediation, including qualitative risk assessment, waste classification and current British Standards and CIRIA guidance. Experience managing site investigations, laboratory scheduling, groundwater sampling and ground gas monitoring will be essential.

Project & Commercial Management

You’ll take ownership of project delivery, balancing technical excellence, programme management and commercial performance. Experience preparing quotations, tenders and managing financial performance will be highly valued.

Collaboration & Client Engagement

You’ll work closely with clients, regulators and multidisciplinary teams, building trusted relationships and delivering practical, sustainable solutions. Strong communication and report‑writing skills are essential, alongside confidence engaging with both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Mentoring & Professional Development

You’ll mentor and support junior colleagues through technical guidance, training and project delivery oversight. We actively support Chartership through structured mentoring aligned with The Geological Society, including Chartered Geologist and Chartered Scientist pathways, alongside attractive Chartership bonuses.

Innovation & Digital Capability

You’ll embrace digital tools and modern working practices, including GIS, AI and specialist contamination software, to improve efficiency and enhance technical delivery across projects.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience

You’ll hold a degree or master’s in geology, engineering geology or environmental science, with substantial geo‑environmental consultancy experience across contaminated land assessment and remediation projects. You’ll be self‑motivated, commercially aware and confident managing workloads and deadlines within a collaborative team environment. Eligibility for UK Security Clearance (SC level) and a full UK driving licence are required.

Working Environment

This role is based in Leeds with flexible and hybrid working options available, including opportunities for part‑time and job share arrangements. You can expect a combination of office, home and site‑based working, with collaboration across regional and national teams. Tetra Tech offers a flexible benefits package including pension, life assurance, health cover, professional memberships, training and tailored career development support.

Equality & Diversity

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.