Principal / Associate Geotechnical Engineer (Dams & Reservoirs)

Job Description

Overview

Due to an expanding project portfolio, we are seeking a Principal or Associate Geotechnical Engineer with extensive experience in the design, assessment and rehabilitation of earth embankment dams, reservoir infrastructure and water-retaining structures to join us. Some of our flagship projects include Fens, Lincs, Broad Oak and Havant Thicket reservoirs. This is an opportunity to play a leading role in the delivery of nationally significant dam and reservoir projects, helping clients manage risk, improve asset resilience and maintain the highest standards of dam safety. Working within multidisciplinary teams, you will contribute to the successful delivery of complex geotechnical and hydraulic engineering projects from feasibility through to construction and long-term asset management. The successful candidate will combine strong engineering judgement with advanced analytical capability and practical experience in the application of industry-standard geotechnical software to solve complex engineering challenges. You will also contribute to the continued growth of our dams and reservoirs capability through technical leadership, client engagement and team development.

Your role

As a Principal / Associate Geotechnical Engineer, you will provide technical leadership, manage project delivery, contribute to business growth and support the development of engineering capability across the practice.

Technical Leadership & Project Delivery

• Lead geotechnical and dam engineering projects from concept, feasibility and detailed design through to construction support.
• Undertake and review geotechnical assessments for earth embankments, reservoirs, flood defences and levees.
• Deliver engineering solutions for: Earth dams and embankments.
• Dam rehabilitation and raising schemes.
• Seepage control measures.
• Stability improvement works.
• Foundation treatment schemes.
• Drainage and filter systems.
• Lead dam safety reviews, risk assessments and engineering evaluations.
• Review and interpret ground investigation data, geotechnical monitoring information and instrumentation records.
• Prepare and review technical reports, engineering calculations, specifications and design documentation.
• Provide technical assurance and independent review of engineering deliverables.
• Support construction-stage activities, quality assurance and performance monitoring.

Client, Business & Sector Leadership

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, regulators and key stakeholders.
• Support business development, framework opportunities and project bids.
• Contribute to the strategic growth of the dams and reservoirs practice.
• Support Reservoirs Act projects, dam safety inspections and Reservoir Panel Engineer activities where appropriate.
• Represent the business in technical discussions and promote best practice in dam engineering and geotechnical risk management.
• Contribute to the delivery of sustainable and resilient water infrastructure solutions.

Team Development & Mentoring

• Mentor and develop junior and senior members of the geotechnical team.
• Share technical knowledge and promote engineering excellence across project teams.
• Support professional development and Chartered Engineer progression.
• Contribute to team leadership, resource planning and capability development initiatives.
• Encourage innovation and the adoption of advanced analytical methods and digital engineering tools.

About you

We are looking for a technically strong and commercially aware engineer who is passionate about dam engineering, geotechnical excellence and the delivery of safe, resilient infrastructure. You will be recognised as a trusted technical professional with strong analytical skills, excellent communication abilities and a collaborative approach to leadership and project delivery.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology or a related discipline.
• Chartered Engineer (CEng) with a recognised professional institution.
• Extensive experience in geotechnical engineering consultancy or major infrastructure delivery.
• Proven experience in the design, assessment and rehabilitation of: Earth dams.
• Reservoir embankments.
• Water-retaining structures.
• Flood defence embankments.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and technically complex projects.
• Excellent report writing, client management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Technical Expertise

• Strong knowledge and experience in:
• Embankment and foundation design.
• Seepage analysis.
• Internal erosion and piping assessments.
• Slope stability analysis.
• Geotechnical risk management.
• Construction quality assurance.
• Dam safety reviews and risk assessments.
• Foundation characterisation and treatment design.
• Construction support and performance monitoring of embankment structures.

Software & Digital Capability.

• Geotechnical Analysis.
• GeoStudio Suite (Seequent).
• SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, SIGMA/W and QUAKE/W (desirable).
• PLAXIS 2D and/or PLAXIS 3D.

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