About Fairhurst LLP – Fairhurst LLP is one of the UK’s largest private multidisciplinary partnerships of consulting engineers, delivering civil, structural, geotechnical, environmental, transportation, planning, water, and landscape architecture services across 16 principal offices in the UK. Fairhurst specialises in providing cost‑effective, sustainable engineering solutions and prides itself on high-quality service delivery, technical excellence, and long-standing client relationships.
Role Overview – The Engineering Geologist / Senior Engineering Geologist role will deliver high quality geotechnical solutions across a wide range of projects, with a strong focus on the rail sector. Based in our Leeds office, the postholder will produce and review technical reports, undertaking design works, supervising ground investigation and site activities, supporting project and contract management, and mentoring junior staff.
You will apply your expertise in ground modelling, geotechnical design, and risk assessment while working collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineering team. The role also involves direct client engagement and contribution to business development, supporting successful project delivery and long term client relationships.
This is an excellent opportunity to work within one of the UK’s leading Civil, Structural & Geotechnical Engineering Consultancies. Delivering integrated solutions for governments, businesses, rail organisations, architects and planners.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Design & Technical Delivery
- Deliver high‑quality interpretative geotechnical reporting with minimal supervision.
- Develop and interpret ground models to support safe, efficient, and integrated design solutions.
- Undertake geotechnical design works, including assessments for earthworks, slopes, and associated infrastructure.
- Carry out risk‑based assessments including Preliminary Risk Assessments and Mining Risk Assessments.
- Prepare, review, and technically check geotechnical reports, drawings, and calculations.
- Undertake hand calculations and use appropriate geotechnical software to support design development.
- Provide technical problem‑solving and specialist input throughout the project lifecycle.
Project Management
- Support and contribute to project and contract management, including programme and budget control.
- Lead and manage site activities, including supervision of ground investigations and site data collection.
- Review and check ground investigation specifications, tenders, and Bills of Quantities.
- Manage assigned workloads effectively, ensuring delivery to time, cost, and quality standards.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Engage directly with clients, contractors, and internal stakeholders to support successful project delivery.
- Participate in client meetings, technical discussions, and site visits.
- Support business development, marketing, and framework activities where opportunities arise.
- Build and maintain strong professional relationships to encourage repeat business and long‑term collaboration.
- Work closely with civil, structural, and other disciplines to deliver integrated consultancy solutions.
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure all work is delivered in accordance with relevant design codes, standards, and current legislation.
- Promote and maintain high standards of health, safety, and environmental compliance during office and site activities.
- Ensure accurate record‑keeping, reporting, and documentation in line with company management systems.
- Support compliance with rail industry and client‑specific requirements and procedures.
Leadership & Mentoring
- Provide technical guidance and mentoring to junior geologists and engineers.
- Supervise and support junior staff during site works and reporting activities.
- Contribute positively to team development and knowledge sharing within the office and wider business.
- Take responsibility for personal and professional development, including progression towards or maintenance of Chartered status.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications
- Degree in Geology or a related discipline (essential).
- MSc in Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field (desirable).
- Working towards or recently achieved Chartered status (CGeol or CEng).
Experience
- Relevant industry experience, commensurate with the Engineering Geologist / Senior Engineering Geologist level.
- Experience working within the rail sector, including earthworks inspections and reporting.
- Proven experience producing geotechnical reports, including Geotechnical Interpretative Reports and Mining Risk Assessments.
- Demonstrable experience in ground investigation planning, specification, supervision, and interpretative reporting.
- Experience in the specification and design of earthworks and geotechnical solutions.
Other Requirements
- Full UK driving licence, with willingness to travel to site as required.
Skills & Attributes
Technical & Professional Skills
- Strong understanding of geology, ground models, and geotechnical engineering principles.
- Solid knowledge of design codes, standards, and relevant UK legislation.
- Ability to carry out hand calculations and use geotechnical analysis software.
- Good understanding of ground investigation techniques, sampling methods, and laboratory testing.
- Experience undertaking Preliminary Risk Assessments.
- Familiarity with earthworks and/or drilling and grouting techniques (desirable).
Behavioural & Personal Attributes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with confidence in client‑facing roles.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of consultancy project delivery.
- Strong team‑working skills and the ability to operate effectively within a multi‑disciplinary environment.
- Proactive, professional, and committed to continuous learning and development.
Alignment with Fairhurst Values
- Excellence: Committed to delivering high‑quality, technically robust work.
- Lasting Relationships: Builds trust with colleagues, clients, and partners.
- Pure Thought: Applies clear, transparent reasoning and maintains professional integrity.
- Continuous Development: Engages in continual learning and development for personal and organisational growth.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU
- Competitive salary and benefits, aligned to experience and location.
- 33 days annual leave (inclusive of Public Holidays) including annual leave purchase and buy-back scheme
- Bonus Schemes including loyalty bonus, introducer fee and qualifications award
- Access to Staff Health Plan, Employee Assistance Programme including a 24-hour advice line.
- BUPA Company Care Scheme
- Life Insurance, Personal Accident and a generous Contributory Pension Scheme
- Interest-free travel loan, Cycle to Work Scheme and Arnold Clark Affinity Scheme
- Payment of professional fees.
- Hybrid and flexible working opportunities will be considered
- A collaborative, partner‑led environment with access to multidisciplinary expertise.
- Career and professional development and opportunities on high‑profile projects.
- A culture built on responsiveness, flexibility, and sustainable, value‑adding engineering.
You can learn more about our staff benefits here.
ETHOS
We, at Fairhurst, know that progress within the industry is all about people. That’s why we’re working together to build a better, more inclusive and diverse future for engineers and the engineering industry.
We are committed to providing a workplace that is respectful, fair and inclusive for all employees. We recognise the value of different perspectives and backgrounds, and we are committed to creating an environment where everyone can contribute and succeed.