Associate - Ground Investigation

Tetra Tech has a great opportunity for an Associate Ground Investigation specialist to play a key role in a growing business, leading projects across Wales and the South West while helping to shape the future of the team.

Purpose & Scope of the Role

As an Associate Ground Investigation specialist based in Cardiff, you will join our ground investigation team 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 be regional lead for ground investigation covering Wales and Southwest and support a broad range of geo-environmental projects for organisations including the MOD, Natural Resources Wales, multiple South Wales Councils and main Build Contractors. Working within the well-established Cardiff team, you’ll provide commercial and technical oversight across all ground investigation. This will comprise both standalone GI projects and multi-disciplinary projects 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 will play a key role in delivering technically robust and commercially successful ground investigation projects while helping to develop the next generation of geo-environmental professionals. Your expertise will support the bidding, design and management of ground investigations in the region. You will also be part of the national Ground Investigation team and assist with UK wide projects of strategic importance. You will report to our National GI Operations Manager.

You will 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 and supporting compliance with CDM regulations

Core Capabilities

Technical Leadership

Strong technical knowledge of all aspects of ground investigations.

Project and Commercial Management

You will take ownership of project delivery, balancing technical excellence, programme management and commercial performance. Experience preparing quotations, tenders and managing financial performance is essential.

Collaboration and Client Engagement

You will 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.

Technical Reporting Writing Skills

Although not essential it is preferable that the successful applicant possess technical report writing skills including experience in both the interpretation of geotechnical and geo-environmental data. Being able to communicate the findings and outcomes of our ground investigation works will be essential to some of the client base you will be expected to manage.

Innovation and Digital Capability

You will be experienced in using digital tools and modern working practices, including OpenGround, GIS and AI to improve efficiency and enhance technical delivery across projects.

Mentoring and Professional Development

You will mentor and support 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.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications

You will hold a degree preferably a master’s in geology, engineering geology or environmental science, with substantial ground investigation experience and a proven track record of operating in a similar capacity. 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. Industry standard H&S training beneficial (CSCS card, SMSTS, First Aid etc.)

Working Environment

This role is based in Cardiff 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.