Ground investigation, also known as Geotechnical and Contaminated land, is a complex and varied specialism with a huge demand for permanent and contract professionals. It’s practical, engaging, valuable work where no two days are the same.
And yes, you’ll definitely need a good pair of boots.
With a growing need for Ground Investigation talent across the UK, there’s never been a better time to break ground in an exciting new sector. Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional looking for a new opportunity, a new Ground Investigation job could be your next big move.
What Is Ground Investigation?
Ground Investigation is all about finding out what’s going on beneath the Earth’s surface. Before any building, bridge, railway, or wind farm goes up, someone has to check that the ground is safe, stable, and suitable.
Enter: Ground Investigation team.
They’ll collect samples of soil, rock, and water, and use the data to help engineers and developers make smart, sustainable decisions.
Depending on the specific Ground Investigation project, your role could include:
- Collecting samples
- Drilling boreholes and setting up monitoring wells
- Using specialist tools and testing equipment
- Recording and logging data in site reports
- Project managing and coordinating teams of technical experts.
- Liaising with multiple stakeholders
- Travelling to various on-site locations
- Putting right an environmental wrong!
As you may have guessed, Ground Investigation jobs involve a lot of time spent outside getting your hands dirty, so you’ll need to be comfortable getting stuck in, come rain or shine!
What skills and qualifications do you need?
As Ground Investigation jobs can include multiple site visits and lots of time spent outside, you’ll need to be comfortable traveling from site to site. A driver’s licence will definitely come in handy! You’ll also find that many Ground Investigation HQs or offices tend to be based outside of the city centre, often in more rural locations.
A degree in a relevant field will also help you land the best opportunities in the field. Many Ground Investigation professionals will have degrees in subjects such as Geology, Environmental Science, Geography, or Earth Science.
However, there are other routes into the sector that don’t involve going to university. Entry-level roles, such as a field technician, will provide you with valuable, hands-on experience and will help you get your foot in the door…or, the ground. Employers will typically offer full on-the-job training to support your development and help you gain the knowledge and experience you’ll need to succeed.
Why it’s a great time to get started
With more focus than ever on infrastructure, housing, and climate-friendly development, Ground Investigation professionals are in serious demand.
There’s never been a better time to break into the sector, as employers are keen to invest in new talent by offering great training, career progression, and development opportunities.
If you’re looking for a role that’s varied, hands-on, and allows you to make a real difference to world we live in, Ground Investigation is the field for you.
Ready to take the next step?
With over 20 years of experience specialising in environmental recruitment, we currently have a range of Ground Investigation vacancies that we think you’re going to love.
Whether you’re just starting out, or you’ve already got some experience under your belt, we’ll help you find a role that’s perfect for you. If you’re ready to take the next step, get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
