Geotechnical Engineer (Rail) Full Time

Matchtech

Role Purpose

Lead the management and preparation of Geotechnical Field Reports-construction-stage documents that reliably capture ground-related realities versus design assumptions. The role ensures that actual ground conditions, excavation behaviour, groundwater observations, temporary works performance, unexpected hazards, methodology changes, instrumentation & monitoring data, and lessons learned are systematically recorded and analysed to inform future site investigation, design development, and risk management.

Key Responsibilities

1) GFR Planning & Framework

• Define the GFR scope, structure, templates, and data standards per project phase and package.
• Establish a capture plan for observations and data (who/what/when/how), aligned with construction methods and programme milestones.
• Set traceability between design assumptions (e.g., GBR, interpretive reports, risk registers) and as-built evidence.

2) Data Capture & Validation

• Coordinate daily/weekly capture of site records:
  • Excavation logs, face maps, probe/drill records, spoil logs.
  • Groundwater levels/flows, inflow events, pumping rates.
  • Temporary works behaviour: ground movements, strut loads, prop performance, shotcrete behaviour, lining convergence, etc.
  • Instrumentation & monitoring (I&M): settlement/levelling, inclinometers, extensometers, piezometers, strain gauges, load cells, vibration, noise, dust (as applicable).
  • Health, safety and environmental ground-related incidents/near misses.
  • Method changes and non-conformance reports with root-cause notes.
• Validate data quality (completeness, timestamping, geo-referencing, calibration status).
• Maintain version control and metadata for all datasets and photos.

3) Technical Assessment & Reconciliation

• Compare observed ground behaviour against design assumptions and geotechnical categories.
• Interpret deviations (e.g., soil/rock type variability, fabric/structure, discontinuities, groundwater regime, gas, obstructions).
• Assess temporary works performance against design criteria and trigger/action levels.
• Identify emerging risks, opportunities, and required design/sequence mitigations.
• Propose targeted supplementary investigation or monitoring where uncertainty remains high.

4) GFR Production

• Prepare concise, evidence-led GFRs with:
  • Executive summary & key findings.
  • Sectioned narrative per activity (e.g., shafts, deep basements, tunnelling drives, piling, ground treatment).
  • Tabulated datasets and annotated figures/photos.
  • Cross-reference to design documents (GBR, geotechnical design reports, TW design) and I&M dashboards.
  • Impacts on risk register and recommended actions (owner, priority, due date).
  • Lessons learned and implications for future phases/sites.
• Manage review cycles (internal, contractor, designer, temporary works coordinator, client) and issue final controlled version