Graduate Ground Investigation Engineer
Likely
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer has issued visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£50,400
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2121 (75% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £50,400, and Tetra Tech Europe is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2152 (Environment professionals, Geo-environmental consultancy focus could place it in environment professionals) or SOC 3114 (Building and civil engineering technicians, Graduate supervising investigations is technical support to engineers). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2121 Civil engineers Most likely code | £35,200 | £40,300 | £45,300 | £50,400 |
2152 Environment professionals Also possible | £33,400 | £33,400 | £37,500 | £41,700 |
3114 Building and civil engineering technicians Also possible | £33,400 | £33,400 | £37,500 | £41,700 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
Start Date: September 2027
Location: Cardiff
Joining Tetra Tech as a graduate is more than starting a new job – you’ll become part of our Next Gen Talent development programme, designed to support you as you build your career with us. Alongside hands-on experience and exposure to real projects, you’ll benefit from a structured programme of regular learning, training and development opportunities, helping you grow your technical and professional skills as you progress.
You’ll be supported throughout your development by experienced colleagues, giving you the opportunity to learn, build your network and develop the skills and experience needed for a successful long-term career with Tetra Tech.
Join Tetra Tech’s national geo-environmental team, gain hands-on experience across South Wales and the UK, and develop the specialist skills needed to build a successful career in ground investigation, geotechnical and geo-environmental consultancy.
Purpose & Scope of the Role
As a Graduate Ground Investigation Engineer, you will join our 100-strong national geo-environmental resource, supporting ground investigation, geotechnical and geo-environmental consultancy services for a diverse range of public and private sector clients. Based in Cardiff, your primary focus will be supervising geotechnical and geo-environmental ground investigations, mainly across South Wales, with opportunities to work on sites elsewhere in the UK.
Your Impact in this position
You will play an important role in delivering high-quality site investigations that inform the design, assessment and development of land and infrastructure. With guidance from experienced colleagues, you will build practical and technical capability through site-based work, mentoring and tailored development support aligned with your career goals.
5 Core Capabilities
- Ground investigation: Assist with planning, procuring, supervising and managing geotechnical and geo-environmental investigations across a range of sites and sectors.
- Geo-environmental and geotechnical development: Build your knowledge of contaminated land, site investigation, brownfield redevelopment and geotechnical engineering through varied project experience.
- Site-based technical delivery: Develop practical experience working on investigation sites across South Wales and the wider UK, applying technical guidance in real-world environments.
- Technical communication and analysis: Use strong analytical, written, communication and presentation skills to record findings, contribute to project outputs and communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.
- Professional development and teamwork: Work collaboratively within a national team while progressing towards professional qualification, such as Chartered Geologist or Chartered Scientist, with mentoring and tailored training.
You will have, or expect to achieve, a minimum 2:1 degree in geology, engineering geology, environmental science or a related subject. Enthusiasm and determination to develop within the ground investigation and geo-environmental sector are essential, alongside strong analytical and communication skills. Relevant experience, such as a work placement, is desirable. You will need a full driving licence, ideally with access to a vehicle, and be suitable to obtain security clearance.
Working Environment
Based in Cardiff, this role combines office-based development with regular site work, primarily across South Wales and occasionally elsewhere in the UK. Office attendance will reflect training, mentoring, collaboration and project requirements. Hybrid or flexible working may be available for suitable non-site activities, subject to team and business needs. Travel to project sites is an essential part of the role.
Application Closing Date: 31st October 2026
About Tetra Tech
Tetra Tech is a leading provider of consulting and engineering services working across the full project lifecycle worldwide. We have a wide range of expertise across our teams, providing a global support network with a personalised approach to client relationships to better understand where we can add value. We provide a collaborative environment that supports individual performance, innovation, and creativity.
We support public and private sector clients on local, national, and international projects to deliver sustainable and resilient solutions. Our operations in the UK, Ireland, and the Netherlands include more than 6,000 employees who are Leading with Science® to solve our clients’ most complex problems.
In alignment with the Equality Act 2010, we will make reasonable adjustments to support candidates and employees requiring additional arrangements. This could include adaptations to work schedules, training approaches, or the physical workspace. Please inform us if you need any accommodations during the recruitment process or in your day-to-day role
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with Tetra Tech Europe, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Civil engineers (SOC 2121) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay · ~65k in sample- Middle half £38,896–64,792
- Median £48,828
- Going rate £50,400
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £35,200–45,300
Similar sponsored roles
See all UK visa jobsNo close matches live right now.
Browse more sponsored jobs at Tetra Tech EuropeAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. Tetra Tech Europe holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2121 going rate of £50,400. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.