About the Role
As a Senior Geotechnical Engineer, you will play a key technical role within Gibb Ritchie, taking personal responsibility for the delivery of high‑quality geotechnical design, analysis and reporting across a broad range of projects.
You will work with a high degree of professional autonomy, contributing advanced technical judgement, mentoring developing engineers, and providing robust outputs that support planning approvals, detailed design and construction. This role also offers a genuine opportunity to help shape workflows, technical standards and the future direction of a growing specialist consultancy.
Key responsibilities include:
Taking personal responsibility for ground models, geotechnical analysis, design and reporting
Leading and delivering geotechnical design outputs, including foundations, slopes, retaining structures and earthworks (as appropriate to expertise)
Producing clear, well-structured and technically robust interpretive reports, drawings and specifications suitable for clients, planners and regulators
Applying sound professional judgement to manage geotechnical risk and uncertainty
Using geotechnical analysis and design software to support efficient, defensible outcomes
Reviewing and finalising work produced by graduate and intermediate staff
Providing technical guidance, mentoring and informal supervision to developing engineers and geologists
Supporting site investigations and targeted fieldwork where required to inform design and reporting
Engaging constructively with clients, planners and project teams to support successful project outcomes
Working consistently with quality, health, safety and environmental systems
Contributing to improvements in technical processes, systems and standards as the business continues to grow
You will work closely with the Directors and Principals but operate with minimal supervision, producing work that typically requires little revision at senior review, and demonstrating accountability for both technical quality and project outcomes.
Requirements
We are looking for a capable and grounded senior professional who enjoys technical problem solving, takes ownership of their work, and cares about clear communication and high standards.
You will typically have:
6–10+ years’ relevant geotechnical engineering experience
Bachelor’s degree in Civil / Geotechnical Engineering (postgraduate qualifications advantageous)
Actively progressing toward or already achieved CPEng
Strong applied understanding of geotechnical engineering principles and local ground conditions
Demonstrated capability in geotechnical analysis, design and interpretive reporting
Practical experience with geotechnical software, such as Slope stability analysis, Foundation and bearing capacity assessment, earthworks and retaining design, seismic assessments
Ability to produce clear, concise, consent‑ready reports and drawings
Confidence working with minimal direction, while knowing when to seek peer input
Ability to review, guide and support junior staff constructively
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Well‑developed organisation and time management skills
Commitment to quality work practices and safe systems of work
Full NZ driver’s licence and eligibility to work in New Zealand
About the Company
Gibb Ritchie Geotechnical Engineers is a specialist geotechnical consultancy built around capable people doing meaningful work.
We focus on high‑quality investigation, analysis, design and risk communication for residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. We value clear thinking, sound judgement and practical engineering outcomes over unnecessary complexity.
As a senior team member, you’ll have real influence — not just delivering projects, but helping shape how we work as the business grows.
What we offer
At Gibb Ritchie, we want good people to do good work and build strong careers. When you join us, you can expect:
Meaningful Work & Technical Ownership
Senior responsibility for design and reporting on interesting, technically challenging projects
Opportunity to Help Shape the Business
Influence technical standards, templates, systems and workflows in a growing consultancy
Professional Development & Career Progression
Ongoing mentoring and structured support toward Chartered or Professional registration
Clear pathways toward Associate or Principal roles as capability and interests develop
Supportive, Experienced Team
A collaborative environment that values sound judgement, quality engineering and professional integrity
Client & Consulting Exposure
Direct engagement with clients, planners and project teams on real-world problems
Strong Professional Standards
Well‑established quality, safety and delivery systems that support good engineering
Benefits
Competitive salary based on experience and capability, including bonus structure
Financial and mentoring support toward professional registration
Paid professional memberships (where appropriate)
Flexible working arrangements where practical
Modern digital working environment
Supportive team culture and approachable leadership
Genuine long‑term role within a growing specialist consultancy