Job Description – Field Geologist

Position: Field Geologist – Geotechnical Investigation
Department: Geotechnical Department
Location: Guinea
Reporting To: Geotechnical Engineer / Geotechnical Manager

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Field Geologist to support and supervise geotechnical investigation activities on site. The candidate will be responsible for managing drilling crews, supervising borehole drilling, carrying out detailed geological and geotechnical logging, conducting field tests, collecting and managing samples, and installing groundwater monitoring instruments such as piezometers.

The ideal candidate should be a practical, site-oriented professional with good knowledge of drilling operations, soil and rock identification, SPT, sampling, permeability testing, groundwater monitoring, and geotechnical investigation procedures.

Key Responsibilities

1. Drilling Supervision

• Supervise daily drilling activities and coordinate with drillers, operators, and site technicians.
• Ensure drilling is carried out according to the approved investigation program and technical requirements.
• Monitor drilling depth, drilling progress, casing installation, borehole stability, and groundwater conditions.
• Ensure SPT testing is conducted at the required depths and that results are properly recorded.
• Ensure proper collection of disturbed and undisturbed soil samples.
• Supervise rock coring activities, where applicable, including core recovery and RQD measurements.
• Monitor drilling equipment and immediately report technical or operational issues.
• Coordinate the daily work program with the Geotechnical Engineer and site team.

2. Borehole Logging

• Prepare accurate and detailed soil and rock borehole logs during drilling (BS or ASTM Standards)
• Identify and describe soil and rock strata based on field observations and sampling.
• Record:
  • Soil/rock classification
  • Color and consistency/density
  • Moisture condition
  • Soil stratification
  • SPT results
  • Sample depths
  • Groundwater levels
  • Rock recovery and RQD
  • Weathering and fracturing of rock
  • Any unusual or critical ground conditions
• Ensure borehole logs are updated continuously during drilling and are supported by appropriate photographs.
• Identify changes in ground conditions and immediately communicate significant findings to the Geotechnical Engineer.

3. Field Testing

Carry out and supervise geotechnical field tests as required by the investigation program, including:

• Standard Penetration Tests (SPT)
• Permeability/in-situ hydraulic conductivity tests, including appropriate borehole methods such as Lugeon or Lefranc testing, depending on soil/rock conditions and project requirements.
• Groundwater level measurements.
• In-situ infiltration or other field tests as specified.
• Field sampling and groundwater sampling where required.
• Ensure all test results are properly recorded with the relevant depth, test conditions, equipment details, and observations.

4. Piezometer Installation

• Install piezometers and groundwater monitoring instruments in accordance with the approved technical requirements.
• Select and prepare the appropriate installation depth and screened interval.
• Ensure proper installation of:
  • Screen/filter section
  • Filter sand
  • Bentonite seal
  • Backfill/grout
  • Protective surface casing and cover
• Verify the installation depth and configuration.
• Record the piezometer installation details accurately.
• Conduct initial groundwater measurements after installation.
• Coordinate subsequent groundwater monitoring and readings as required.
• Report any abnormal groundwater conditions or artesian pressure immediately.

5. Sampling & Sample Management

• Ensure samples are properly collected, labeled, sealed, preserved, and transported to the laboratory.
• Maintain proper sample identification and chain of custody.
• Ensure representative samples are obtained from all relevant soil and rock strata.
• Coordinate with the laboratory regarding sample requirements and testing priorities.
• Ensure core boxes and soil samples are properly organized and photographed.

6. Site Records & Reporting

• Prepare daily drilling and investigation reports.
• Maintain accurate records of:
  • Borehole coordinates
  • Drilling depth
  • Drilling progress
  • SPT results
  • Sample recovery
  • Groundwater levels
  • Field test results
  • Piezometer installation
  • Equipment and manpower
  • Site conditions and observations
• Take and organize photographs of drilling operations, samples, SPTs, cores, field tests, and completed installations.
• Submit daily reports and updated borehole logs to the Geotechnical Engineer/Manager.
• Highlight any technical problems, unexpected ground conditions, or deviations from the investigation program.

Team Supervision

• Lead and supervise the drilling crew during daily operations.
• Assign tasks to drilling operators and site technicians.
• Monitor the quality and productivity of the drilling team.
• Ensure that drilling and testing activities are performed safely and correctly.
• Coordinate manpower, equipment, materials, water, casing, drilling tools, and other site requirements.
• Ensure compliance with project HSE procedures and site rules.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Geology, Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of practical experience in geological/geotechnical site investigation.
• Strong hands-on experience in:
  • Geotechnical drilling
  • Borehole logging
  • SPT
  • Soil and rock identification
  • Soil and rock sampling
  • Permeability testing
  • Groundwater investigation
  • Piezometer installation
• Experience working with rotary drilling rigs and geotechnical investigation equipment.
• Ability to supervise drilling crews independently.
• Ability to work long periods on construction/investigation sites and travel to different project locations.
• Good knowledge of geotechnical investigation procedures and relevant standards.
• Good communication and reporting skills.
• Good computer skills, particularly MS Word and Excel.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with Lefranc, Lugeon, packer, and other in-situ permeability/hydraulic conductivity tests.
• Experience with groundwater monitoring and piezometer installations.
• Experience with rock coring, core logging, and RQD determination.
• Familiarity with ASTM, BS/EN, AASHTO, or project-specific investigation standards.
• Ability to read borehole plans, geological maps, drawings, and KMZ coordinates.
• Experience working on road, bridge, marine, foundation, or infrastructure projects is an advantage.
• French-speaking ability is an advantage.

Key Competencies

• Strong practical field skills.
• Good geological and geotechnical judgment.
• Ability to manage drilling crews effectively.
• Accurate and disciplined approach to logging and documentation.
• Good understanding of field testing procedures.
• Ability to identify and report abnormal ground and groundwater conditions.
• Strong commitment to safety and quality.
• Ability to work independently and under project deadlines.

Main Objective of the Position

The Field Geologist is responsible for ensuring that the drilling, logging, field testing, sampling, groundwater investigation, and piezometer installation are performed correctly and that reliable, complete, and technically acceptable field data are delivered to the Geotechnical Engineering team for design and reporting.

Job Title: Geotechnical Engineer (Report Specialist)

Job Description – Geotechnical Engineer

Position: Geotechnical Engineer – Site Investigation & Laboratory Coordination
Department: Geotechnical Department
Location: Guinea
Language: English required; French-speaking is an advantage/preferred

Job Summary

We are looking for a Geotechnical Engineer with strong practical experience in geotechnical site investigations, drilling supervision, soil logging, field testing, and laboratory testing coordination.

The candidate will be responsible for managing and supervising drilling activities on site, ensuring that investigations are carried out in accordance with approved technical requirements and standards. The engineer will also coordinate with the laboratory team, follow up on testing programs and results, and contribute to the technical interpretation and preparation of geotechnical reports.

The ideal candidate should have a strong understanding of drilling operations, borehole logging, SPT, sampling, soil and rock identification, laboratory testing, and geotechnical investigation procedures, as well as the ability to supervise site personnel and coordinate multiple activities.

Key Responsibilities

1. Drilling & Site Investigation Supervision

• Supervise daily drilling and geotechnical investigation activities on site.
• Coordinate and monitor drilling rigs, drillers, operators, geologists, technicians, and other site personnel.
• Ensure boreholes are drilled to the required depths and in accordance with the approved investigation program.
• Monitor drilling methods, casing, core recovery, drilling fluids, sampling, and borehole stability.
• Ensure SPT testing is carried out at the required intervals and that results are properly recorded.
• Ensure proper collection, identification, labelling, preservation, and transportation of disturbed and undisturbed soil samples.
• Monitor rock coring activities, core recovery, RQD, core handling, and core-box management where applicable.
• Identify and report unexpected ground conditions or significant changes in soil/rock strata.
• Coordinate borehole locations and ensure investigations are carried out according to approved drawings/KMZ plans.

2. Field Logging & Documentation

• Review detailed borehole logs and field investigation records.
• Accurately describe soil and rock strata, including classification, consistency/density, color, moisture condition, weathering, recovery, and other relevant characteristics.
• Record SPT results, sample depths, groundwater levels, drilling progress, and other field observations.
• Review daily drilling reports and ensure that all investigation data are complete and technically reliable.
• Maintain proper photographic records of samples, SPT activities, boreholes, and site conditions.
• Identify discrepancies or missing information in field records and ensure they are corrected promptly.

3. Laboratory Testing Coordination

• Coordinate the submission of soil and rock samples to the geotechnical laboratory.
• Prepare and follow up the laboratory testing schedule in accordance with the project requirements.
• Coordinate tests such as:
  • Grain size analysis
  • Atterberg limits
  • Moisture content
  • Specific gravity
  • Compaction
  • CBR
  • Consolidation
  • Direct shear
  • Triaxial testing
  • Permeability
  • Unconfined compression
  • Rock strength and related tests, where applicable
• Review laboratory test results for completeness and consistency.
• Follow up with the laboratory regarding delayed, incomplete, or questionable test results.
• Coordinate with the laboratory to ensure testing is performed according to the applicable project specifications and standards.

4. Technical Responsibilities

• Review and interpret field and laboratory data.
• Develop an understanding of the subsurface geological and geotechnical conditions.
• Assist in the preparation of Geotechnical Investigation Reports (GIR) and other technical reports.
• Identify potential geotechnical risks and communicate them to the Geotechnical Manager/Head of Department.
• Ensure investigation activities comply with applicable international and project-specific standards, such as ASTM, BS/EN, AASHTO, and project specifications.
• Review technical requirements and ensure the field investigation program provides sufficient data for engineering design.

5. Site Team Supervision

• Supervise and coordinate site geologists, drilling operators, technicians, and other investigation personnel.
• Allocate daily tasks and monitor productivity and progress.
• Ensure personnel follow HSE requirements and approved site procedures.
• Monitor equipment and material requirements and report shortages or technical problems.
• Coordinate with the project/site team regarding access, logistics, work permits, and investigation priorities.
• Prepare regular progress updates for management.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in geotechnical site investigation and drilling supervision.
• Strong practical experience with:
  • Rotary drilling
  • SPT
  • Soil sampling
  • Borehole logging
  • Rock coring
  • Groundwater observations
  • Geotechnical field testing
  • Laboratory testing
• Experience supervising drilling crews and managing geotechnical investigation teams.
• Good understanding of soil and rock classification and geotechnical investigation procedures.
• Ability to review and interpret laboratory and field test results.
• Experience in preparing or reviewing borehole logs and geotechnical investigation reports.
• Good knowledge of relevant international standards and testing procedures.
• Good computer skills, particularly MS Office and Excel; knowledge of AutoCAD, PLAXIS, or other geotechnical software is an advantage.
• French-speaking ability is preferred, particularly for communication with French-speaking clients, consultants, or project teams.
• Willingness to work on construction sites and travel to different project locations in Guinea.

Key Competencies

• Strong technical knowledge of geotechnical investigation.
• Practical understanding of drilling operations.
• Strong leadership and site-supervision skills.
• Ability to manage drilling crews and multiple site activities.
• Good communication and reporting skills.
• Ability to identify technical problems and propose practical solutions.
• Strong attention to accuracy and quality of investigation data.
• Ability to coordinate effectively between site, drilling, laboratory, and engineering teams.
• Ability to work independently under project time constraints.
• Good command of English; French communication skills are an advantage.

Preferred Profile

The preferred candidate should be a hands-on geotechnical engineer, not only an office-based engineer, with the ability to stay on site, understand what is happening during drilling, verify the quality of SPT and sampling, supervise the drilling team, review borehole logs, coordinate laboratory testing, and provide technical input from the investigation stage through to the final geotechnical report.