Careers

Zetica is a UK-based independent geophysical specialist, providing environmental and engineering geophysical solutions to a wide range of construction, infrastructure, and engineering clients. Renowned for our quality, breadth of capability, innovation, and efficiency, we are the go-to for clients who value meticulous attention to detail, exceeding expectations, and expert problem-solving.

We are seeking a Senior Geophysicist who is highly motivated, inquisitive, and thorough, capable of leading and managing complex geophysical projects. This individual will have in-depth knowledge of geophysical investigations, a strategic mindset, and a passion for mentoring and sharing knowledge within our growing team.

MAIN AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Technical Leadership: Lead the design and planning of geophysical surveys, providing input on complex technical solutions at the proposal stage, and refining these during project execution. As a senior member of the team, you will oversee the application of advanced geophysical techniques to meet client needs.
• Fieldwork Oversight: Oversee data quality and ensure technical integrity throughout fieldwork stages, conducting site visits as required. You will ensure field teams are fully supported, while also leading technically demanding fieldwork when necessary.
• Advanced Data Analysis: Provide leadership in the processing, interpretation, and reporting stages of projects, taking full responsibility for complex and high-value projects. You will be expected to review outputs and ensure data-driven insights are delivered clearly to clients and internal teams.
• Quality and Innovation: Maintain and enhance Zetica’s high standards of quality assurance, ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within budget, while incorporating innovative techniques and solutions where applicable.
• Cross-Sector Expertise: Lead projects across Zetica’s core departments, including transport infrastructure, engineering/geotechnical, geological/environmental geophysical surveys, unexploded ordnance detection, and utility service detection. You will drive excellence in a variety of sectors, applying advanced geophysical methodologies and instrumentation.
• Mentorship and Development: As a senior figure within the business, mentor junior staff and provide technical guidance to colleagues, helping to develop the skills and expertise of the wider team.
• Occasional Fieldwork: While your role will be predominantly office-based, you will be required to undertake occasional fieldwork. This will mostly take place in the UK but may involve some international travel, depending on project requirements.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

We are looking for an experienced Senior Geophysicist with the following profile:

• Academic Qualifications: A postgraduate degree in geophysics or a related field.
• Experience: At least 7 years of relevant hands-on experience in high-resolution, near-surface geophysical investigations, with a proven track record of managing complex, large-scale geophysical projects from planning through to delivery. The successful candidate will have significant experience leading teams and overseeing high-value projects.
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in a wide range of geophysical methods, including:
  • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
  • Electromagnetics (EM)
  • Magnetometry
  • Microgravity
  • Electrical methods (e.g., resistivity, induced polarisation)
  • Seismic methods (e.g., P- and S-wave seismic refraction, surface wave analysis)
• Software Proficiency: Expertise in geophysical data processing and interpretation software such as Oasis Montaj, GeoGiga, SurfSeis, Res2Dinv, Zonde, Aarhus Workbench, or similar. Experience with coding in Python for custom data processing and automation is highly desirable, as well as proficiency with GIS and mapping tools like AutoCAD, Microstation, ArcGIS, and QGIS.
• Leadership and Communication: Strong leadership capabilities, with excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ability to present complex technical findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders is essential.
• Strategic Thinking: A forward-thinking individual who can identify opportunities for innovation and is adept at driving research and development within the geophysics discipline.
• Has the Right to Work in the UK.

Reports to: Senior Projects Manager

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Internal: CEO, Technical Manager, Operations Director, Senior Projects Manager
• External: Various clients, both nationally and internationally

Location: Head Office – Zetica House, Eynsham

Hours of Work: Full-time, Permanent

WHY ZETICA?

At Zetica, you will play a leading role in a range of high-profile, complex projects. You will collaborate with industry experts, mentor emerging talent, and push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of geophysics, all while contributing to research and development efforts that keep Zetica at the cutting edge of the industry.

1. Title & Summary

Are you a hungry and keen-to-learn geophysicist looking for a new opportunity? Do you wish to have experience in near-surface geophysical investigations and be part of a growing and exciting market serving the engineering and infra-structure industries?

Then you might be our next Graduate Geophysicist!

2. The Organisation

Zetica is a UK based independent geophysical specialist, providing environmental and engineering geophysical solutions to a wide range of construction, infrastructure and engineering clients. Renowned for our quality, breadth of capability, innovation, and efficiency, we are the go-to provider for clients who value meticulous attention to detail, problem-solving, and going beyond expectations.

We continue to grow stronger and bigger, with involvement in most of the major infrastructure projects in the UK and a client list that any company in any business would covet!

We work hard and we work everywhere in the world. We are in our 34^th year of doing so and have built up a methods of working and experience that is unique.

3. The Role and the Responsibilities

As a Graduate Geophysicist, you will play a vital role in all stages of geophysical projects, from initial planning to data collection, reporting, and quality assurance. Your responsibilities will include:

• Project Preparation: Prepare projects based on customer requirements, assessing and agreeing on effective techniques prior to site work, with a focus on quality, customer service, budget, and program constraints.
• Data Collection: Competently collect high-quality data using a range of techniques, including electromagnetics, magnetics, radio frequency location, GPR, seismics, ERI, and utility services detection.
• Data Processing and Analysis: Use specialist geophysical software and drawing packages (e.g., AutoCAD, Oasis Montaj, RES2DINV, GeoGiga, Geolitix) to QC, process, analyse, and interpret data.
• Reporting: With guidance and supervision, undertake all phases of reporting, from factual summaries to interpretation and recommendations.
• Policy Compliance: Adhere to Zetica’s health, safety, environmental, and quality policies, leading by example in their application.
• Innovation: Identify and implement new methods that improve technical performance or enhance efficiency.
• Equipment Maintenance: Ensure proper care and maintenance of equipment on-site.
• Technical Growth: Gain significant experience across a wide range of geophysical techniques, progressing to involvement in increasingly complex projects as competencies develop.
• Customer Interaction: Communicate professionally and effectively with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues.

4. The Team

You will work closely with a team of talented geophysicists, reporting to the Projects Manager and the Operations Director. Collaboration with senior geophysicists and administrative staff will be an integral part of your role.

5. Requirements

Being a geophysicist at Zetica will take you into all kinds of working environments. There will be extensive training in all skills, as well as health and safety procedures.

You will need to be physically fit for this position and flexible in your planning. You may need to mobilise at a moment’s notice, and resilience is essential.

You will work with a fantastic team of like-minded, ambitious, and energetic people. You need to be a good team worker, able to take direction as well as lead others when responsible for tasks.

You will need:

• A relevant degree (e.g., Geophysics, Earth Sciences, or related discipline).
• A full manual driving license.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Physical fitness to meet the demands of site work, including lifting equipment and walking significant distances.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and innovation.
• The flexibility to mobilise at short notice and adapt to varying work environments.

6. Salary and Benefits

The salary Zetica offers is dependent on your experience. To account for the breadth of experience you will go through during your first few months, we do a review after 6 and 12 months. After your first year, there is an annual performance and payment review.

• Project-related incentive scheme for timely and budget-conscious project completion.
• Company-wide profit share scheme.
• Daily ‘in the pocket’ contribution of £20 per day.
• Medical cash scheme (covering expenses for dentistry, opticians, etc.).
• Employee pension scheme (5% company contribution).
• 25 days annual leave, increasing by one day per year up to a maximum of 30 days.
• Overtime rates for nights, weekends, and bank holidays.
• All field expenses paid by the company.
• Relocation support may be available.

You will be required to work from the office and from site. This position is not able to accommodate WFH.

Zetica is an Equal Opportunities Employer

Do you have an interest in history?

We are looking to recruit candidates with strong analytical and reporting skills to form part of our growing Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) department. If you are interested in history, risk assessment, research, engineering, site development, or simply want an opportunity to work in a unique and challenging industry, then this could be the perfect job for you.

The successful candidate will initially be involved in undertaking the historical research that underpins our risk assessment reports, which are used by a wide variety of developers to ensure that their construction works can go ahead safely.

As such, you will be required to display a tenacity in the commercial context of tight deadlines, ensuring that no information of any significance is overlooked and be able to communicate in a clear and concise manner when drafting reports.

The role is dependent on archival research and therefore experience in this field is desirable, although further relevant training will be provided.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the capability and desire to fulfil project deadlines to the highest standard possible, in the process maintaining Zetica’s reputation as the UK leaders of the UXO industry.   As well as candidates with experience in research disciplines, those with a background in engineering, geology or other technical fields would be well-placed to succeed in this role.

There is significant scope for progression depending on your individual strengths and ambitions, with departmental opportunities in project management, risk mitigation, client liaison, GIS mapping, commercial tendering and authoring industry guidance amongst other interesting opportunities.

Further information about what we do is available at our dedicated UXO website: www.zeticauxo.com

Salary is dependent on relevant skills and experience.

Benefits include a health cash plan, profit share scheme and company pension.

To apply, please email recruitment@zetica.com with a CV and cover letter.