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Senior Geophysicist - Job Opportunity at Zetica

Eynsham, United Kingdom
Full-time
Senior
Posted: June 19, 2025
On-site
£55,000 - £75,000 per year based on senior geophysicist roles in the UK market, with potential for higher compensation given the leadership responsibilities and cross-sector expertise requirements. The Oxfordshire location and profit-sharing benefits suggest competitive positioning within the upper range of this bracket.

Benefits

Profit sharing program providing direct financial participation in company success, offering potential for significant additional compensation beyond base salary
Comprehensive company pension scheme ensuring long-term financial security and retirement planning support
Casual dress code policy promoting comfortable work environment and reducing personal wardrobe expenses
Cycle to work scheme providing tax-efficient bicycle purchasing options, supporting health and environmental sustainability while reducing commuting costs
Regular company events fostering team building and professional networking opportunities within the organization
Private medical insurance coverage providing premium healthcare access and reducing personal medical expenses
On-site parking facilities eliminating daily parking costs and commute stress in the Eynsham area

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic technical leadership in geophysical survey design and planning, directly influencing multi-million pound project outcomes and establishing technical standards that position the company as an industry leader
Oversee critical fieldwork operations ensuring data quality and technical integrity across high-value projects, with direct responsibility for maintaining Zetica's reputation for technical excellence
Drive advanced data analysis initiatives taking full ownership of complex, high-value projects that directly impact client satisfaction and company revenue generation
Maintain and enhance industry-leading quality assurance standards while incorporating innovative techniques that differentiate Zetica from competitors and drive market positioning
Establish cross-sector expertise leadership spanning transport infrastructure, engineering, geological surveys, unexploded ordnance detection, and utility services, positioning yourself as a versatile technical authority
Provide strategic mentorship and development programs for junior staff, building the next generation of technical talent and ensuring knowledge transfer critical to company growth
Execute occasional fieldwork including international assignments, maintaining hands-on technical expertise while representing the company's capabilities to global clients

Requirements

Education

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

Required Skills

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) Oasis Montaj GeoGiga SurfSeis Res2Dinv Zonde Aarhus Workbench Python programming for custom data processing and automation AutoCAD Microstation ArcGIS QGIS Strong leadership capabilities Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strategic thinking Forward-thinking mindset

Certifications

Full clean manual driving licence
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

The geophysics industry is experiencing significant growth driven by increased infrastructure development, renewable energy projects, and environmental remediation requirements. The UK's commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 is creating substantial demand for geophysical expertise in wind farm development, carbon capture storage site assessment, and environmental monitoring. Additionally, aging infrastructure across transport networks requires extensive geophysical investigation for maintenance and upgrade projects. Digital transformation in geophysics is accelerating with increased adoption of AI and machine learning for data processing and interpretation. Companies are investing heavily in automated data processing workflows, real-time field data quality control systems, and integrated multi-method survey approaches. This technological evolution is creating demand for professionals who can bridge traditional geophysical expertise with modern programming and data science capabilities. The unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection market is expanding significantly due to increased construction activity and the discovery of wartime ordnance during development projects. This specialized sector requires highly skilled geophysicists who can work with sensitive detection equipment and provide critical safety assessments for construction and development projects across the UK and internationally.

Role Significance

Typically manages 3-8 direct reports including junior geophysicists, field technicians, and project coordinators, while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams of 10-20 professionals on large infrastructure projects.
This is a senior leadership position with significant organizational impact, involving strategic decision-making, team leadership, and direct client interaction. The role combines technical expertise with business development responsibilities and represents a key position within the company's technical hierarchy.

Key Projects

Major transport infrastructure projects including railway development, highway construction, and airport expansion requiring comprehensive subsurface investigation Renewable energy installations including offshore wind farm site characterization and onshore solar facility ground assessment Environmental remediation projects involving contaminated site investigation and groundwater monitoring system design Commercial and residential development projects requiring UXO detection and geological hazard assessment

Success Factors

Technical versatility across multiple geophysical methods is essential as projects increasingly require integrated multi-method approaches to provide comprehensive subsurface characterization. Success depends on maintaining expertise across traditional methods while adapting to emerging technologies and automated processing workflows. Leadership and mentoring capabilities are critical for building and maintaining high-performing technical teams in a competitive market where skilled geophysicists are in high demand. The ability to develop junior staff while managing complex project deliverables determines long-term career success and organizational impact. Commercial awareness and client relationship management skills are increasingly important as senior geophysicists are expected to contribute to business development, proposal writing, and strategic planning. Understanding market dynamics and client needs enables technical professionals to position themselves for advancement into executive roles. Innovation and continuous learning mindset is essential given rapid technological advancement in data processing, field instrumentation, and survey methodology. Professionals who actively engage with research and development activities while maintaining practical project delivery capabilities are most likely to advance to executive positions.

Market Demand

High demand driven by infrastructure investment, renewable energy expansion, and environmental compliance requirements creating sustained need for senior geophysical expertise across multiple sectors.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Multi-method geophysical expertise is absolutely essential as modern projects require integrated approaches combining GPR, electromagnetics, seismic, and electrical methods to provide comprehensive subsurface characterization. Clients increasingly expect single-source solutions rather than specialist providers for individual methods. Python programming and data processing automation capabilities are becoming critical differentiators as the industry moves toward real-time data processing, automated quality control, and integrated interpretation workflows. Technical professionals without programming skills face career limitations in senior positions. Project management and leadership skills are critical for senior positions as geophysical projects increasingly involve complex stakeholder management, tight delivery schedules, and coordination with multidisciplinary engineering teams. Technical expertise alone is insufficient for career advancement beyond mid-level positions.

Beneficial Skills

Advanced statistical analysis and machine learning knowledge would provide significant competitive advantages as the industry adopts AI-assisted interpretation methods and automated anomaly detection systems Business development and proposal writing skills would enhance career prospects as senior technical professionals are expected to contribute to company growth through client relationship management and new project acquisition International project experience and cultural awareness would support career advancement as UK consulting companies increasingly pursue overseas opportunities in infrastructure development and resource exploration markets

Unique Aspects

Cross-sector expertise requirement spanning transport, environmental, and defense applications provides unusual breadth of technical exposure and career development opportunities compared to specialists focused on single market sectors
Strategic emphasis on research and development combined with operational project delivery creates opportunities for technical innovation and professional recognition within the broader geophysical community
International travel opportunities despite UK base operations suggest growing global project portfolio and potential for international career development
Profit sharing and comprehensive benefits package indicate employee ownership mentality and long-term retention strategy uncommon in smaller technical consulting firms

Career Growth

3-5 years to Principal level with demonstrated leadership success, 5-8 years to Director level with proven business development capabilities and P&L responsibility.

Potential Next Roles

Principal Geophysicist or Technical Director positions involving strategic technical leadership across multiple offices or regions Business Development Manager or Commercial Director roles combining technical expertise with sales and marketing responsibilities Managing Director or General Manager positions overseeing entire geophysical consulting operations Independent consulting practice establishment leveraging senior expertise and industry networks

Company Overview

Zetica

Zetica is a specialized geophysical and environmental consulting company operating primarily in the UK market with growing international presence. The company focuses on high-value technical services across infrastructure, environmental, and defense sectors, positioning itself as a premium service provider with strong technical capabilities and industry expertise.

Zetica occupies a strong position in the UK geophysical consulting market, particularly in specialized areas such as UXO detection and infrastructure assessment. The company competes effectively against larger engineering consultancies by focusing on technical excellence and specialized expertise rather than broad geographic coverage.
The Oxfordshire location provides strategic access to London markets, major infrastructure projects, and academic institutions while maintaining operational cost advantages compared to central London competitors. This positioning enables competitive pricing while accessing high-value project opportunities.
Professional technical environment emphasizing continuous learning, innovation, and technical excellence. The company culture appears to support career development through mentoring and knowledge sharing, with benefits package suggesting employee retention focus and long-term career planning support.
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