About The Team
The Materials Testing Laboratory plays a critical role in supporting our city infrastructure projects by providing services including geotechnical investigation and analysis, geotechnical construction supervision, pavement investigation, and construction materials testing. Accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) since 1990, the laboratory operates under ISO/IEC 17025 standards, ensuring high-quality and reliable results for both internal and external clients. The Materials Testing Laboratory together with Survey Services form the Engineering Field Services business unit. Engineering Field Services are a business unit of the Engineering Design and Standards Branch which is responsible for infrastructure engineering, design, survey, specifications, asset standards, electrical infrastructure and contributed assets across all customer and community facing infrastructure classes.
About Your New Role
We are seeking an experienced Principal Geotechnical Engineer to lead and deliver high-quality geotechnical services that support critical infrastructure and make a real impact in the community
Key Responsibilities Include
* Design and execute geotechnical investigations and provide geotechnical assessment for all aspects of city infrastructure, for example factual and interpretive reporting, desktop studies, design review, constructability and risk management, contracts, specifications and tender advice.
* Provide interpretation, analysis and design for earthworks, soft ground engineering, soil structure interaction and engineering analysis of foundations for retaining walls and other structures, and ground stabilisation and improvements.
* Provide advice associated with; general earthworks, structure foundations, cut batter treatments, site and laboratory testing compliance and assessments against design requirements.
* Lead and deliver geotechnical, pavement, and environmental investigations for major infrastructure projects.
* Provide geotechnical designs, engineering advice, and technical specifications.
* Review and comment on geotechnical aspects of civil and structural designs for internal city clients.
* Support construction activities with critical site assessments (bearing capacity, footing inspections, bored piers/driven pile advice, subgrade improvements where soft or unsuitable ground conditions encountered, cut batter inspections and advice on short term stability).
* Review and RPEQ endorse geotechnical inspection and investigation reports.
* Liaise with Materials Testing Laboratory team members for the timely delivery NATA laboratory results.
* Conduct slope risk assessment on individual slopes or packages including existing and new construction, for example services for ad hoc, callout and emergency situations and sites including coordination with site and traffic management personnel.
* Provide Slope Risk Management Plans for one or more sites, ongoing inspections, monitoring and reports.
* Liaise with contractors, internal and external stakeholders.
* Provide RPEQ certified geotechnical engineering services.
* Mentor and assist with developing the skills of team members.
We'relooking For People Who Have
* Bachelor's degree Civil Engineering.
* Registration Practising RPEQ - Geotechnical.
* Accreditation to NSW RMS Guide to Slope Risk Analysis, or Full Accreditation TMR Slope Risk Analysis Training (RMS Guide to Slope Risk Analysis Version 4)
* Driver's Licence C Class.
* Knowledge of local government processes and public project delivery - desirable
* Attention to detail and commitment to safety and standards.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Be part of shaping the Gold Coast's future
The Gold Coast is inspired by lifestyle and driven by opportunity. We are the second largest Council in Australia.
Benefits
We care about being the most flexible government organisation in Australia and we have a range of benefits to help you create the right balance:
* Flexible work arrangements to suit your lifestyle, including hybrid/work from home options, flexible working hours and locations
* Personal and professional development courses
* Access to 350+ fitness facilities through Fitness Passport
* 4 free confidential counselling sessions a year for you or an immediate family member
* 1 free nutritionist and financial advice session per year
We pride ourselves on our shared mission of being a high-performing, customer-focused organisation which delivers value-for-money services to the community. We're committed to creating a diverse workplace and inclusive culture.
How to apply
For more information, view the position brief by clicking the paperclip icon in the top right corner of this screen.
Click 'Apply' to submit your online application. Upload your Resume with a Cover Letter (of no more than 2 pages) outlining how your skills, experience and personal attributes would allow you to achieve success in this role.
Documents need to be less than 2MB in size and PDF format is preferred. If you encounter technical issues when applying, please email
Our selection process may include a one-way video interview via Criteria, a face-to-face or virtual interview via Microsoft Teams, reference checks via Xref and additional checks including police checks, employment history checks, qualification checks, pre-employment medical reviews and drug and alcohol testing.
Contact Person
Tiffen Roberts
Contact Number
Closing Date
Sunday 14th December 2025
Pleasenote applications for all of our vacancies close at 10.00pm on the listed closing date.
The City of Gold Coast is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting an inclusive and diverse workplace. We are committed to supporting an environment where all employees, regardless of their differences or similarities, feel valued, respected and supported. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons are encouraged to apply.