GPR Specialist
ESBAAR
Role:Take end-to-end technical ownership of ESBAAR’s Ground Penetrating Radar service, from enquiry assessment and survey planning to field acquisition, processing, interpretation, quality control and client reporting. Deliver reliable, clearly documented subsurface information for utility locating and related investigations, while managing the limitations and uncertainty of each survey.
Act as the organisation’s technical reference point for GPR and support the long-term development of the service. Combine hands-on delivery on complex projects with supervision, training and standardisation so that routine acquisition and processing can progressively be undertaken by competent team members under the Specialist’s oversight.
Job scoping and technical planning
Review client enquiries, project objectives, available utility records, construction drawings and site layouts to establish survey requirements and expected deliverables.
Define the proposed GPR scope, survey coverage, acquisition approach, required resources and delivery schedule. Provide technical inputs and effort estimates to support quotation preparation.
Select appropriate GPR systems, antenna frequencies, survey grids, line spacing and positioning arrangements for the target depth, site conditions and required level of detail.
Identify access restrictions, live plant interfaces, ground conditions and other factors that may affect acquisition, interpretation or achievable coverage. Clarify assumptions and exclusions before mobilisation.
Prepare method statements and risk assessments, coordinate survey control requirements with the survey team, and confirm field arrangements with the client and Survey Operations Manager.
Field acquisition and crew supervision
Personally conduct GPR acquisition on complex, technically demanding or high-value assignments, including utility locating and subsurface investigations.
Brief field crews on the survey plan, equipment settings, coverage, recording requirements, site restrictions and relevant HSE controls.
Supervise routine acquisition, monitor adherence to the agreed method and provide practical guidance when crews encounter difficult conditions or inconsistent results.
Check data quality and coverage during acquisition, investigate anomalies and arrange additional passes or re-surveying where needed. Verify that field data is suitable for processing before demobilisation.
Maintain clear field records, sketches and notes documenting surveyed areas, observed features, constraints, incomplete coverage and departures from the planned method.
Data processing and interpretation
Organise and review incoming datasets for completeness, positioning consistency and suitability for interpretation. Resolve missing information with the field team promptly.
Process GPR data using a suitable industry-standard software package and apply a consistent, documented workflow appropriate to the project.
Interpret subsurface responses, identify potential utilities and relevant features, and assess the confidence and limitations associated with each interpretation.
Integrate GPR findings with topographic survey information, available utility records and site observations, coordinating with the survey and Geomatics teams as required.
Review estimated depths and target continuity critically. Distinguish observed data from interpretation and avoid presenting uncertain findings as confirmed utilities.
Maintain organised raw data, processed outputs, interpretation files and processing records so that findings can be reviewed and reproduced.
Quality assurance and deliverables
Quality-check all GPR datasets and outputs for completeness, consistency, clarity and alignment with the agreed scope and applicable client requirements.
Prepare client-ready utility maps, cross-sections, depth tables, interpretation reports and field sketches, including CAD/GIS outputs where required.
Ensure maps and reports consistently describe survey coverage, positioning references, interpreted features, depth information, limitations and unresolved areas.
Apply PDO and other client specifications relevant to the assignment and coordinate required checks and revisions before issuing deliverables.
Maintain processing standards, report templates and QA/QC records. Review recurring errors and improve workflows to reduce avoidable rework.
Track progress against agreed delivery dates, communicate risks early and coordinate corrective actions with the Survey Operations Manager.
Client coordination and technical advice
Liaise with client site representatives on mobilisation, scheduling, access, site conditions and practical survey requirements.
Explain findings and limitations in clear language to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including where a target cannot be confidently resolved.
Respond to technical queries and review comments using documented evidence, and identify when further survey work or clarification is necessary.
Build trust through reliable delivery and transparent technical advice. Communicate potential opportunities for repeat work or service expansion to management.
Refer changes affecting scope, cost, contractual commitments or delivery dates to the Survey Operations Manager for resolution.
Minimum qualifications
Diploma in Surveying, Geomatics, Geophysics, Civil Engineering or a related technical discipline. Equivalent field experience will be considered. A bachelor’s degree is preferred.
Minimum experience
At least 5 years of GPR experience covering field acquisition and data processing/interpretation; 8 or more years preferred.
Experience in utility locating or subsurface utility mapping is essential. Oil and gas plant, pipeline right-of-way or infrastructure experience is strongly preferred.
Job-specific knowledge and skills
Proficiency in at least one recognised GPR processing package, such as Geolitix, GPR-SLICE, ReflexW, RADAN, EKKO_Project or equivalent.
Practical competence with common single-channel and multi-channel GPR systems; ability to select equipment and parameters for site conditions, diagnose field data quality issues and explain interpretations and limitations.
Ability to read construction drawings, utility plans and site layouts, with understanding of coordinate systems and GNSS/total-station survey control.
Competence with Microsoft Word and Excel. AutoCAD and/or GIS experience, including ArcGIS or QGIS, is preferred.
Fluent written and spoken English; Arabic is an advantage. Ability to drive and willingness to travel to remote sites.
H2S and defensive driving certifications are advantageous; willingness to obtain required HSE certifications is essential.