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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for GPR Analyst

💰 $ - $

GeophysicsSurveyingEnvironmentalEngineering

🎯 Role Definition

The GPR Analyst (Ground Penetrating Radar Analyst) is responsible for planning, executing, processing, interpreting, and reporting on GPR surveys used to characterize subsurface conditions for infrastructure, utilities, environmental assessments, geotechnical investigations, archaeology, and research. The role combines field data acquisition, geophysical data processing and QC, geospatial integration, technical reporting, and client-facing communication to deliver accurate subsurface mapping and actionable recommendations.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Field Technician (Survey/Geophysics)
  • Junior Geophysicist or GPR Technician
  • GIS or Survey Technician with subsurface experience

Advancement To:

  • Senior GPR Analyst / Lead Geophysicist
  • Geophysics Team Lead or Project Manager
  • Principal Consultant — Subsurface Investigation

Lateral Moves:

  • Environmental Consultant (Site Characterization)
  • Geomatics / GIS Specialist
  • Geotechnical or Civil Engineering Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan, design, and scope ground penetrating radar (GPR) surveys tailored to project objectives, site constraints, and regulatory requirements, including selection of antenna frequencies, survey geometries, line spacing, and QA/QC criteria to ensure robust subsurface coverage.
  • Conduct onsite GPR data acquisition using a variety of antenna frequencies (e.g., 100 MHz–2.5 GHz), tow and cart-based systems, and handheld units; set up instrumentation, ensure correct logger settings, and monitor data quality throughout field operations.
  • Perform pre-survey reconnaissance and site hazard assessments, coordinate with clients and site owners, obtain necessary permits, and liaise with utility locators and safety officers to mitigate health, safety, and environmental risks.
  • Process raw GPR datasets using industry-standard software (e.g., GPR-SLICE, RADAN, ReflexW, EKKO_Project) applying filters, gain functions, dewow, migration, background removal, bandpass, and time-zero corrections to maximize signal-to-noise and resolution.
  • Integrate GPR results with auxiliary geophysical data (EM, magnetics, resistivity), as-built drawings, subsurface utility engineering (SUE) data, borehole logs, and GIS layers to produce comprehensive subsurface interpretations and deliverables.
  • Interpret radargrams to identify and map buried utilities, voids, soil layering, rebar/concrete features, archaeological features, and other subsurface anomalies; quantify depths and horizontal extents with documented uncertainty estimates.
  • Produce high-quality technical deliverables including annotated radar profiles, depth-slice maps, cross-sections, 3D visualizations, georeferenced CAD/GIS outputs, and concise executive summaries tailored to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Perform rigorous quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) on field and processed data, document data anomalies, repeat survey lines as needed, and maintain chain-of-custody and metadata for all datasets.
  • Calibrate and maintain GPR hardware and accessories, perform routine instrument diagnostics, maintain firmware/software versions, and coordinate repairs or replacement of equipment to minimize downtime.
  • Use GPS/RTK, total station, or survey-grade GNSS to georeference GPR lines and tie subsurface features to site coordinate systems; perform coordinate transformations and ensure spatial accuracy of deliverables.
  • Estimate project resources, develop scope-of-work documents, prepare time and cost estimates for GPR investigations, and contribute to proposal writing and bid preparation as required.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including geologists, engineers, archaeologists, environmental scientists, and construction managers to interpret results and integrate recommendations into project designs or remediation plans.
  • Provide on-site and remote client communication, present preliminary findings, explain limitations and confidence levels, and advise on follow-up actions such as targeted excavation, coring, or alternative geophysical methods.
  • Conduct data-driven risk assessments and provide actionable recommendations to minimize subsurface hazards for construction, utility excavation, and infrastructure maintenance projects.
  • Maintain detailed field notes, survey logs, and metadata (e.g., antenna type, separation, sweep settings, run ID, operator) for reproducibility and regulatory compliance.
  • Perform advanced signal processing and analysis using scripting or programming tools (Python, MATLAB, R) to automate workflows, batch-process datasets, and extract quantitative metrics such as dielectric estimates and depth conversions.
  • Train and mentor junior technicians and entry-level analysts in GPR operation, field safety, data processing best practices, and interpretation techniques to build team capability.
  • Maintain awareness of emerging GPR technologies, methodological best practices, and industry standards; propose and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance data quality and operational efficiency.
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental policies, including confined spaces or traffic-control protocols when working in urban or high-risk environments.
  • Manage data storage, backups, and archival procedures; ensure deliverables comply with client data formats, GIS conventions, and corporate documentation standards.
  • Support cross-functional research and development projects to evaluate antenna configurations, data processing algorithms, or integration of GPR with other sensors for improved subsurface characterization.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization's data strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with business units to translate data needs into engineering requirements.
  • Participate in sprint planning and agile ceremonies within the data engineering team.
  • Assist with business development activities including preparing case studies, technical appendices, and sample deliverables to support proposals.
  • Maintain inventory, calibration records, and procurement plans for GPR systems, cables, and ancillary equipment.
  • Participate in internal and external training sessions, safety meetings, and professional development to maintain certifications and technical proficiency.
  • Provide field supervision for subcontracted survey crews, ensuring adherence to company standards and client requirements.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Ground Penetrating Radar operation and field data acquisition — proven experience selecting antennas, configuring loggers, and optimizing survey geometry for target resolution and depth penetration.
  • GPR data processing and interpretation using industry-standard tools such as GPR-SLICE, RADAN, ReflexW, EKKO_Project and familiarity with workflows for dewow, migration, gain, and depth conversion.
  • Subsurface investigation integration — ability to combine GPR with SUE, borehole logs, GIS, EM, magnetics, and geotechnical data to produce defensible interpretations.
  • Geospatial and GIS skills — proficiency with ArcGIS, QGIS, or similar GIS platforms and ability to create georeferenced maps, shapefiles, and CAD exports.
  • Surveying and positioning — experience with GNSS/RTK, total station, traversing techniques, and coordinate transformations for accurate spatial referencing of GPR lines.
  • Signal processing and scripting — familiarity with MATLAB, Python (NumPy/SciPy), or R for bespoke processing, automation, and quantitative analysis.
  • Data QA/QC and documentation — standardized logging, metadata management, version control, and backup strategies for large geophysical datasets.
  • Interpretation and reporting — the ability to produce clear technical reports, annotated radargrams, depth-slice maps, cross-sections, and client-ready deliverables.
  • Equipment maintenance and troubleshooting — calibration, diagnostics, maintenance, and vendor liaison for GPR systems, antennas, and data loggers.
  • Regulatory and safety compliance — knowledge of utility avoidance practices, H&S site protocols, confined space entry, and traffic management for field operations.
  • 3D visualization and modeling — experience generating 3D subsurface models and integrating GPR depth slices in common modeling tools.
  • CAD proficiency — ability to export and prepare deliverables compatible with AutoCAD and construction documentation standards.
  • Understanding of soil dielectric properties and methods for depth conversion and velocity estimation in different substrates.

Soft Skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication, able to convey technical results to non-technical stakeholders and clients.
  • Strong attention to detail and methodical approach to data collection, processing, and interpretation.
  • Critical thinking and analytical problem solving to reconcile ambiguous or noisy datasets and recommend practical next steps.
  • Client-facing professionalism and the ability to build trust through timely, accurate deliverables and transparent communication.
  • Project and time management skills to prioritize tasks across concurrent projects and meet delivery deadlines.
  • Teamwork and mentoring — ability to work collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams and train junior staff.
  • Adaptability and resilience to operate in varied field environments and evolving project scopes.
  • Ethical judgement and data integrity mindset for unbiased interpretation and clear documentation of uncertainty.
  • Presentation skills for delivering findings to clients, regulatory bodies, and internal stakeholders.
  • Business awareness — ability to contribute to proposals, scoping, and commercial decisions with technical accuracy.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Geophysics, Geology, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Geomatics, Earth Sciences, or a closely related technical field.

Preferred Education:

  • Master’s degree in Geophysics, Near-Surface Geophysics, Applied Geosciences, Geotechnical Engineering, or equivalent advanced coursework focused on subsurface investigation methods.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Geophysics
  • Geology / Earth Sciences
  • Civil or Geotechnical Engineering
  • Environmental Science / Engineering
  • Geomatics / Surveying

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–7 years of progressive experience operating GPR systems, processing and interpreting GPR data, and delivering field and technical reports. (Entry-level roles may start at 0–2 years with strong internship or field experience.)

Preferred:

  • 3+ years of hands-on GPR acquisition and processing experience on commercial or research projects.
  • Demonstrated experience integrating GPR with SUE, borehole, and GIS datasets.
  • Experience preparing proposals and acting as a technical lead on mid-sized subsurface investigation projects.
  • Professional certifications or documented training in GPR operation, surveying, or health & safety (e.g., confined space, traffic control) are a plus.
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