Lead Geotechnical Engineer - Prominent Hill - 8/6

BHP; Adelaide; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site village

Gym facilities

Wellbeing support

Job summary

BHP, Prominent Hill operations, seeks a Lead Geotechnical Engineer to lead a team delivering geotechnical services for underground mining. You will collaborate with stakeholders to ensure effective controls, proactive risk management and value creation. This is a leadership role shaping geotechnical performance across the site.

Based at Prominent Hill, the role operates on an 8/6 FIFO roster from Adelaide, with a focus on safety, innovation and career development for geotechnical professionals.

Qualifications

• Degree in Geotechnical, Civil or Mining Engineering.
• Experience in underground mining geotechnical roles.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams of technical professionals.
• Experience managing geotechnical projects within mining or construction environments.
• Strong safety focus and reporting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead GCMP requirements and geotechnical data collection, design and QAQC.
• Keep geotechnical management plans current and aligned with operations.
• Manage geotechnical databases, data integrity and reporting accuracy.
• Conduct internal geotechnical audits to ensure regulatory and standards compliance.
• Oversee risk assessments, TARPs and hazard controls.
• Mentor graduates, junior engineers and technicians.

Skills

Geotechnical Engineering

Underground mining

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Technical reporting

Education

Geotechnical/Civil/Mining Eng degree

Tools

IMS Suite

mXrap

Rocscience Suite

Leapfrog Geo

Deswik

Job description

About Copper SA Operations At BHP

BHP is a global resources company operating across more than 90 locations worldwide. Through Copper South Australia (Copper SA), we are building a leading copper portfolio that supports the global energy transition, supplying materials essential for renewable energy, electric vehicles and digital infrastructure.

BHP is a global resources company operating across more than 90 locations worldwide. Through Copper South Australia (Copper SA), we are building a leading copper portfolio that supports the global energy transition, supplying materials essential for renewable energy, electric vehicles and digital infrastructure.

For you, this is an exciting opportunity to grow your career, make a meaningful impact, and help shape the future of one of Australia's leading copper businesses.

About Prominent Hill

Prominent Hill is a well-established copper‑gold operation within BHP’s Minerals Australia portfolio, with a strong future and ongoing investment.

Located 650km north‑west of Adelaide, the site operates across underground and surface mining and is located on the traditional lands of the Antakirinja Matu‑Yankunytjatjara people. Prominent Hill produces one of the highest grades of copper concentrate in the world.

A major shaft project is supporting underground expansion and extending mine life to at least 2040, creating long-term opportunities across the operation.

It’s a technically complex site where you can build your skills, take on new challenges, and be part of a team where safety and looking out for each other matters.

About The Role

As the Lead Geotechnical Engineer, you will lead a team of engineers and technical professionals responsible for delivering geotechnical engineering services that support underground mining operations.

You will work closely with operational, planning and technical stakeholders to ensure geotechnical controls are effective, risks are proactively managed, and opportunities for value creation are identified and implemented.

At Prominent Hill, you'll be part of a technically driven team that plays a vital role in managing geotechnical risk and enabling safe, sustainable mining outcomes. This is an opportunity to step into a leadership position where your expertise will shape operational performance, drive innovation and influence the development of future geotechnical professionals.

This role is based at Prominent Hill on an 8/6 FIFO roster from Adelaide.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate all requirements of the Ground Control Management Plan (GCMP), including geotechnical data collection, tactical ground support design, rock mass monitoring and QAQC activities.
• Ensure geotechnical management plans remain current, compliant and aligned with operational requirements through regular review and continuous improvement.
• Manage geotechnical databases and ensure data integrity, accessibility and reporting accuracy.
• Conduct internal audits of geotechnical practices to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organisational standards.
• Oversee geotechnical risk assessments, hazard management processes and Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs).
• Provide mentoring, coaching and technical guidance to graduates, junior engineers and technicians, fostering capability development across the team.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to deliver value-adding geotechnical projects and initiatives.
• Maintain clear and consistent communication regarding geotechnical hazards, risks and performance outcomes.
• Drive continuous improvement of geotechnical systems, processes and practices.
• Lead underground geotechnical projects, ensuring delivery against safety, schedule, quality and budget objectives.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, scopes of work, business cases and recommendations for geotechnical programs and projects.
• Provide technical input into stope design, ground support assessments and underground mining activities to support safe operational execution.

About You

You are a proactive and collaborative geotechnical leader with a strong technical foundation and a passion for developing people. You have proven experience in underground mining environments and the ability to balance strategic thinking with practical operational support.

What You’ll Bring

• Degree qualifications in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience in underground mine geotechnical engineering roles.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams of technical professionals.
• Experience managing small to medium-sized geotechnical projects within mining or construction environments.
• Strong commitment to safety and a track record of implementing best-practice geotechnical controls.
• Experience using industry-standard software, including IMS Suite, mXrap, Rocscience Suite, Leapfrog Geo and Deswik.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, communication and technical reporting skills.
• Experience in rock mass characterisation, empirical analysis, numerical modelling, geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring systems.
• Exposure to both underground and open pit geotechnical environments.
• Well-developed organisational, critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At BHP, you’ll do meaningful work in an environment that supports you to perform at your best; on site and at home. That’s why our benefits are designed to support your health, your growth, and your personal balance:

Benefits

• Grow your career your way, with opportunities to develop and move across BHP
• Be rewarded with competitive pay, performance bonuses and our BHP employee share plan
• Work in an inclusive team where people support each other every day
• Enjoy flexibility and family-friendly options that help you balance work and life
• Access wellbeing support, including 24/7 confidential assistance for you and your family
• Build your future with benefits like paid parental leave, recognition programs, etc.

Life at Prominent Hill

Life On Site Is Designed To Help You Switch On For Work And Switch Off When It Matters, With a Modern On‑site Village That Supports Comfort, Connection, And Wellbeing

• Your own private, comfortable room to relax and recharge.
• Great facilities including a state-of-the-art gym (open daily from 3am to 9pm, with personal training available), sporting areas, and places to unwind.
• A wide range of activities to stay active and social, including basketball, tennis, soccer, mini-golf, and a music room.
• Opportunities to recharge your way, swimming, walking tracks between site and village, bike hire, and quiet spaces.
• Dedicated areas to relax and disconnect, including gaming spaces and wellness options such as meditation or stargazing on the star deck.
• Reliable Wi‑Fi to stay connected with family and friends.
• A unique site environment, including sunrises you won’t see anywhere else

And so much more!

About Our Process

At BHP, we are committed to employing individuals who align with the BHP Charter Values and meet the requirements of the role. As part of the recruitment process, there are several checks which may be conducted to demonstrate applicants’ suitability for a role including police / criminal background checks, medical, drug and alcohol testing, due diligence checks, right to work checks, and/or reference checks.

We Support a Diverse Workforce

At BHP, we believe diversity makes us stronger. We’re committed to creating a safe, inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and can thrive. Our workforce reflects the communities where we operate, and we value all aspects of identity; gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, neurodiversity, education, and more.

We ensure that our recruitment process is fair, accessible, and equitable. If you have a disability and need adjustments, please contact us at [e-mail].