Tailings Engineer

Klohn Crippen Berger; City of Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration $80,000–$120,

Hybrid working arrangements

Income protection insurance

Parental and volunteer leave

Novated leasing

2.5% superannuation

Structured training and development

Job summary

Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB) is seeking a Tailings Engineer to join our Brisbane-based, hybrid team. You will contribute to the design, investigation, and construction of large-scale mining tailings facilities and water management structures, collaborating with experienced engineers across Australia and internationally.

We value 3–5 years of civil/geotechnical experience, a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical), and knowledge of soil/rock mechanics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical) required.
• 3–5 years’ experience in civil/geotechnical engineering.
• Understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering.
• Experience with geotechnical software such as FLAC, PLAXIS, GeoStudio, SLOPE/W is advantageous.
• Familiarity with ANCOLD, ICOLD, GISTM, and CDA.

Responsibilities

• Plan and undertake geotechnical field investigations and construction monitoring for tailings facilities and mine infrastructure.
• Coordinate and supervise field activities including drilling, sampling, laboratory testing, field mapping, earthworks monitoring and contractor management.
• Contribute to desktop assessments, including collecting, organising, and interpreting geological and geotechnical data.
• Prepare engineering deliverables, including technical reports, drawings, specifications, presentations, and quantities.
• Work in accordance with KCB’s Quality Management System and Health & Safety requirements.
• Collaborate with KCB teams across Australia and internationally as project needs arise.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Tailings engineering

Field investigations

Geotechnical software

Education

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil/Geotechnical)

Tools

FLAC

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

SLOPE/W

Job description

At KCB, our purpose is Sustaining the Future. We bring this to life by delivering practical, risk‑informed solutions to complex environmental and engineering challenges. Guided by our values of Passion, Integrity, and Excellence, we focus on quality work, strong relationships, and long‑term outcomes for our clients and communities.

From concept to closure, our teams work on some of the mining and water industry’s most complex and rewarding projects. As part of KCB, you’ll gain hands‑on experience across tailings and waste storage facilities, dams, water management systems, and mine infrastructure, while building your technical capability and confidence across the full project lifecycle.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for Tailings Engineers to join our integrated, multi‑disciplinary team based in Brisbane, Queensland.

In this role, you’ll support and contribute to the design, investigation, and construction of large‑scale mining projects, including tailings residue and waste storage facilities and a range of water management structures (such as spillways, diversion channels, and pipelines). You’ll work closely with experienced engineers and specialists who are committed to mentoring and knowledge‑sharing.

This is an excellent opportunity to build strong foundations in tailings engineering while working on technically interesting, real‑world projects.

What You Will Do

With guidance and support from senior team members, you will:

• Plan and undertake geotechnical field investigations and construction monitoring for tailings storage facilities, waste rock dumps, water management structures and associated mine infrastructure
• Coordinate and supervise field activities including drilling, sampling, laboratory testing, field mapping, earthworks monitoring and contractor management.
• Contribute to desktop assessments, including collecting, organising, and interpreting geological and geotechnical data.
• Prepare engineering deliverables, including technical reports, drawings, specifications, presentations, and quantities.
• Work in accordance with KCB’s Quality Management System and Health & Safety requirements.
• Collaborate with KCB teams across Australia and internationally as project needs arise.

What You Bring

We value the experience you’ve gained so far and are motivated to help your career develop further. To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A Bachelor of Engineering (Civil or Geotechnical).
• 3–5 years’ experience in civil or geotechnical engineering (preferably within the mining or water related industries).
• A developing understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation engineering.
• Exposure to one or more of the following:
  • Slope stability and seepage analysis
  • Dam and embankment design
  • Earthworks and construction
  • Site investigation and fieldwork
  • Laboratory testing of soils and rock
• Familiarity with industry standards and guidelines such as ANCOLD, ICOLD, GISTM, and CDA (or a willingness to learn).
• Experience with geotechnical software (e.g. FLAC, PLAXIS, GeoStudio, SLOPE/W) is advantageous.
• Strong written communication skills and an interest in developing high‑quality technical reports.

What We Offer

Along with ongoing professional development, KCB offers:

• Competitive remuneration: Salary range $80,000 – $120,000
• Additional 2.5% superannuation
• Income protection insurance
• Parental and volunteer leave
• Options to purchase additional leave
• Novated leasing
• Hybrid working arrangements
• Social, mental health, and wellbeing initiatives
• Structured training and development opportunities

This role offers a supportive and collaborative environment where you can develop your skills, gain confidence, and progress your geotechnical career.

About Us

Klohn Crippen Berger (KCB) is a multi‑disciplinary consulting firm providing engineering, geoscience, and environmental services globally. We operate across Australia, Canada, the USA, UK, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru.
Learn more at www.klohn.com.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to employment equity. Applications from all qualified candidates are encouraged. KCB is an Australian Business Awards Employer of Choice (2015–2025).

KCB is an award-winning multidisciplinary engineering, geoscience, and environmental consulting firm grounded in Passion, Integrity, and Excellence. With teams across North America, South America, Australasia, and Europe we collaborate globally to solve complex challenges.