Geotechnical Engineer - Mine Stability

Placements24; Kimberley; Hybrid; CAD 59,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer for our mining client in Kimberley, Northern Cape. The role focuses on ensuring stability and safety of open pit and underground excavations, waste rock dumps, and tailings facilities.

You will perform site investigations, rock mechanics analyses, and develop geotechnical designs while collaborating with planning, geology, and operations teams. This hybrid role offers field assessments and office work, with growth opportunities and exposure to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering.
• Experience of 5+ years in geotechnical engineering within mining environments (open pit/underground).
• Proficiency with RocScience suite, FLAC, GeoStudio or similar software.
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics and soil mechanics.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations for open pit slopes and underground excavations.
• Perform rock and soil mechanics analyses to assess stability.
• Develop geotechnical designs for mine excavations, including support systems and slope designs.
• Monitor geotechnical conditions and interpret monitoring data (extensometers, piezometers).
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports with risk assessments and recommendations.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice to mine planning, design, and operations teams.
• Review and approve geotechnical aspects of mine development and expansion plans.
• Contribute to geotechnical monitoring programs and stay current with best practices.
• Assist in investigations of geotechnical incidents and corrective actions.

Skills

RocScience

FLAC

GeoStudio

Instrumentation

Report writing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Geotechnical instrumentation

Job description

Our client, a major player in the mining industry, is seeking a skilled Geotechnical Engineer to join their team in Kimberley, Northern Cape. This critical role focuses on ensuring the stability and safety of mine excavations, including open pits and underground workings, as well as waste rock dumps and tailings facilities. The Geotechnical Engineer will be responsible for conducting site investigations, performing rock mechanics analyses, and developing geotechnical designs and recommendations. You will collaborate closely with mine planning, geology, and operations teams to mitigate geotechnical risks and support safe, efficient mining operations. The role involves both field assessments and office-based analysis and reporting, with potential for hybrid work arrangements. We are committed to the highest standards of safety and operational integrity, and your expertise will be crucial in maintaining these standards across our diverse mining assets. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your specialized knowledge in a challenging and impactful environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations and data collection for open pit slopes, underground excavations, and earth structures.
• Perform rock mechanics and soil mechanics analyses to assess stability.
• Develop geotechnical designs for mine excavations, including support systems and slope designs.
• Monitor geotechnical conditions and interpret monitoring data (e.g., extensometers, piezometers).
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports, including risk assessments and recommendations.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice to mine planning, design, and operations teams.
• Review and approve geotechnical aspects of mine development and expansion plans.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of geotechnical monitoring programs.
• Stay current with geotechnical engineering principles, software, and industry best practices.
• Assist in the investigation of geotechnical incidents and the development of corrective actions.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with specific experience in mining environments (open pit and/or underground).
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software (e.g., RocScience suite, FLAC, GeoStudio).
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and geological principles.
• Experience with geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to mine sites.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including medical aid, retirement fund, and opportunities for professional development. This hybrid role provides a stimulating work environment and the chance to contribute to critical safety and operational aspects of major mining projects in Kimberley. We are dedicated to employee well-being and professional growth within a supportive team structure. Join a leading mining company and apply your geotechnical expertise to ensure safe and sustainable mining operations.