Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Mining and Resource Sector

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 128,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to lead geotechnical investigations and design for mine infrastructure in Queenstown. The role emphasizes ground control, tailings management, and risk assessment within a demanding industrial setting.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's in Geotechnical or Mining Engineering, Pr Eng registration, and 10+ years of experience with expertise in rock/soil mechanics and software like PLAXIS, Slide, and GeoStudio.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Mining Engineering with geotechnical specialization.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• ≥10 years of geotechnical experience in mining/resources sectors.
• Strong knowledge in rock/mechanics, seismic analysis, probabilistic design.

Responsibilities

• Conduct and oversee geotechnical investigations for mine infrastructure.
• Perform advanced analyses for slope stability and tailings dam design.
• Develop geotechnical design reports, risk assessments, and monitoring plans.
• Provide guidance on ground control, excavation stability, and tailings management.
• Manage projects including scope, budgeting, scheduling, and resources.
• Communicate with mine management and regulatory bodies on project requirements.
• Mentor junior geotechnical staff and supervise fieldwork.
• Stay updated with industry practices and regulatory changes.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Project leadership

Site supervision

Analytical skills

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical or Mining Engineering

Pr Eng registration with ECSA

Tools

PLAXIS

Slide

GeoStudio

Geotechnical modeling software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading specialist engineering firm serving the mining and resources sector, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their operations in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This role is critical for providing expert geotechnical advice and design services for mine infrastructure, tailings storage facilities, and open-pit slope stability assessments. The successful candidate will possess extensive knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and site investigation techniques specific to the mining industry. This is an on-site position requiring regular site visits to mining operations in and around Queenstown, Eastern Cape . We are looking for a seasoned professional with a strong track record in managing complex geotechnical challenges in a demanding industrial environment. You will play a key role in ensuring the safety, stability, and efficiency of mining operations through expert geotechnical engineering.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct and oversee detailed geotechnical investigations for mine infrastructure, including foundations, portals, and shafts.
• Perform advanced geotechnical analyses for slope stability, tailings dam design and performance, and ground support systems using specialized software.
• Develop comprehensive geotechnical design reports, risk assessments, and monitoring plans for mining projects.
• Provide expert technical guidance on ground control, excavation stability, and tailings management to mine operations teams.
• Manage geotechnical projects, including scope definition, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation.
• Liaise with mine management, regulatory bodies, and other engineering disciplines to ensure project requirements are met.
• Conduct site inspections and provide construction support for geotechnical aspects of mining projects in Queenstown, Eastern Cape .
• Mentor and supervise junior geotechnical engineers and technicians working on mining-related projects.
• Stay current with industry best practices, new technologies, and regulatory changes in geotechnical engineering for mining.
• Ensure all geotechnical work adheres to the highest safety standards and environmental regulations pertinent to the mining sector.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Mining Engineering with a geotechnical specialization.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) registration with ECSA is mandatory.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant focus on the mining and resources sector.
• Extensive knowledge of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, seismic analysis, and probabilistic design methods.
• Proficiency in geotechnical modeling software such as PLAXIS, Slide, GeoStudio, or similar.
• Experience with site investigation techniques relevant to mining environments (e.g., diamond drilling, CPT, geophysical surveys).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills for effective stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to work effectively in a field-intensive role and travel regularly to mine sites in remote locations.
• Valid driver's license and a valid mine safety certificate (e.g., First Aid, working at heights) are essential.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive remuneration package, including an excellent base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as medical aid, a generous provident fund, and life insurance. Significant opportunities for professional development, continuous learning, and career advancement within the mining sector are provided. The role offers the chance to work on technically challenging and critical projects that directly impact the success and safety of major mining operations in Queenstown, Eastern Cape and beyond. Our client values employee well-being and offers a supportive work culture, annual bonuses, and ample paid time off. This position is key to our client's ongoing success in supporting the resource industry.