Geotechnical Engineer

Hecla Mining Company; Mullan (ID); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Hecla Mining Company in Idaho is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to provide technical expertise and support through geotechnical engineering activities at the site.

You will monitor seismic activity, apply rock mechanics to underground mine designs, lead ground support projects, and coordinate with external researchers and contractors to maintain the Ground Control Management Plan.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering or related technical discipline.
• Experience in mining, metallurgy or mineral processing industry or similar relevant experience.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and report on seismic activity at the mine and guide operations as needed.
• Apply rock mechanics to underground mine designs and plans.
• Lead ground support, modelling and planning projects ensuring adherence to the site Ground Control Management Plan.
• Provide geotechnical engineering expertise, support and reviews.
• Install, read and interpret geotechnical instrument monitoring systems including seismic instruments.
• Monitor quality control tests on backfill and review backfill plans with regard to mining sequence.
• Oversee ground support quality control and testing programs and shotcrete quality.
• Prepare monthly and other management reports; assist with SOP development and annual plan reviews.
• Engage with external organizations and universities for investigations and research; manage contractors.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Rock mechanics

Seismic monitoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical/Mining engineering

Tools

Geotechnical instrumentation

Job description

Summary

The Geotechnical Engineer provides technical expertise and support through geotechnical engineering activities to the site.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Monitor and report on seismic activity at the mine, as well as provide guidance to mine operations as-needed.
• Review plans and provide expertise in order to apply rock mechanics to underground mine engineering designs.
• Lead and assist in various ground support, modelling and planning projects while ensuring adherence to the site ground control management plan.
• Provide geotechnical engineering expertise, support, and review.
• Install, maintain, read & interpret geotechnical instrument monitoring systems, including seismic monitoring instruments.
• Monitor quality control tests on backfill such as capturing cylinders and performing UCS testing, and review all backfill plans to ensure proper fill is being placed with regard to mining sequence.
• Monitor the operation and effectiveness of the seismic monitoring system and protocols.
• Perform rock bolt pull testing according to the ground control management plan.
• Oversee ground support quality control and testing programs.
• Perform quality control oversight on shotcrete program.
• Prepare monthly reports and other reports and presentations as needed by management, ensuring information is accurate, pertinent, and usable.
• Assist with annual review of the ground control management plan, revising as necessary.
• Work with external organizations, including NIOSH, and university geotechnical / mining / geological engineering departments to conduct investigations and research.
• Manage contractors and consultants as needed.
• Participate in the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) as required.
• Assist with forecasts, budgets, and funding requests (AFEs) as requested.
• Assist with training for supervisors and miners as needed, at a minimum annually.
• Must be able to work and communicate with other members of the work team.
• Must be willing to comply with all company policies and procedures.
• Procure materials and organize logistics necessary to complete all work.
• Make recommendations for research and development initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or other relevant technical discipline. Preference will be given to those candidates with a degree in Geotechnical Engineering.
• E xperience in mining, metallurgy or mineral processing industry or similar relevant experience.