Geotechnical Engineer - Mining and Construction

Placements24; Willows (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Career development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Geotechnical Engineer for opportunities in Welkom, South Africa. You will lead site investigations, analyze soil and rock conditions, and develop design recommendations for foundations, slopes, and earthworks within mining and infrastructure projects.

Require a Master's in Geotechnical Engineering, 5+ years of experience, and proficiency in PLAXIS and GeoStudio. Fieldwork willingness and a valid driver's license are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum 5 years' professional geotechnical investigation and design experience.
• Proficiency with geotechnical software such as PLAXIS and GeoStudio.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute site investigations, including drilling and sampling.
• Analyze geotechnical data from investigations and lab tests.
• Prepare geotechnical reports and design recommendations for foundations, slopes, and earthworks.
• Assess geological hazards and develop mitigation strategies for mining/construction projects.
• Liaise with clients, project managers and construction teams to provide technical support.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Fieldwork

Report writing

Data interpretation

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a proactive and knowledgeable Geotechnical Engineer to join their established team in Welkom. This role is fundamental to assessing ground conditions and providing critical engineering advice for mining operations and construction projects. You will be responsible for site investigations, laboratory testing coordination, data analysis, and the development of design recommendations to ensure the stability and safety of structures and excavations. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and their application in challenging geological environments common to the Free State region.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and execute site investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze geotechnical data from investigations and laboratory testing.
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports and provide design recommendations for foundations, slopes, and earthworks.
• Assess geological hazards and develop mitigation strategies for mining and construction projects.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, and construction teams to provide technical support and advice.
• Ensure all work complies with relevant engineering standards, codes of practice, and safety regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in geotechnical investigations and design.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for analysis and modeling (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio).
• Experience with mining-related geotechnical challenges is advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent report writing capabilities.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to conduct fieldwork.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Involvement in significant mining and infrastructure projects in the Welkom area.
• A supportive team environment with a focus on technical excellence.