Geotechnical Engineer - Mining Applications

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 67,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Provident fund contribution

Professional development opportunities

Industry conference attendance support

Flexible work arrangement for top cand

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to support mining operations in the Welkom region, focusing on stability analyses of open pits, underground excavations, and tailings facilities. The role involves site investigations, advanced numerical modeling, and practical recommendations to ensure safety and efficiency of mining structures.

The ideal candidate has a strong theory in soil/rock mechanics, 5+ years in geotechnical engineering, and experience with mining projects.

Qualifications

• BSc or MEng in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering is required.
• Minimum 5 years in geotechnical engineering, mining-focused preferred.
• Proficiency with Slide, Rocscience Suite, GeoStudio for modeling.
• Strong knowledge of soil and rock mechanics and regulatory standards in mining.
• Excellent reporting, planning and team collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical site investigations including drilling planning and supervision.
• Perform stability analyses for open pits, underground excavations and tailings dams.
• Develop geotechnical models and interpret data for ground conditions and risks.
• Provide design input for underground support systems and tailings facility design.
• Mentor junior engineers and align geotechnical work with mine design and operations.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Report writing

Project management

South Africa regs

Education

BSc or MEng in Civil/Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

Slide

RocScience (Phase2, RocFall, Dips)

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

A leading mining consultancy is seeking a highly competent Geotechnical Engineer to provide specialized expertise to mining operations in the Welkom, Free State region. This role focuses on the stability analysis of open pits, underground excavations, and tailings storage facilities. You will conduct site investigations, perform advanced numerical modeling, and provide practical recommendations to ensure the safety and efficiency of mining structures. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation in soil and rock mechanics, combined with practical experience in the mining industry. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your geotechnical knowledge in a challenging and impactful role, contributing to the safe and sustainable development of mining projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical site investigations, including planning and supervising drilling and in-situ testing.


• Perform stability analyses for open-pit slopes, underground excavations, and tailings dams using various software packages.


• Develop geotechnical models and interpret data to assess ground conditions and risks.


• Provide design input and recommendations for the support systems in underground mines.


• Assess the seismic performance and design requirements for tailings storage facilities.


• Review and interpret geological and hydrogeological data relevant to geotechnical assessments.


• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports, including risk assessments and mitigation strategies.


• Collaborate with mine planners, geologists, and other engineers to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and operations.


• Ensure all geotechnical work adheres to relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements in Free State .


• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the technical development of the geotechnical team.

Requirements

• BSc or MEng degree in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering.


• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant focus on mining applications.


• Proficiency in geotechnical modeling software such as Slide, Rocscience (Phase2, RocFall, Dips), and GeoStudio.


• Solid understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and engineering geology principles.


• Experience with open-pit slope stability analysis and underground mine design considerations.


• Familiarity with tailings storage facility design and performance assessment.


• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.


• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.


• Knowledge of South African mining regulations and standards relevant to Welkom .


• Professional registration with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) or eligibility to obtain it is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting the specialized nature of this role.

• comprehensive health insurance


• a generous provident fund contribution


• opportunities for professional development and training


• company supports continuing professional development and encourages attendance at relevant industry conferences


• flexible work arrangement may be considered for exceptional candidates

This position provides the opportunity to work on diverse and challenging mining projects across South Africa, offering significant career growth within a reputable consultancy.