Geotechnical Engineer - Mining & Civil Projects

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); On-site; USD 54,000 - 78,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer for a leading geotechnical engineering consultancy in Queenstown/Eastern Cape. The role focuses on expert geotechnical advice for mining and civil projects, including site investigations, soil/rock analyses, and design of foundations and slopes.

The successful candidate will bring a minimum of 8 years of experience, professional ECSA registration, and proficiency with PLAXIS, SLOPE/W, SEEP/W and RocData.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical emphasis.
• Professional registration with ECSA is required.
• At least 8 years of geotechnical experience in mining and civil projects.
• Proficiency with PLAXIS, SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, RocData.
• Strong knowledge of soil/rock behavior and hydrogeology.
• Experience with tailings dam and open-pit stability is a plus.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to remote Eastern Cape sites.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and manage geotechnical site investigations (drilling, CPT, trial pits).
• Perform soil and rock mechanics analyses for foundations, slopes, retaining walls, and excavations.
• Design geotechnical solutions including foundations, ground improvement, and slope stabilization.
• Prepare investigation reports, design recommendations, and construction supervision plans.
• Coordinate with clients and project teams to deliver integrated solutions.
• Oversee field and laboratory testing programs.
• Provide technical support during construction and site inspections.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical codes and best practices.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Soil & rock mechanics

Project management

Report writing

Site investigations

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical)

Master's degree

Tools

PLAXIS

SLOPE/W

SEEP/W

RocData

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading geotechnical engineering consultancy, is seeking a highly qualified Geotechnical Engineer to join their team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. This role focuses on providing expert geotechnical advice and solutions for a diverse range of mining and civil engineering projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting site investigations, analyzing soil and rock mechanics, and designing foundations, slopes, and earth structures. This is a critical position that requires a strong technical foundation, excellent analytical skills, and the ability to apply engineering principles to solve complex ground engineering challenges. We are looking for an individual committed to safety, quality, and delivering technically sound, cost-effective solutions in the Eastern Cape region.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and manage geotechnical site investigations (e.g., drilling, CPT, trial pits).
• Perform soil and rock mechanics analyses for foundations, slopes, retaining walls, and underground excavations.
• Design and specify geotechnical solutions, including shallow and deep foundations, ground improvement techniques, and slope stabilization measures.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical investigation reports, design recommendations, and construction supervision plans.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, and other engineering disciplines to understand project requirements and provide integrated solutions.
• Oversee and conduct field testing and laboratory testing programs.
• Provide technical support during the construction phase, including site inspections and problem-solving.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and best practices.
• Develop cost estimates and proposals for geotechnical services.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering. A Master's degree is highly advantageous.
• Professional registration with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) is required.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, covering both mining and civil infrastructure projects.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for analysis and design (e.g., PLAXIS, SLOPE/W, SEEP/W, RocData).
• Strong understanding of soil and rock behavior, hydrogeology, and engineering geology.
• Experience in mine-related geotechnical assessments (e.g., tailings dams, open pit stability) is a significant asset.
• Excellent report writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel to remote sites within the Eastern Cape and surrounding areas.

Benefits

• highly competitive salary
• medical aid
• retirement fund
• potential for performance-based bonuses
• opportunities for professional development and advanced training

This role offers the chance to work on challenging and impactful projects within the Eastern Cape's developing industrial and mining sectors, contributing significantly to the region's growth.