Geotechnical Engineer - Mining Stability

Placements24; Willows (CA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 79,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer for a major mining client in Welkom, Free State. The role focuses on assessing ground conditions, rock mechanics, and design of ground support for both underground and open-pit operations.

You will work with mine planning, production, and safety to deliver critical geotechnical insights and safe, efficient mining solutions. The candidate will have a strong background in soil/rock mechanics, proficiency with Rocscience/FLAC, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Mining Engineering with geotechnical specialization is required.
• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering is highly preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of geotechnical engineering experience in mining environments.
• Strong knowledge of rock and soil mechanics, and of mining regulatory practices.

Responsibilities

• Conduct site investigations and analyze ground conditions for open-pit and underground mining.
• Perform detailed geotechnical analyses for slopes, excavations, and structures.
• Design and specify ground support systems (rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete, liners).
• Develop monitoring programs using instrumentation (extensometers, piezometers).
• Prepare geotechnical reports, hazard assessments, and design documents.
• Collaborate with mine planning, operations, safety, and external consultants.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Rock mechanics

Technical report writing

Team collaboration

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil/Mining Engineering (Geotechnical specialization)

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Rocscience (Slide/Phase2)

FLAC

Geotechnical instrumentation hardware

Job description

About the Role Our client, a major force in the Mining sector, is looking for a skilled and experienced Geotechnical Engineer to bolster their technical team in Welkom, Free State . This role is crucial for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of underground and open-pit mining operations. The Geotechnical Engineer will be responsible for assessing ground conditions, analyzing rock mechanics, and designing support systems to mitigate risks associated with slope stability, tunneling, and mine excavations. You will collaborate closely with mine planning, production, and safety departments to provide essential geotechnical insights and recommendations. This position presents a significant opportunity to contribute to the operational safety and efficiency of one of South Africa's prominent mining districts. The successful candidate will possess a strong analytical aptitude and a deep understanding of soil and rock mechanics principles as applied to mining environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct site investigations, including geological logging, borehole data analysis, and in-situ testing.
• Perform detailed geotechnical analyses for open-pit slopes, underground excavations, and surface structures.
• Design and specify appropriate ground support systems, including rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete, and liners.
• Develop and implement monitoring programs for ground movement and structural stability using instrumentation (e.g., extensometers, piezometers).
• Analyze seismic data and assess risks associated with seismicity in mining areas.
• Provide technical recommendations on excavation sequencing and methods to minimize geotechnical hazards.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, hazard assessments, and design documents.
• Liaise with mine operations, planning engineers, and external consultants on geotechnical matters.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical engineering standards and mining regulations.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the company's geotechnical risk management framework.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Mining Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• A Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering is highly preferred.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a focus on mining applications.
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and engineering geology.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software such as Rocscience (Slide, Phase2), FLAC, or similar.
• Experience with geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring techniques.
• Knowledge of South African mining practices and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and communicate technical information clearly.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites as required.

Benefits

• A competitive salary package commensurate with your qualifications and experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development, including advanced training and certifications.
• Relocation assistance for individuals and families moving to Welkom .
• Potential for annual performance-based bonuses.
• Generous annual leave and paid public holidays.
• Exposure to diverse geotechnical challenges in a major mining region.
• A collaborative and safety-focused work culture.
• Access to advanced geotechnical modeling tools and software.
• Opportunities for career growth within a leading mining organization.