Senior Underground Geotechnical SME: Ground Control

dss+; United States; Remote; USD 165,000 - 276,000; Full time

Job summary

dss+ is seeking a freelance Subject Matter Expert in underground geotechnical engineering to support a major mining expansion. You will review procedures, identify safety risks, challenge practices, and provide actionable recommendations aligned with industry standards.

This project-based advisory role focuses on technical review and risk reduction rather than full-time delivery. You will work with client and internal stakeholders to translate geotechnical requirements into practical field

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in geotechnical engineering or related disciplines.
• Preferably 7+ years underground mining operations.
• Experience supporting underground mine development, expansion, construction, or ramp-up.
• Experience developing or implementing Ground Control standards, procedures, and management systems.
• Experience conducting technical reviews, audits, risk assessments, or operational reviews.

Responsibilities

• Review Ground Control procedures, standards, and management plans.
• Assess geotechnical inspections and underground excavation management.
• Review excavation classification, clearance, and re-entry criteria.
• Evaluate ground support design, installation, verification, and maintenance.
• Assess rock bolts, cable bolts, mesh installation, and shotcrete application.
• Review scaling, loose-rock management, and unsupported ground controls.
• Evaluate monitoring and hazard reporting processes.
• Support development and validation of TARPs (Trigger Action Response Plans).
• Identify gaps between engineering requirements and field execution.
• Define inspection, verification, and stop-work requirements.
• Facilitate workshops with geotechnical, operational, safety, and contractor teams.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Ground Control

Risk assessment

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering

Postgraduate qualification in Mining Geotechnics

Professional registration

Job description

dss+ is seeking a freelance Subject Matter Expert in underground geotechnical engineering to support a major mining expansion. You will review procedures, identify safety risks, challenge practices, and provide actionable recommendations aligned with industry standards.

This project-based advisory role focuses on technical review and risk reduction rather than full-time delivery. You will work with client and internal stakeholders to translate geotechnical requirements into practical field