Chief Mine Geotechnician

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Accommodation provided at mine site or

Travel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Mine Geotechnician to lead geotechnical monitoring and support for mining operations near Kimberley. You will supervise a team, implement monitoring programs, and provide critical input to mine planning and design engineers to ensure underground stability and safety.

The role requires extensive experience with instrumentation, data analysis, and rock mechanics, with a focus on safety, regulatory compliance, and data integrity in a demanding mining environment.

Qualifications

• National Diploma or B-Tech in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related Geotechnical discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mine geotechnics or geotechnical engineering, with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive geotechnical monitoring programs for underground workings and surface structures.
• Oversee the installation, maintenance, and data collection from geotechnical instrumentation (e.g., piezometers, extensometers, load cells).
• Analyze geotechnical data, identify potential instability issues, and recommend appropriate support measures or operational modifications.
• Conduct site inspections and assessments to evaluate ground conditions and stability risks.
• Manage and maintain geotechnical databases, ensuring data accuracy and accessibility.
• Supervise and train a team of mine geotechnicians, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Collaborate with mine planning, design, and operations teams to integrate geotechnical recommendations into mine development and production plans.

Skills

Geotechnical leadership

Geotechnical instrumentation

Data analysis

Rock mechanics

Report writing

Education

National Diploma or B-Tech in Mining Engineering or Geotechnical discipline

Tools

Geotechnical instrumentation systems

Data acquisition software

Rock mechanics software

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Chief Mine Geotechnician to oversee geotechnical monitoring and support for their mining operations near Kimberley . This role is fundamental to ensuring the stability and safety of underground excavations and surface infrastructure by managing geotechnical data collection and analysis. You will lead a team of geotechnicians, implement monitoring programs, and provide critical input to mine planning and design engineers. This position offers a vital role in maintaining operational safety and integrity within a key mining area of the Northern Cape.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive geotechnical monitoring programs for underground workings and surface structures.
• Oversee the installation, maintenance, and data collection from geotechnical instrumentation (e.g., piezometers, extensometers, load cells).
• Analyze geotechnical data, identify potential instability issues, and recommend appropriate support measures or operational modifications.
• Conduct site inspections and assessments to evaluate ground conditions and stability risks.
• Manage and maintain geotechnical databases, ensuring data accuracy and accessibility.
• Supervise and train a team of mine geotechnicians, ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards.
• Collaborate with mine planning, design, and operations teams to integrate geotechnical recommendations into mine development and production plans.

Requirements

• National Diploma or B-Tech in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related Geotechnical discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in mine geotechnics or geotechnical engineering, with at least 3 years in a supervisory capacity.
• Proven experience with geotechnical instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and analysis software.
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics principles and underground excavation design.
• Knowledge of South African mining regulations related to ground stability.
• Excellent leadership, technical reporting, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid, retirement fund, and occupational hazard insurance.
• Accommodation and subsistence provided at the mine site or a substantial travel allowance for individuals based in Kimberley .
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training in geotechnical engineering.
• A strong commitment to safety and contributing to a stable mining environment.