Geotechnical and Materials Engineer, Southern Africa

Trinnex Inc.; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking a Geotechnical and Materials Engineer to plan, oversee, interpret, and report geotechnical investigations for a feasibility study on the Lesotho to Botswana water transfer project. The role focuses on subsurface conditions and materials for pipelines, pump stations, and reservoirs.

The incumbent will integrate across disciplines, assess risks in dolomitic terrain, and contribute to cost estimation and design readiness for large-scale hydraulic infrastructure in Southern

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• 15 years post-qualification experience in geotechnical studies for large hydraulic structures.
• Professional engineer registered with a recognized statutory body.
• Geotechnical experience on long-distance bulk-water pipelines or pump-station infrastructure preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review existing geological, geotechnical, hydrogeological, seismic, and materials information for the conveyance route and structures.
• Develop and oversee the feasibility-stage investigation program, including boreholes, test pits, in-situ testing, sampling, laboratory testing, and borrow-source investigations.
• Assess engineering properties of soils and rock and determine suitability for pipeline foundations, structural foundations, backfill, road or platform materials, and concrete aggregates.
• Evaluate geotechnical risks associated with dolomitic terrain, mining areas, subsidence, seismic events, river crossings, major cuttings, pump stations, and break-pressure tanks.
• Provide geotechnical parameters, foundation recommendations, stability assessments, quantities, and construction-risk inputs for preliminary design and cost estimating.
• Prepare the Geotechnical and Materials Report and coordinate findings with pipeline, structural, roads, survey, hydraulic, and cost specialists.

Skills

Geotech field programs

Geotechnical interpretation

Foundation engineering

Seismic considerations

Reporting & QA

Education

Master's in Geotech Eng

Job description

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold. Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family. Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

Project Overview

The Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) is seeking consulting services to conduct a technical feasibility study and produce the preliminary design for the water conveyance system of the Lesotho to Botswana Water Transfer Scheme. The bulk water transfer scheme is intended to mobilize water in Lesotho and convey it through South Africa to Botswana, while supplying users along the route. The study will assess and integrate technical, financial, environmental, regulatory, institutional, social, and climate considerations to support financing and implementation decisions.

The assignment covers route confirmation, demand and socioeconomic assessment, topographical and cadastral surveys, geotechnical and materials investigations, climate risk assessment, hydraulic modelling and optimization, preliminary design of pipelines, pump stations, reservoirs and supporting infrastructure, cost estimation, economic analysis, and preparation of detailed-design terms of reference and a Record of Implementation Decision.

Position Description

CDM Smith is seeking a Geotechnical and Materials Engineer to plan, oversee, interpret, and report the geotechnical and materials investigations for the anticipated feasibility study. The position will focus on subsurface and material conditions along the long-distance pipeline route and at major structures, including risks associated with dolomitic terrain, undermined areas, subsidence, seismicity, foundations, backfill, and construction materials.

*Professional engagement is contingent on project award and client approval.

Responsibilities

• Review existing geological, geotechnical, hydrogeological, seismic, and materials information for the conveyance route and structures.
• Develop and oversee the feasibility-stage investigation program, including boreholes, test pits, in-situ testing, sampling, laboratory testing, and borrow-source investigations.
• Assess engineering properties of soils and rock and determine suitability for pipeline foundations, structural foundations, backfill, road or platform materials, and concrete aggregates.
• Evaluate geotechnical risks associated with dolomitic terrain, Free State Goldfields mining areas, subsidence, seismic events, river crossings, major cuttings, pump stations, and break-pressure tanks.
• Provide geotechnical parameters, foundation recommendations, stability assessments, quantities, and construction-risk inputs for preliminary design and cost estimating.
• Prepare the Geotechnical and Materials Report and coordinate findings with pipeline, structural, roads, survey, hydraulic, and cost specialists.

Skills & Abilities

• Design and management of large-scale geotechnical field and laboratory investigation programs.
• Engineering-geology and geotechnical interpretation for buried pipelines and hydraulic structures.
• Knowledge of foundation engineering, earthworks, backfill, borrow materials, aggregate testing, and seismic considerations.
• Ability to translate investigation results into defensible design parameters, risk statements, and cost inputs.
• Strong quality, health and safety, contractor-management, and technical-reporting capabilities.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification of a master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or relevant fields
• 15 years post qualification work experience in geotechnical studies for projects concerning large hydraulic structures, such as water supply pipelines, pump stations and canals.
• He/she should be registered as a professional engineer with a recognized statutory engineering professional body

Preferred Qualifications

• Geotechnical experience on long-distance bulk-water pipelines or pump-station infrastructure in Lesotho, Botswana, or South Africa.
• Demonstrated experience with dolomitic ground, sinkhole or subsidence risk, and infrastructure traversing undermined mining areas, particularly in South Africa.
• Knowledge of regionally applicable investigation, laboratory, earthworks, pipeline-foundation, and materials standards.
• Experience identifying and evaluating borrow sources and concrete aggregates along large linear infrastructure corridors.
• Experience deriving seismic design parameters for water-conveyance structures in Southern Africa.
• Current professional registration that can be readily verified in a relevant L-BWT country or another recognized statutory jurisdiction.

Amount of Travel Required

20% - 40%

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as “CDM Smith”) reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Visa Sponsorship Available

No - We are not open to sponsoring for this position