Geotechnical Engineer

De Beers Group; Musina; On-site; ZAR 70 000 - 90 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading diamond company in Musina, South Africa, is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to support underground mining operations. The successful candidate will have at least 5 years of geotechnical/caving experience, focusing on identifying hazards and ensuring stability in excavations. This role requires strong analytical skills, project management experience, and an understanding of mining processes. Join a team dedicated to safety and community support. Full-time position with a closing date of 31 December 2025.

Qualifications

• 5 years' geotechnical/caving experience with at least 3 in a senior capacity.
• Understanding of mine planning and geological work streams.
• Professional registration with GSSA, SANIRE, or SAIMM is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide geotechnical engineering support for mining operations.
• Identify geotechnical hazards and risks through data analysis.
• Perform calculations and prepare design reports for review.

Skills

Project management skills

Strong analytical skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of ground support techniques

Education

Undergraduate or Graduate Degree in Engineering Geology or Mining Engineering

Grade 12 / Std 10 / N3

Job description

1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants

You’ll make it happen

We’re the world’s leading diamond company, powered by thousands of people around the world, with a mission to support local communities, protect our natural environment and shape a brighter future.

You’re comfortable working with diverse teams and can communicate easily and manage effectively. You enjoy the planning and oversight of a project and know that keeping it on track does not just happen – a great deal of care is taken to ensure that standards, commitments, budgets and schedules are adhered to.

Venetia Mine is South Africa’s most valuable diamond mine. As we develop the mine underground, it is also one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country. Venetia Underground Project (VUP) is a complex underground mechanised development, shaft and mine construction project to deliver an operational Sub Level Cave mine operation. Experienced and effective management and control of the project and mining operations through major contractors (EPC, Mining Contractor) and owner functions is essential for safe, timely and effective delivery of the project.

If you are an experienced Geotechnical Engineer who wants to make a difference, we would like to hear from you.

Job Description

The Geotechnical Engineer – Underground provides geotechnical engineering support to mining and other engineering disciplines in short to medium term planning design and operational life cycles. This role is also responsible for identifying geotechnical hazards, risks and/or opportunities in the short to medium term planning life cycles, through regular analysis and interpretation of geotechnical data and underground inspections.

• Assist Senior Geotechnical Engineer/Manager to proactively identify and treat excavation stability and groundwater issues to ensure that the desired levels of stability are maintained for all excavations for the required period.
• Perform appropriate calculations and prepare design reports, specifications and other deliverables for review and approval by Senior Geotechnical Engineer/Manager and/or the Production Manager.
• Lead and provide technical guidance during rock related underground investigations.
• Attend and provide input into monthly Pre‑Planning, Planning and other Production and relevant technical meetings.
• Review and update geotechnical models with latest information and carry the updates through the geotech design value chain.
• Ensure the quality control systems are actively applied to all geotechnical schemes.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 / Std 10 / N3 / relevant National NQF4 level qualification.
• Undergraduate or Graduate Degree in Engineering Geology, Mining Engineering or similarly aligned qualification.
• Valid driver’s license (EB).
• Professional registration GSSA; SANIRE; SAIMM (advantageous).
• Chamber of Mines Certificate in Rock Mechanics or 3 theory parts of Chamber of Mines certificate in Rock Mechanics completed for underground (advantageous).

Experience Required

• 5 years’ geotechnical / caving experience of which at least 3 in a senior/supervisory geotechnical capacity in an underground mine.
• Understanding of mine planning, survey, geology and mining work streams and how they integrate with the geotechnical engineering function.
• Understanding of ground support techniques for underground mine development.
• Project and contract management skill.

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Ability to implement relevant underground mining processes and practices in accordance with mining, safety and environmental legislation.
• Solid technical and operational knowledge in the processes associated with underground massive mining operations and experience of working in such mines.
• A methodical approach, good analytical skills, accuracy and attention to detail.
• Experiential and technical knowledge of rock mass characterisation and rock mass classification systems, including Q, RMR, GSI and MRMR, amongst others.

Background Checks

Successful candidates will be required to complete background screening which may include a criminal check, validation of qualifications and medical fitness.

Additional Information

Values

Put Safety First – We consider all risks to people and the environment before proceeding with any activity. We address risks before beginning any activity, even if this means stopping a task. Zero Harm is always our goal.

Be Passionate – We are exhilarated by the product we sell, the challenges we face and the opportunities we create.

Pull Together – Being united in purpose and action, we will turn the diversity of our people, skills and experience into an unparalleled source of strength.

Build Trust – We will always listen first, then act with openness, honesty and integrity so that our relationships flourish.

Show we Care – The people whose lives we touch, their communities, nations and the environment we share, all matter deeply to us. We will always think through the consequences of what we do so that our contribution to the world is real, lasting and makes us proud.

Shape the Future – We will find new ways. We will set demanding targets and take both tough decisions and considered risks to achieve them. We will insist on excellent execution and reward those who deliver.

Eligibility Criteria

This role is open to all individuals and we will support employees who might need to relocate.

Closing date: 31 December 2025

Seniority level: Associate

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Production

Industries: Retail Luxury Goods and Jewelry