Geotechnical Engineer - Coastal Development Projects

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 is hiring a Geotechnical Engineer for our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal office. You will conduct site investigations, analyze soil mechanics data, and design foundations for coastal structures such as wharves and breakwaters.

Collaboration with marine, structural, and environmental teams is essential, with field presence and travel to project sites. You should have 5+ years of geotechnical experience, a Civil Engineering degree with a geotechnical specialization, and proficiency in

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant geotechnical experience, preferably maritime or coastal.
• Experience with geotechnical software such as Plaxis or GeoStudio.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct detailed geotechnical investigations, including site reconnaissance and drilling.
• Develop foundation designs for wharves, jetties, breakwaters, and onshore facilities.
• Prepare geotechnical reports, recommendations and construction method statements.
• Oversee site investigations, field work, and ensure compliance with specs and safety.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Soil mechanics

Field investigations

Geotechnical software

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical)

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent engineering firm specializing in coastal and marine infrastructure, is seeking a dedicated Geotechnical Engineer for their Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal office. This role is crucial for the successful planning and execution of projects related to port development, offshore structures, and coastal protection measures. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of soil mechanics, foundation design, and ground improvement techniques, with a particular emphasis on challenges presented by challenging coastal environments. You will be joining a team that is at the forefront of developing sustainable and resilient infrastructure solutions for the vibrant South African coast. This is a field-intensive position, requiring significant site presence and hands-on involvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct detailed geotechnical investigations, including site reconnaissance, drilling, and in-situ testing programs.
• Analyze soil and rock mechanics data to develop foundation designs for various structures, such as wharves, jetties, breakwaters, and onshore facilities.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, design recommendations, and construction method statements.
• Provide expert advice on ground improvement techniques, slope stability, and earthworks design.
• Oversee site investigations and construction activities, ensuring adherence to design specifications and safety standards.
• Collaborate with structural engineers, marine engineers, and environmental consultants to integrate geotechnical solutions into overall project design.
• Manage project documentation, including field data, laboratory test results, and design calculations.
• Conduct risk assessments related to geotechnical aspects of coastal projects in Richards Bay .

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, preferably within the maritime or coastal sector.
• Experience with geotechnical software such as Plaxis, GeoStudio, or similar.
• Thorough understanding of South African geotechnical standards and practices.
• Ability to interpret site investigation data and provide practical, cost-effective design solutions.
• Strong field experience, including supervision of drilling operations and site characterization.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and work in demanding field conditions within KwaZulu-Natal .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with benefits such as medical aid, a provident fund, and opportunities for professional growth.

This role offers the chance to contribute to significant coastal development projects, gaining invaluable experience in a specialized field. We provide a supportive team environment and the necessary resources to excel in your role. The position is based in Richards Bay , offering direct engagement with the region's key development initiatives.