Geotechnical Engineer - Dam Safety and Stability

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Our client in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a senior Geotechnical Engineer to ensure safety and integrity of tailings dams and mining structures. You will lead investigations, stability analyses, and monitoring programs while mentoring juniors.

The role combines site visits with office-based analysis in a hybrid setup, requiring knowledge of soil/rock mechanics, numerical modeling, and regulatory compliance to support responsible mining operations.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering (Geotechnical focus), or related field.
• Eight or more years of geotechnical experience with tailings dam design and management.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as Plaxis, GeoStudio, FLAC, for slope stability and seepage analysis.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, hydrogeology, and earthquake engineering for mining structures.
• Experience in site investigations, lab testing interpretation, and field instrumentation.
• Proven ability to conduct quantitative risk assessments for mining-related geotechnical hazards.
• Excellent technical report writing and communication skills.
• Professional registration with ECSA or eligibility for registration is desirable.
• Experience in KwaZulu-Natal region and local geology understanding is advantageous.
• Willingness to adopt a hybrid work model balancing site visits with office analysis and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including site characterization and in-situ testing.
• Perform stability analyses of TSFs, waste rock dumps, and related structures using advanced modeling software.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs.
• Prepare geotechnical reports, design recommendations, and construction supervision plans.
• Collaborate with mine planners, environmental scientists, and engineers to integrate geotechnical considerations.
• Conduct QRAs related to geotechnical hazards and develop mitigations.
• Oversee geotechnical remediation design and construction.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and regulations.
• Provide expert advice on geotechnical aspects of mining operations.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to team development.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Technical writing

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Civil Engineering (Geotechnical focus)

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

FLAC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the natural resources sector, is seeking a highly skilled Geotechnical Engineer to bolster their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal . This role is integral to ensuring the safety, stability, and long-term integrity of critical mining infrastructure, particularly focusing on tailings dams and water management structures. You will play a key role in undertaking detailed geotechnical investigations, risk assessments, and implementing mitigation strategies. The ideal candidate will possess advanced knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and numerical modeling techniques applied to large-scale earth structures. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on significant projects within a dynamic coastal environment, contributing to responsible mining practices. Your expertise will be vital in maintaining operational continuity and upholding the highest safety standards for the Richards Bay operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including site characterization, soil/rock sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Perform detailed stability analyses of tailings storage facilities (TSFs), waste rock dumps, and other related structures using advanced numerical modeling software.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs to assess the performance and health of earth structures.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, design recommendations, and construction supervision plans.
• Collaborate with mine planners, environmental scientists, and structural engineers to integrate geotechnical considerations into project design and operation.
• Conduct quantitative risk assessments (QRAs) related to geotechnical failures and develop appropriate mitigation measures.
• Oversee the design and construction of geotechnical remediation works.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide expert technical advice on all geotechnical aspects of mining operations.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to the development of the geotechnical team's capabilities.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering (with a Geotechnical focus), or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong emphasis on tailings dam design, analysis, and management.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as Plaxis, GeoStudio, FLAC, or similar for slope stability and seepage analysis.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, hydrogeology, and earthquake engineering as applied to mining structures.
• Experience in conducting site investigations, laboratory testing interpretation, and field instrumentation.
• Proven ability to perform quantitative risk assessments for mining-related geotechnical hazards.
• Excellent technical report writing and communication skills.
• Professional registration with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) or eligibility for registration is highly desirable.
• Experience in the KwaZulu-Natal region and understanding of local geological conditions is advantageous.
• Willingness to adopt a hybrid work model, balancing site visits with office-based analysis and reporting.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, complemented by performance-based incentives and a comprehensive benefits plan including medical aid and a retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development, specialized training, and attending industry workshops are readily available.
• This hybrid role provides flexibility, allowing you to contribute effectively from both the office in Richards Bay and remotely.

You’ll join a dedicated team focused on ensuring the long-term sustainability and safety of mining operations in this key industrial region.