Geotechnical Engineer - Mine Stability

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous annual leave

Professional growth

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Geotechnical Engineer for a mining project in Bloemfontein, Free State. The role focuses on stability analyses, ground support design, and risk mitigation for surface and underground structures.

You will conduct investigations, analyze rock and soil mechanics, and prepare technical reports, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to ensure safety and performance in local mining operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Mining Engineering with a geotechnical specialization; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant geotechnical experience in mining environments.
• Proven experience with slope stability analysis, rock and soil mechanics, and geotechnical software.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations including site assessments, drilling, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze soil and rock mass properties using lab and field data.
• Perform stability analyses for open-pit slopes, underground excavations, tailings dams, and foundations.
• Develop design recommendations for ground support, slope reinforcement, and dewatering systems.
• Monitor ground conditions and assess performance of geotechnical structures.
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports with findings, analyses and recommendations.
• Collaborate with mining engineers, geologists, and construction teams to integrate geotechnical requirements.

Skills

Slope stability analysis

Rock mechanics

Soil mechanics

Geotechnical engineering

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil or Mining Engineering with geotechnical specialization

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Rocscience suite

Plaxis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining entity with significant operations, is seeking a dedicated Geotechnical Engineer to bolster their technical team in Bloemfontein, Free State. This role is critical for ensuring the stability and safety of mine structures, both surface and underground. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting geotechnical investigations, analyzing soil and rock mechanics, and developing design recommendations for excavations, foundations, and slopes. Your expertise will be vital in mitigating risks associated with ground conditions and ensuring the long-term integrity of our mining infrastructure. We are looking for a proactive individual committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and operational performance in the Bloemfontein, Free State region.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations, including site assessments, drilling, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze soil and rock mass properties using laboratory and field data.
• Perform stability analyses for open-pit slopes, underground excavations, tailings dams, and infrastructure foundations.
• Develop design recommendations and specifications for ground support, slope reinforcement, and dewatering systems.
• Monitor ground conditions and assess the performance of geotechnical structures.
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports, including findings, analyses, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with mining engineers, geologists, and construction teams to integrate geotechnical requirements into project designs and operations.
• Oversee construction and implementation of geotechnical measures.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical engineering standards and mining regulations.
• Advise on the mitigation of geotechnical hazards.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Mining Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• A Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with exposure to mining environments.
• Proven experience in slope stability analysis, rock mechanics, and soil mechanics.
• Familiarity with geotechnical software for modeling and analysis (e.g., Rocscience suite, Plaxis).
• Strong understanding of site investigation techniques and data interpretation.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for technical reporting and collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and manage multiple tasks.
• Must be willing to work full-time at our Bloemfontein, Free State location.
• Valid driver's license.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and potential for performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave policy.
• Opportunities for professional growth and certification.
• Exposure to diverse geotechnical challenges in the mining sector.
• Supportive work environment and team collaboration.