Geotechnical Engineer - Mining

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund contribution

Professional development

Career advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to join a major mining operation in Bloemfontein, Free State. You will lead geotechnical investigations, analyze data, and support safe, stable mine design across open pits and underground excavations.

The role requires a strong background in rock and soil mechanics, numerical modeling, and mining experience. Collaboration with planning and operations is essential for long-term stability and safety.

Qualifications

• Bachelors or Masters in Civil, Mining or Geotechnical.
• 7+ years in geotechnical engineering, mining-focused.
• Strong knowledge of rock and soil mechanics.
• Proficient in geotechnical analysis software (Rocscience, FLAC, Plaxis).
• Experience with instrumentation and monitoring techniques.
• Excellent analytical, reporting and writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Good understanding of mining operations and geotechnical implications.
• Pr.Eng. registration desirable; SA experience a plus.

Responsibilities

• Plan, execute and interpret geotechnical investigations (drilling, sampling, in-situ tests).
• Analyze data to assess stability of open pit slopes and underground excavations.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs.
• Provide recommendations for pit slope design, supports, and sequencing.
• Use numerical modeling to simulate ground behavior and stability.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports, specs and drawings.
• Collaborate with mine planning/ operations to integrate geotechnical into designs.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical codes and safety standards.
• Respond to geotechnical emergencies as required.

Skills

Rock mechanics

Soil mechanics

Numerical modeling

Rocscience suite

FLAC

Plaxis

Geotechnical instrumentation

Report writing

Independent work

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelors or Masters in Civil/Mining/Geotechnical

Tools

Rocscience software

FLAC

Plaxis

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major mining operation, is seeking a qualified Geotechnical Engineer to join their team in **Bloemfontein, Free State**. This critical role focuses on ensuring the stability and safety of all mining excavations, including open pits and underground structures. You will conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations, analyze data, and provide engineering recommendations to mitigate risks associated with ground movement, rockfalls, and slope failures. The successful candidate will possess a strong background in rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and numerical modeling, along with practical experience in the mining industry. This position is essential for maintaining safe operating conditions and optimizing mine design for long-term stability. The **Bloemfontein** location serves as a central point for managing geotechnical aspects across various sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and interpret geotechnical investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Analyze geological and geotechnical data to assess the stability of open pit slopes and underground excavations.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs to track ground conditions and identify potential hazards.
• Provide engineering recommendations for pit slope design, underground support systems, and excavation sequencing.
• Utilize numerical modeling software (e.g., FLAC, Phase2) to simulate ground behavior and assess stability under various conditions.
• Conduct risk assessments related to geotechnical hazards and develop mitigation strategies.
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports, specifications, and design drawings.
• Collaborate with mine planning, engineering, and operations teams to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and production plans.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and safety regulations.
• Respond to and manage geotechnical emergencies as required.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related Geotechnical discipline.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion focused on mining applications (open pit or underground).
• Strong knowledge of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and geological principles.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for analysis and modeling (e.g., Rocscience suite, FLAC, Plaxis).
• Experience with geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong understanding of mining operations and their geotechnical implications.
• Relevant professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng.) is highly desirable.
• Experience within the **Free State** mining sector is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance-related bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a substantial retirement fund contribution.
• Opportunities for professional development, further training, and career advancement are significant.
• This role offers the chance to work on challenging and impactful projects within a stable mining environment.
• The **Bloemfontein** location provides a central base for operations in the region.