Geotechnical Engineer - Mining

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Life insurance

Ongoing training & advancement

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly skilled Geotechnical Engineer to support mining operations near Paarl, Western Cape. You will assess ground conditions, design ground support, and monitor slope stability for underground and surface structures.

Role requires 6+ years in geotechnical mining, strong rock/soil mechanics knowledge, and proficiency with Slide, RocData, Phase2, and FLAC. Travel to mine sites may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, or related field.
• Master's degree specializing in Geotechnical Engineering preferred.
• Minimum 6 years of geotechnical mining experience.
• Strong knowledge of rock and soil mechanics and engineering geology.
• Proficiency with slides/phase2/FLAC/RocData software.
• Experience with field investigations and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with slope stability, excavation design, tailings management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical writing and communication abilities.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites; team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations and site characterization for mining projects.
• Analyze rock mass properties, soil characteristics, and groundwater conditions.
• Design and specify ground support for underground excavations and open-pit slopes.
• Perform stability analyses for pits, high walls, and openings.
• Monitor ground movement and slope stability using instrumentation.
• Assess tailings storage facility stability and contribute to design/management.
• Develop geotechnical risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Provide technical recommendations to mine planning and operations teams.
• Utilize geotechnical software for modeling and analysis (RocSci suite, FLAC).
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical codes, standards and best practices.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports and present findings.

Skills

Rock mechanics

Soil mechanics

Engineering geology

Analytical thinking

Technical writing

Communication

Team collaboration

Field investigation techniques

Instrumentation experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering / Civil Engineering / Mining Engineering

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering (preferred)

Tools

Slide

RocData

Phase2

FLAC

Rocscience suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a progressive mining company, is seeking a highly skilled Geotechnical Engineer to support their operations near Paarl, Western Cape . This role is essential for ensuring the stability and safety of all underground and surface mine structures, including open pits, tunnels, and tailings dams. The successful candidate will apply advanced geotechnical principles to assess ground conditions, design ground support systems, and monitor slope stability. This position requires a strong understanding of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and relevant geological software. You will collaborate closely with mine planning, geology, and operations teams to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and operational planning, thereby minimizing risks and optimizing resource extraction.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations and site characterization for mining projects.
• Analyze rock mass properties, soil characteristics, and groundwater conditions.
• Design and specify ground support systems for underground excavations and open-pit slopes.
• Perform stability analyses for open pits, high walls, and underground openings.
• Monitor ground movement and slope stability using instrumentation and surveying techniques.
• Assess the stability of tailings storage facilities and contribute to their design and management.
• Develop geotechnical risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Provide technical recommendations to mine planning and operations teams.
• Utilize geotechnical software for modeling and analysis (e.g., Rocscience suite, FLAC).
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and best practices.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports and present findings to stakeholders.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related discipline.
• A Master's degree specializing in Geotechnical Engineering is preferred.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, with a focus on mining applications.
• Strong knowledge of rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and engineering geology.
• Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software (e.g., Slide, RocData, Phase2, FLAC).
• Experience with field investigation techniques and instrumentation.
• Familiarity with slope stability analysis, excavation design, and tailings management.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong technical writing and communication abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with multidisciplinary departments.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to mine sites as required.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and life insurance. They are committed to fostering professional growth through ongoing training, workshops, and opportunities for advancement. This role provides the chance to work on significant mining projects in a region known for its natural beauty. You will be part of a reputable company that values technical expertise and employee well-being. Contribute your specialized geotechnical knowledge to ensure the safe and efficient operation of mining activities.