Geotechnical Engineer - Site Investigations

Placements24; Richards Bay; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement benefits

Professional development and training

Supportive team environment

Impactful projects

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to lead site investigations in Richards Bay and nearby areas. You will assess subsurface conditions and recommend foundations, earthworks, and ground improvement strategies.

The role requires hands-on fieldwork and detailed reporting, with opportunities to influence design for industrial and infrastructure projects in a dynamic region.

Qualifications

• Requires a degree in civil engineering with geotechnical specialization.
• Minimum 5 years of geotechnical site investigation experience.
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise geotechnical site investigations (boreholes, CPT, trial pits).
• Interpret soil/rock lab results and field data to characterize subsurface conditions.
• Prepare detailed geotechnical investigation reports with foundation/earthworks guidance.
• Provide geotechnical input for foundations, retaining walls, roads, and civil structures.
• Liaise with clients, contractors and engineers to meet project needs.
• Ensure safety protocols during all site activities.

Skills

Geotechnical fieldwork

Soil & rock testing

CPT testing

Geotechnical reporting

Interpreting lab data

Education

BEng/BSc Civil Engineering (Geotechnical)

Tools

Plaxis

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled Geotechnical Engineer to conduct site investigations and provide expert geotechnical advice for diverse civil engineering projects in the Richards Bay and surrounding areas. This role is crucial for assessing subsurface conditions and recommending appropriate foundation designs, earthworks, and ground improvement strategies. You will be responsible for planning, supervising, and interpreting the results of site investigations, including drilling, in-situ testing, and laboratory analysis. The position requires a hands-on approach, involving both fieldwork and detailed report writing, ensuring the stability and safety of construction projects. This is an excellent opportunity to work on significant industrial and infrastructure developments.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and supervise geotechnical site investigations, including borehole drilling, CPT testing, and trial pits.
• Interpret soil and rock mechanics laboratory test results and field data to characterize subsurface conditions.
• Prepare detailed geotechnical investigation reports , including foundation recommendations, slope stability analyses, and earthworks design parameters.
• Provide geotechnical input for the design of foundations, retaining walls, roads, and other civil structures.
• Liaise with clients, contractors, and other engineering disciplines to address geotechnical issues and ensure project requirements are met.
• Ensure adherence to safety protocols during all site investigation activities.

Requirements

• BEng or BSc in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in geotechnical site investigations and analysis.
• Proficiency in interpreting geological data and performing geotechnical calculations .
• Knowledge of relevant South African standards and guidelines for geotechnical investigations.
• Experience with geotechnical software for analysis and reporting is advantageous.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to various project sites.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work on impactful projects in a growing region.
• Contribution towards medical aid and retirement benefits.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive team environment focused on technical excellence.