Geotechnical Engineer - Slope Stability (Open Pit)

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance bonuses

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly specialized Geotechnical Engineer with a focus on slope stability for mining projects in Paarl, Western Cape. The role requires a Masters/PhD in geotechnical engineering and at least seven years of relevant experience, including numerical modeling and instrumentation interpretation.

You will lead investigations, perform stability analyses, and develop design recommendations for slopes, dewatering, and ground support while collaborating with mine planning teams.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field with a geotechnical focus
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a specialization in slope stability for mining or civil projects
• Proven expertise in numerical modeling techniques for geotechnical analysis
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and engineering geology
• Familiarity with ground monitoring instrumentation and data interpretation
• Experience with site investigations, including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng) registration or eligibility is highly desirable
• Willingness to conduct site visits to operational areas as required

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including site characterization, soil and rock mass property testing
• Perform detailed stability analyses for open-pit mine slopes, waste rock dumps, and tailings storage facilities
• Develop design recommendations for slope geometry, reinforcement, and dewatering systems
• Utilize advanced numerical modeling software (e.g., Rocscience Suite, FLAC, PLAXIS) to simulate slope behavior and assess failure mechanisms
• Develop and implement ground support and stabilization strategies
• Monitor slope performance using instrumentation such as piezometers, inclinometers, and extensometers
• Review and provide geotechnical input on mine plans, designs, and operational procedures
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports, technical specifications, and presentations
• Collaborate effectively with mine engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, and construction teams
• Stay current with advancements in geotechnical engineering principles, analytical methods, and software

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a highly specialized Geotechnical Engineer with a focus on slope stability for mining projects in Paarl, Western Cape. The role requires a Masters/PhD in geotechnical engineering and at least seven years of relevant experience, including numerical modeling and instrumentation interpretation.

You will lead investigations, perform stability analyses, and develop design recommendations for slopes, dewatering, and ground support while collaborating with mine planning teams.