Geotechnical Engineer - Slope Stability Specialist

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

About the Role Our client, a leader in the mining and infrastructure sectors, is seeking a highly specialized Geotechnical Engineer with expertise in slope stability to join their team in Paarl, Western Cape. This critical role will focus on analyzing, assessing, and mitigating risks associated with open-pit mine slopes and other excavations. You will be responsible for conducting detailed geotechnical investigations, developing design parameters for stable slopes, and providing expert advice to mine planning and operations teams. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical foundation in soil and rock mechanics, extensive practical experience with numerical modeling software, and a commitment to ensuring the safety and integrity of our mining structures. This position offers the opportunity to work on challenging projects and contribute to the safe and efficient operation of major mining assets.

Key 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.

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits package, performance bonuses, and a generous retirement fund.

We provide significant opportunities for professional development, advanced training in specialized areas, and career growth within a leading industry firm. You will work on challenging and impactful projects within a collaborative and safety-conscious environment.

This role is based in the beautiful Paarl, Western Cape, offering an excellent quality of life.