Geotechnical Engineer - Stability and Risk Assessment

Placements24; Benoni; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical insurance

Retirement fund participation

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Geotechnical Engineer to oversee geotechnical investigations and stability analyses within mining operations in Gauteng. The role emphasizes rock/soil mechanics, ground control design, and proactive monitoring.

The candidate will work on-site, analyzing data from boreholes and instrumentation, and collaborating with planners and engineers to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and safety planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geotechnical-related field.
• Minimum 5 years' geotechnical experience in mining.
• Proficiency in rock/soil mechanics and slope stability analysis.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical site investigations including geological mapping and borehole logging.
• Analyze strength and deformability of rock and soil masses from data.
• Perform stability analyses for open-pit slopes and underground excavations.
• Develop ground support designs for underground workings.
• Monitor ground conditions using instrumentation and report findings.
• Collaborate with planners/engineers/geologists to integrate geotechnical considerations.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical codes and safety standards.
• Respond to geotechnical emergencies with expert guidance.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Ground control

Analytical skills

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Geotechnical Engineering / Civil / Mining with Geomechanics

Tools

Rocscience suite

FLAC

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major mining consortium operating in the Benoni, Gauteng region, requires a skilled and dedicated Geotechnical Engineer to ensure the stability and safety of its underground and surface mining infrastructure. This critical role involves conducting in-depth geotechnical investigations, analyzing rock mass behavior, and developing mitigation strategies to manage potential risks associated with ground control. You will be responsible for assessing the stability of slopes, excavations, and underground workings, providing essential recommendations to the operations and engineering teams. The ideal candidate will possess a strong understanding of soil and rock mechanics, along with practical experience in applying geotechnical principles within a mining context. We are seeking a proactive professional committed to maintaining the highest safety standards and contributing to the operational integrity of our client's extensive mining projects in Gauteng . This hands-on role requires a significant presence on-site.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical site investigations, including geological mapping, borehole logging, and in-situ testing.


• Analyze the strength and deformability characteristics of rock and soil masses using laboratory and field data.


• Perform stability analyses for open-pit slopes, underground excavations, and mine waste disposal facilities.


• Develop and implement ground support designs and reinforcement strategies for underground mine workings.


• Monitor ground conditions and deformations using instrumentation such as piezometers, extensometers, and inclinometers.


• Assess seismic hazards and their potential impact on mine stability.


• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, including recommendations for design, construction, and monitoring.


• Collaborate with mine planners, engineers, and geologists to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and operational planning.


• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.


• Respond to geotechnical emergencies and provide expert advice during stability incidents.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mining Engineering with a specialization in Geomechanics, or a related discipline.


• A minimum of 5 years of experience in geotechnical engineering, specifically within the mining industry.


• Demonstrated experience in rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and slope stability analysis.


• Proficiency in geotechnical software packages (e.g., Rocscience suite, FLAC, GeoStudio).


• Strong understanding of geological processes and their impact on engineering design.


• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and interpretative skills.


• Effective written and verbal communication abilities for reporting and stakeholder engagement.


• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.


• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel to various mine sites.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical insurance, retirement fund participation, and opportunities for continuous professional development.

This role provides a critical function in ensuring operational safety and sustainability for major mining projects in Benoni and the surrounding Gauteng region. Join a respected team dedicated to excellence in geotechnical engineering.