Geotechnical Engineer - Underground Operations

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Pension fund

Professional development opportunities

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to join mining operations in the Western Cape. You will assess ground conditions, design ground support, and implement monitoring programs to mitigate geotechnical risks in underground environments.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's in Geotechnical Engineering, 7+ years in underground mining, and proficiency with Rocscience and FLAC.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of underground mining geotechnical experience.
• Proficient with RocScience and FLAC software.
• Experience with geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations for underground mines.
• Design ground support systems (rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete).
• Develop geotechnical monitoring programs and analyze data.
• Assess rock mass properties and potential failure mechanisms.
• Provide guidance on excavation stability and slope design.
• Assess seismic activity and its impact on mine stability.
• Collaborate with planning teams to integrate geotechnical considerations.
• Prepare geotechnical reports and risk assessments.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Rock mechanics

Engineering geology

Soil mechanics

Instrumentation & monitoring

Education

Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

RocScience suite

FLAC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the mining industry, is seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to join their esteemed operations in Cape Town. This role is crucial for ensuring the stability and safety of underground mining environments. You will be responsible for assessing ground conditions, designing support systems, and implementing monitoring programs to mitigate geotechnical risks. The successful candidate will leverage their expertise in rock mechanics and engineering geology to contribute to the safe and efficient extraction of resources. This is a unique chance to apply your specialized skills in a challenging and rewarding context, contributing to the success of critical mining projects in Cape Town, Western Cape, ZA. Your work will directly impact operational safety and productivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geotechnical investigations and site characterizations for underground mines.
• Design and recommend appropriate ground support systems, including rock bolting, mesh, and shotcrete.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs, including instrumentation and data analysis.
• Analyze rock mass properties and predict potential failure mechanisms.
• Provide technical guidance on excavation stability and slope design for underground operations.
• Assess seismic activity and its potential impact on mine stability.
• Collaborate with mine planning and production teams to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and scheduling.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, risk assessments, and recommendations.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geotechnical engineering and mining technology.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in underground mining geotechnical assessments.
• In-depth knowledge of rock mechanics, engineering geology, and soil mechanics.
• Proficiency with geotechnical software for modeling and analysis (e.g., Rocscience suite, FLAC).
• Experience with geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring techniques.
• Strong understanding of underground mining methods and their geotechnical implications.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams in a challenging environment.
• Professional registration with a relevant body is an advantage.
• Must be able to work effectively in a hybrid capacity, based out of Cape Town.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package complemented by performance-based incentives. Benefits include comprehensive private medical insurance, a robust pension fund, and ample opportunities for professional development and advanced training. Generous annual leave, potential travel allowances, and a collaborative work culture are standard. This position offers the chance to work on significant projects and contribute to the safety and efficiency of mining operations in Cape Town.