Geotechnical Mining Specialist

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Hybrid role

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Geotechnical Mining Specialist for our client in Gauteng. The role blends field investigations with office analysis to ensure stability of underground and open-pit structures. You will apply rock and soil mechanics, run models, and guide design of supports and tailings facilities.

The ideal candidate has a Master’s/PhD in geotechnical or mining engineering, 6+ years’ experience, and proficiency with RocScience and FLAC. Travel to sites around Tembisa is expected.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in geotechnical or mining engineering.
• 6+ years in geotechnical engineering within mining.
• Expertise in rock and soil mechanics.
• Experience with Rocscience Suite and FLAC.
• Instrumentation and monitoring experience.
• Strong report-writing and communication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geotechnical investigations and site characterization for mining projects.
• Analyze rock mass properties, stability, and failure mechanisms.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs with instrumentation.
• Provide design recommendations for mine support, slope stability, and tailings.
• Perform numerical modelling (e.g., finite element) for ground response.
• Investigate geotechnical failures, identify root causes, recommend actions.
• Collaborate with engineers and geologists to integrate geotech into planning.
• Ensure compliance with standards and mining regulations.
• Contribute to geotechnical risk management frameworks.
• Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Mining experience

Rock mechanics

Soil mechanics

Geotechnical software

Instrumentation & monitoring

Analysis & reporting

Travel willingness

Education

Master's/PhD in Geotechnical or Mining Eng.

Tools

RocScience Suite

FLAC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent name in the mining sector, is actively seeking a highly qualified Geotechnical Mining Specialist to join their esteemed operations in Tembisa, Gauteng. This role is critical for ensuring the stability and safety of underground and open-pit mining structures. The specialist will be responsible for conducting in-depth geotechnical investigations, analyzing ground conditions, and providing expert recommendations to mitigate risks. This hybrid position offers a unique blend of on-site fieldwork and office-based analysis, providing a comprehensive and engaging work experience. We are looking for a proactive individual with exceptional analytical skills and a deep understanding of rock mechanics and soil mechanics as applied to mining environments. Your expertise will be vital in safeguarding our operations and personnel. This is a fantastic chance to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking company.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geotechnical investigations and site characterization for new and existing mining projects.
• Analyze rock mass properties, stability, and failure mechanisms for underground excavations and open-pit slopes.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs, including instrumentation installation and data interpretation.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice and design recommendations for mine support systems, slope stability, and tailings management facilities.
• Perform numerical modelling (e.g., finite element analysis) to assess ground response and stability under various mining conditions.
• Investigate and report on geotechnical failures or incidents, identifying root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Collaborate with mine engineers, geologists, and other disciplines to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine planning and design.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical standards, mining regulations, and best practices.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of geotechnical risk management frameworks.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and provide technical guidance to site personnel.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related discipline with a strong focus on geomechanics.
• A minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering within the mining industry.
• Demonstrated expertise in rock mechanics, soil mechanics, and engineering geology.
• Proficiency in geotechnical investigation techniques and laboratory testing interpretation.
• Experience with geotechnical software for slope stability and underground mine design analysis (e.g., Rocscience Suite, FLAC).
• Strong understanding of underground and open-pit mining methods.
• Knowledge of geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Good communication and presentation skills, capable of explaining complex technical issues clearly.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites in and around Tembisa, Gauteng as needed.

Benefits

• This position comes with a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health insurance, a retirement savings plan, and generous annual leave are included.
• Opportunities for professional development, attending industry conferences, and further specialized training are readily available.
• The company supports a collaborative work environment and encourages innovation.
• This hybrid role offers flexibility, allowing for a balanced work-life integration.
• The role is based in Tembisa, Gauteng , offering a strategic advantage for local talent and those looking to be part of a significant mining operation.
• Career growth opportunities within the organization are substantial for high performers.