Senior Civil Engineer - Geotechnical Investigations

Placements24; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Civil Engineer specializing in geotechnical investigations in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. You will oversee site investigations, manage field teams, analyze soil/rock data, and prepare comprehensive reports.

The role requires Pr Eng registration, a Geotechnical Master’s degree, and 8+ years of geotechnical experience, with travel to project sites. A strong client-facing capability and leadership are essential.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering with Geotechnical specialization.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) is essential.
• 8+ years of progressive geotechnical engineering experience with site investigations.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics and foundation design principles.
• Experience with geotechnical software for analysis and modeling (PLAXIS, GeoStudio).
• Proficiency in planning and executing various ground investigations.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Strong project management and leadership capabilities.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within Stellenbosch region and beyond.

Responsibilities

• Plan, supervise, and manage ground investigation programs including site reconnaissance, drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Interpret geological and geotechnical data from laboratory tests and field monitoring.
• Prepare geotechnical investigation reports with recommendations for foundation design and earthworks.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, and design engineers to define investigation requirements and present findings.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and best practices.
• Oversee field technicians and drilling crews ensuring safety and quality.
• Provide expert advice on foundation engineering, retaining structures, and ground improvement.
• Assist in developing proposals and tenders for geotechnical projects.

Skills

Soil mechanics

Rock mechanics

Foundation design

Site investigations

Report writing

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Drilling supervision

Education

Master's degree in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical)

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading geotechnical engineering consultancy, requires an experienced Senior Civil Engineer with a strong focus on geotechnical investigations to join their team in Stellenbosch, Western Cape . This critical role involves planning, executing, and interpreting a wide range of ground investigations for diverse projects, including building foundations, infrastructure, and mining operations. You will be responsible for overseeing site investigations, managing field teams, analyzing soil and rock mechanics data, and preparing comprehensive geotechnical reports. The ideal candidate will possess in-depth knowledge of soil mechanics, foundation engineering, and site characterization techniques. We are seeking a technically adept and detail-oriented professional who can provide expert advice on ground conditions and foundation design to support project success.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, supervise, and manage ground investigation programs, including site reconnaissance, drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
• Interpret geological and geotechnical data, including laboratory test results and field monitoring data.
• Prepare detailed geotechnical investigation reports, providing recommendations for foundation design, slope stability, and earthworks.
• Liaise with clients, project managers, and design engineers to define investigation requirements and present findings.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical standards and best practices.
• Oversee the work of field technicians and drilling crews, ensuring safety and quality standards are maintained.
• Provide expert advice on foundation engineering, retaining structures, and ground improvement techniques.
• Assist in the development of proposals and tenders for geotechnical investigation projects.

Requirements

• A Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Geotechnical Engineering.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) is essential.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a focus on site investigations.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and foundation design principles.
• Experience with geotechnical software for analysis and modeling (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio).
• Proficiency in planning and executing various types of ground investigations.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information clearly.
• Strong project management and leadership capabilities.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within the Stellenbosch, Western Cape region and beyond.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive remuneration package, including a competitive base salary and performance-related bonuses. This role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth and development in a specialized field of civil engineering. You will be part of a respected firm with a strong reputation for technical excellence and client service. Comprehensive medical aid and a retirement fund are provided. The role is based in the picturesque setting of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , offering a high quality of life.