Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Medical aid

Pension fund contributions

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for our client in the mining sector based in Midrand, Gauteng. You will lead geotechnical investigations, design ground support, and assess stability for underground excavations and open-pit slopes, ensuring safety and efficiency across projects.

Ideal candidates hold a Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical or Mining Engineering with 8+ years in mining geotech, strong modeling skills, and a Pr.Eng. registration or eligibility.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD in Geotechnical or Mining Engineering.
• Minimum 8 years in geotechnical engineering with mining experience.
• Experience with numerical modeling and stability analysis software (e.g., FLAC, RocScience).
• Pr.Eng. registration or eligibility is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of South African mining regulations and standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations for mine design and operations.
• Develop ground support designs and monitoring plans for underground excavations and open-pit slopes.
• Perform stability analyses for highwalls, stopes, and tailings dams.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice to mine planning and operations teams.
• Oversee geotechnical drilling programs and field instrumentation installations.
• Conduct risk assessments and mitigation strategies for geotechnical hazards.
• Review and approve geotechnical reports and designs from consultants.
• Stay updated with advancements in geotechnical and mining technology.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to team development.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Mentoring

Team collaboration

Technical report writing

Education

Master's or PhD in Geotechnical or Mining Engineering

Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) registration or eligibility

Tools

FLAC

RocScience suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading entity in the Mining sector, is seeking to appoint a highly skilled and experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their dynamic team based in Midrand, Gauteng, ZA. This role is crucial for ensuring the stability and safety of our mining operations through expert geotechnical analysis and design. You will play a pivotal role in advising on ground support systems, slope stability, and underground excavation designs. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of geological conditions and their impact on mining infrastructure, contributing to innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and safety. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on significant projects within a reputable organization and to contribute to the advancement of geotechnical engineering practices in the South African Mining industry. Your expertise will be instrumental in identifying and mitigating geotechnical risks associated with exploration, development, and operational phases of various mining projects. We are committed to fostering a collaborative environment where professional growth and development are paramount, making this a rewarding career move for the right candidate. The scope of work encompasses both surface and underground mining environments, demanding a versatile approach to geotechnical challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations, including data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation for mine design and operational support.
• Develop and implement detailed ground support designs and monitoring plans for underground excavations and open-pit slopes.
• Perform stability analyses for various mining structures, including highwalls, stopes, and tailings dams.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice and recommendations to mine planning, engineering, and operations teams.
• Oversee and manage geotechnical drilling programs and field instrumentation installations.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop mitigation strategies for geotechnical hazards.
• Review and approve geotechnical reports and designs submitted by consultants.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in geotechnical engineering and mining technology.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to team development.

Requirements

• A Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a closely related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion focused on the mining industry .
• Proven experience in numerical modeling and stability analysis software (e.g., FLAC, Rocscience suite).
• In-depth knowledge of geological characterization, rock mass properties, and failure mechanisms.
• Experience with geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring techniques.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Professional Engineer (Pr.Eng.) registration or eligibility is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with relevant South African mining regulations and standards.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Willingness to travel to various mine sites as required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• Participation in challenging and impactful mining projects.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment in Midrand, Gauteng.
• Potential for career advancement within a leading organization.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for suitable candidates.