Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Dam Safety

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 3,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer based in Upington to lead dam safety and embankment projects. The role involves overseeing investigations, advanced analyses, and instrumentation programs to ensure the integrity of water infrastructure across South Africa.

You will provide expert design and rehabilitation guidance, prepare detailed reports, and manage client relationships and project budgets on critical dam projects.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of specialized experience in dam engineering and geotechnical investigations.
• Proven expertise in numerical modeling of soil and rock mechanics for complex geotechnical problems.
• In-depth knowledge of international and South African dam safety guidelines and best practices.
• Experience with field investigation techniques relevant to dam sites (CPT, Piezocone, drilling).

Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations for dams, tailings facilities, and related earth structures.
• Perform advanced stability analyses, seepage analyses, and seismic risk assessments for embankment dams.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of dam instrumentation and monitoring programs.
• Provide expert advice on dam design, construction, operation, and rehabilitation strategies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, specifications, and recommendations for dam safety improvements.
• Manage projects, budgets, and client relationships related to dam engineering assignments.

Skills

Leadership

Report writing

Presentation skills

Numerical modeling

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or related field

Tools

CPT

Piezocone

Drilling

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer with a specialization in dam safety and embankment engineering, to be based in Upington . This critical role involves assessing the stability and performance of dams and related structures, ensuring public safety and environmental protection. You will lead complex investigations, analysis, and provide expert recommendations for rehabilitation and maintenance projects. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on vital water infrastructure, contributing your deep technical expertise to ensure the long-term integrity of these essential assets within a leading engineering consultancy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations for dams, tailings facilities, and related earth structures.
• Perform advanced stability analyses, seepage analyses, and seismic risk assessments for embankment dams.
• Develop and oversee the implementation of dam instrumentation and monitoring programs.
• Provide expert advice on dam design, construction, operation, and rehabilitation strategies.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, specifications, and recommendations for dam safety improvements.
• Manage projects, budgets, and client relationships related to dam engineering assignments.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of specialized experience in dam engineering and geotechnical investigations.
• Proven expertise in numerical modeling of soil and rock mechanics for complex geotechnical problems.
• In-depth knowledge of international and South African dam safety guidelines and best practices.
• Experience with field investigation techniques relevant to dam sites (e.g., CPT, Piezocone, drilling).
• Excellent leadership, report writing, and presentation skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive benefits package.
• Company vehicle and support for relocation expenses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and generous retirement fund contributions.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leading cutting-edge projects.
• Work on high-profile and technically challenging dam safety projects across the country.