Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Mine Stability

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development

Site-based allowances

Recreational facilities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for its Pietermaritzburg operation. You will lead geotechnical investigations, design ground support for underground and open-pit mining, and mentor junior engineers.

The role requires 8+ years in mining geotechnical engineering, proficiency with FLAC/Slide/Rocscience, and a Pr. Eng. designation or eligibility is highly desirable.

Qualifications

• Eight+ years of progressive geotechnical experience in mining.
• Proven expertise in rock/soil mechanics and slope stability analyses.
• Design and review of underground excavations and ground support.
• Strong ability to lead projects and mentor engineers.
• Pr. Eng. registration or eligibility is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geotechnical investigations for mine planning and operations.
• Design and implement ground support for underground and open-pit environments.
• Monitor geotechnical conditions and assess hazards.
• Develop and review instrumentation and monitoring programs.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice for mine design and development.
• Prepare detailed reports and recommendations for management.

Skills

Rock mechanics

Soil mechanics

Slope stability

Underground design

Geotechnical software

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Geotechnical/Civil Engineering

Tools

FLAC

Slide

Rocscience suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading player in the mining industry, is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their dynamic team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This is a crucial role focused on ensuring the long-term stability and safety of our mining operations. The successful candidate will play a pivotal part in assessing geological conditions, designing ground support systems, and implementing best practices in geotechnical engineering within a challenging underground and open-pit mining environment. We are committed to innovation and sustainability, and this position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge projects while advancing your career in a supportive and collaborative setting. You will be working closely with mine planners, geologists, and operational staff to provide expert geotechnical advice and solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical investigations and analyses for mine planning and operations.
• Design and implement appropriate ground support systems for underground excavations and open-pit slopes.
• Monitor ground conditions and assess the risk of rock bursts, slope failures, and other geotechnical hazards.
• Develop and review geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring programs.
• Provide expert technical advice on geotechnical aspects of mine design, development, and production.
• Prepare detailed geotechnical reports, recommendations, and presentations for management and project teams.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the integration of geotechnical considerations into overall mine planning and operations.
• Stay abreast of advancements in geotechnical engineering principles and technologies relevant to the mining sector.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations, environmental standards, and company policies.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to the development of the geotechnical team.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant portion focused on the mining sector.
• Proven expertise in rock mechanics, soil mechanics, slope stability analysis, and underground excavation design.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software (e.g., FLAC, Slide, Rocscience suite).
• Strong understanding of geological conditions and their impact on mine design and stability.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and lead technical teams.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience with geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring techniques.
• Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng.) registration or eligibility is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and qualifications. This includes a generous base salary, performance-based bonuses, and comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions. We provide opportunities for professional development, including continuous training, conference attendance, and support for further education. Employees also benefit from paid time off, potential for site-based allowances, and access to excellent recreational facilities. Join a company that values its employees, promotes a strong safety culture, and invests in career growth within the exciting and vital mining industry located in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal .