Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Mine Stability

Placements24; Stellenbosch; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Geotechnical Engineer in Stellenbosch, Western Cape with 6-8 years in mining geotechnics. You’ll assess geological conditions, design ground support, model stability, and monitor slopes to safeguard underground and open-pit operations.

You will mentor juniors, collaborate with geologists and mine engineers, and develop risk management strategies while ensuring regulatory safety and project integrity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering with a geotechnical specialization, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• A minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a substantial focus on mining applications.
• Proven experience with geotechnical investigation techniques, rock mechanics testing, and data analysis.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for modeling and analysis (e.g., Rocscience suite, FLAC, Map3D).
• Solid understanding of open-pit slope stability and underground mine design principles.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geotechnical investigations, including site assessments, borehole drilling oversight, and laboratory testing interpretation.
• Develop and implement ground support designs and rock mass characterization for underground excavations and open-pit slopes.
• Perform numerical modeling and stability analyses to assess risks associated with mining activities.
• Monitor the performance of excavations and slopes using instrumentation and field observations.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice to mine planning, design, and operations teams.
• Develop and implement geotechnical risk management strategies and contingency plans.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, specifications, and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations in Stellenbosch.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to the development of best practices within the department.
• Collaborate with geologists, mining engineers, and other disciplines to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and operation.

Skills

Geotechnical investigations

Ground support design

Numerical modeling

Rock mechanics

Data interpretation

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or Civil Engineering (geotechnical)

Tools

Rocscience suite

FLAC

Map3D

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the South African mining industry , is seeking a seasoned Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their established team. This role is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of our mining operations, both underground and open-pit. Based in the picturesque region of Stellenbosch, Western Cape , you will play a pivotal role in assessing geological conditions, designing ground support systems, and monitoring slope stability. This position offers a dynamic work environment, requiring a blend of field assessment and office-based analysis, contributing significantly to the overall risk management and operational integrity of our diverse mining projects. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geotechnical investigations, including site assessments, borehole drilling oversight, and laboratory testing interpretation.
• Develop and implement ground support designs and rock mass characterization for underground excavations and open-pit slopes.
• Perform numerical modeling and stability analyses to assess risks associated with mining activities.
• Monitor the performance of excavations and slopes using instrumentation and field observations.
• Provide expert geotechnical advice to mine planning, design, and operations teams.
• Develop and implement geotechnical risk management strategies and contingency plans.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, specifications, and recommendations.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations in Stellenbosch .
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to the development of best practices within the department.
• Collaborate with geologists, mining engineers, and other disciplines to integrate geotechnical considerations into mine design and operation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering with a geotechnical specialization, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• A minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a substantial focus on mining applications .
• Proven experience with geotechnical investigation techniques, rock mechanics testing, and data analysis.
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for modeling and analysis (e.g., Rocscience suite, FLAC, Map3D).
• Solid understanding of open-pit slope stability and underground mine design principles.
• Experience in interpreting geological and geomechanical data.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities, with experience in report preparation.
• Ability to work effectively in both office and field environments.
• Registration or eligibility for registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
• Familiarity with the geological settings of the Western Cape is advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a robust retirement fund.
• We provide excellent opportunities for professional development through ongoing training, workshops, and support for further education and professional accreditation.
• Employees benefit from a strong safety culture and a collaborative team environment.
• This role offers a challenging and rewarding career in the heart of the beautiful Stellenbosch region, known for its vibrant community and stunning scenery.