Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Mining and Civil Interface

Placements24; Gqeberha; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-based bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer for a Port Elizabeth assignment focusing on mining-related civil infrastructure. You will oversee advanced geotechnical analyses, design foundations, and manage complex projects while ensuring safety and compliance in the Eastern Cape region and beyond.

The role requires a strong background in geotechnical software and a track record of delivering high-quality reports, along with leadership to mentor junior engineers and coordinate with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering with emphasis on Geotechnical engineering.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Professional registration with ECSA as PrEng.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced geotechnical investigations for mining-related civil infra.
• Perform slope stability analyses and deformation modeling.
• Develop foundation and retaining wall designs for challenging soils.
• Prepare geotechnical reports with risk assessments and mitigations.
• Coordinate with mining, geology, enviro, and other teams.
• Provide on-site supervision and QA during construction.
• Develop monitoring programs for geotechnical structures.
• Support proposals and new project bids.
• Ensure compliance with SANS and international standards.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers.

Skills

Report writing

Communication

Project management

Client relationships

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (Geotechnical)

Master's degree preferred

PrEng/ECSA professional registration

Tools

PLAXIS

GeoStudio (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W)

FLAC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished engineering and environmental consulting firm, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join their growing team in Port Elizabeth . This challenging role focuses on the critical interface between mining operations and civil infrastructure development. You will be responsible for providing expert geotechnical advice on projects involving mine waste management, tailings dams, slope stability in mined environments, and associated civil structures. The successful candidate will possess a robust understanding of both mining geotechnical challenges and traditional civil engineering applications, ensuring the safety and sustainability of projects in the Eastern Cape region and beyond. This position offers the chance to work on impactful projects within a supportive and professional environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced geotechnical investigations and analyses for mining-related civil infrastructure, including tailings storage facilities, heap leach pads, and waste rock dumps.
• Perform detailed slope stability analyses, seepage analyses, and deformation modeling for large-scale earth structures.
• Develop designs and specifications for foundations, retaining walls, and other civil structures in challenging geotechnical conditions.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, including risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
• Liaise with mining engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, and other stakeholders to integrate geotechnical considerations.
• Provide on-site technical supervision and quality assurance during construction phases.
• Develop and implement monitoring programs for existing geotechnical structures.
• Contribute to the development of proposals and secure new projects.
• Ensure all work adheres to relevant SANS codes, international standards, and industry best practices in both mining and civil engineering.
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and contribute to the team's technical development.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, with a strong emphasis on Geotechnical Engineering.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Professional registration with ECSA as a Professional Engineer (Pr. Eng).
• A minimum of 7 years of relevant geotechnical engineering experience, with significant exposure to mining-related projects (e.g., tailings dams, waste dumps).
• Proficiency in geotechnical software such as PLAXIS, GeoStudio (SLOPE/W, SEEP/W), FLAC, or similar finite element analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, and principles of unsaturated soil behavior.
• Experience with geophysical methods and in-situ testing techniques.
• Excellent report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets, and client relationships.
• Willingness to travel to project sites within the Eastern Cape and potentially other regions.
• A valid driver's license.

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, reflecting the seniority and expertise required for this role, complemented by performance-based bonuses. Employees are eligible for a comprehensive medical aid plan and participation in a company retirement fund. We are committed to professional growth, providing opportunities for continued learning, specialized training, and conference attendance. Join a highly respected firm dedicated to engineering excellence and sustainable development in Port Elizabeth . This role offers significant opportunities for career advancement and challenging project work.