Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Underground Stability

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement planning

Performance-based incentives

Fully remote

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to help stabilize underground mining operations from a fully remote location. You will assess rock masses, design ground support, and provide expert guidance to mine planning and operations teams worldwide.

The ideal candidate has a strong theoretical background and practical underground mining experience, with proficiency in FLAC3D/UDEC/Slide and a track record of delivering safe, cost-effective ground control solutions.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant focus on underground mining operations.
• Proficiency in numerical modeling software for geotechnical analysis (e.g., FLAC3D, UDEC, Slide).
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics, structural geology, and ground support principles.
• Experience with seismic monitoring systems and data analysis is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote setting.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) or equivalent registration is a strong asset.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and operational integrity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geotechnical assessments of underground mine workings, including excavations, stopes, and access routes.
• Develop and implement ground support designs and specifications for various geological conditions and mining methods.
• Perform rock mass characterization, stability analyses, and risk assessments using specialized software (e.g., Rocscience Suite, Maptek).
• Plan and supervise geotechnical investigations, including drilling, logging, and laboratory testing.
• Provide ongoing geotechnical monitoring and advice during mine development and production phases.
• Collaborate with mine engineers, geologists, and ventilation engineers to ensure integrated mine design and safety.
• Develop and implement seismic monitoring programs and interpret seismic data to assess mine seismicity.
• Contribute to mine planning processes by providing geotechnical input on stope design, pillar stability, and excavation sequencing.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, specifications, and recommendations for management and operational teams.
• Stay abreast of advancements in geotechnical engineering principles and practices relevant to underground mining.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Underground mining

Numerical modeling

Seismic monitoring

Technical reporting

Education

Master's or PhD in Geotechnical/Mining/Earth Science

Tools

FLAC3D

UDEC

Slope/Slide

Rocscience Suite

Maptek

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent name in the global mining sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer for a fully remote position. This role is crucial for ensuring the stability and safety of underground mining operations. You will be responsible for assessing rock mass conditions, designing ground support systems, and providing expert geotechnical advice to mine planning and operational teams. The ideal candidate will possess a strong theoretical background combined with practical experience in underground mining environments. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to significant mining projects from any location, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies to manage geotechnical risks effectively and support sustainable mining practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geotechnical assessments of underground mine workings, including excavations, stopes, and access routes.
• Develop and implement ground support designs and specifications for various geological conditions and mining methods.
• Perform rock mass characterization, stability analyses, and risk assessments using specialized software (e.g., Rocscience Suite, Maptek).
• Plan and supervise geotechnical investigations, including drilling, logging, and laboratory testing.
• Provide ongoing geotechnical monitoring and advice during mine development and production phases.
• Collaborate with mine engineers, geologists, and ventilation engineers to ensure integrated mine design and safety.
• Develop and implement seismic monitoring programs and interpret seismic data to assess mine seismicity.
• Contribute to mine planning processes by providing geotechnical input on stope design, pillar stability, and excavation sequencing.
• Prepare comprehensive geotechnical reports, specifications, and recommendations for management and operational teams.
• Stay abreast of advancements in geotechnical engineering principles and practices relevant to underground mining.

Requirements

• A Master's or Ph.D. degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in geotechnical engineering, with a significant focus on underground mining operations.
• Proficiency in numerical modeling software for geotechnical analysis (e.g., FLAC3D, UDEC, Slide).
• Strong understanding of rock mechanics, structural geology, and ground support principles.
• Experience with seismic monitoring systems and data analysis is highly desirable.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information clearly.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a remote setting.
• Professional Engineer (Pr Eng) or equivalent registration is a strong asset.
• Commitment to upholding the highest standards of safety and operational integrity.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive compensation package, including comprehensive health benefits, retirement planning, and performance-based incentives.
• This is a fully remote position, providing flexibility and autonomy in managing your workload and work location.
• Our client is dedicated to fostering professional development and offers excellent opportunities for career advancement within a globally respected organization.
• Join a team that is at the forefront of ensuring safety and stability in underground mining operations worldwide.