Senior Geotechnical Engineer - Underground Stability

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package with performance-based

Medical aid

Provident fund

Life insurance

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to ensure stability and safety of underground operations in Randburg, Gauteng. You will assess rock mechanics, model failure mechanisms, and design ground support for robust mine safety.

With 8+ years in geotechnical engineering and expertise in RocScience/FLAC, you will advise planning teams and mentor juniors, contributing to safety and efficiency in mining operations.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering with rock mechanics specialization.
• 8+ years of progressive geotechnical experience, focusing on underground mining.
• Proficiency with geotechnical software for stability analysis (RocScience, FLAC).
• Deep understanding of rock mechanics principles and failure mechanisms.
• Experience with ground support design and implementation methods.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical assessments of underground mine workings.
• Perform rock mass characterization and stability analyses using analytical and numerical methods.
• Design and specify ground support systems (e.g., rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete).
• Monitor geotechnical conditions and ground movement, issue timely alerts.
• Advise mine planning and operations on geotechnical risks and mitigations.
• Investigate geotechnical incidents and determine root causes.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs.
• Contribute to geotechnical databases and standards.

Skills

Rock mechanics

Numerical modeling

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Education

Master's or PhD in Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

RocScience suite

FLAC

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent force in the South African mining industry, is seeking an experienced Senior Geotechnical Engineer to ensure the stability and safety of their underground operations in Randburg, Gauteng . This crucial role involves assessing rock mechanics, analyzing potential failure mechanisms, and designing appropriate ground support systems. You will play a key part in advising mine planning and production teams on geotechnical risks and mitigation strategies, ensuring that operations are conducted within safe parameters. The ideal candidate will possess advanced knowledge of rock mechanics, numerical modeling, and practical experience with various ground support techniques in underground mining environments. This position offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute significantly to operational safety and efficiency within a leading mining organization in Randburg .

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive geotechnical assessments of underground mine workings.
• Perform rock mass characterization and stability analyses using analytical and numerical methods.
• Design and specify appropriate ground support systems (e.g., rock bolts, mesh, shotcrete) for various underground conditions.
• Monitor geotechnical conditions and ground movement, providing timely alerts and recommendations.
• Advise mine planning and operations teams on geotechnical risks and mitigation measures.
• Investigate geotechnical incidents and failures, determining root causes and recommending corrective actions.
• Develop and implement geotechnical monitoring programs.
• Contribute to the development of geotechnical databases and standards.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations pertaining to ground stability in mining .
• Mentor junior geotechnical engineers and technicians.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in rock mechanics.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in geotechnical engineering, with a strong focus on underground mining .
• Proficiency in geotechnical software for stability analysis (e.g., Rocscience suite, FLAC).
• In-depth understanding of rock mechanics principles and failure mechanisms.
• Experience with various ground support design and implementation methods.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex technical information.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Knowledge of South African mining safety regulations.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to conduct site visits as required.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, including performance-based bonuses.
• Benefits encompass comprehensive medical aid, a provident fund, and life insurance.
• We provide generous paid time off and significant opportunities for professional development, including advanced training, workshops, and conference participation.
• You will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to ensuring safe and sustainable mining operations in Randburg, Gauteng , with ample opportunities for career advancement within the organization.