Senior Rock Engineering Specialist

Placements24; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Relocation assistance to Randburg area

Professional development opportunities

Safety and technical excellence focus

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Rock Engineering Specialist for on-site operations in Randburg. The role requires deep expertise in rock mechanics, ground control design, and numerical modeling to ensure safety and stability of underground excavations.

The candidate will integrate geotechnical principles with mine planning, guide monitoring programs, and provide expert technical reports. A strong publication record and Pr.Eng/Pr.Sci.Nat are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Rock Mechanics / Geotechnical Engineering or Mining Engineering.
• Minimum 10 years' experience in rock engineering for underground mining.
• Proven ability in geotechnical data analysis, ground support design, and numerical modeling.
• Proficiency with rock mechanics software packages (e.g., FLAC, UDEC).
• Strong seismicity understanding, reporting, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct rock mechanics investigations and advise on safe operations.
• Design and optimize ground support for diverse underground conditions.
• Perform numerical modeling and analyze rock mass behavior.
• Develop ground monitoring programs and interpret data.
• Assess seismic activity and mitigation strategies for mine stability.
• Provide guidance on excavation design, pillar stability, and stope sequencing.
• Ensure compliance with geotechnical standards and mining regulations.
• Collaborate with mine planning and operations to integrate rock engineering.
• Prepare technical reports, risk assessments and design docs.
• Investigate geotechnical incidents and propose corrective actions.

Skills

Rock mechanics

Geotechnical data analysis

Numerical modeling

Report writing

Communication skills

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Rock Mechanics / Geotechnical Engineering / Mining Engineering

Tools

FLAC

UDEC

Geotechnical software packages

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading mining conglomerate with operations in Randburg, is seeking a highly experienced Senior Rock Engineering Specialist. This crucial role involves providing expert advice and technical support on all aspects of rock mechanics and ground control within their mining operations. You will be responsible for assessing geological conditions, designing support systems, and implementing strategies to mitigate rock-related hazards, ensuring the safety and stability of underground excavations. Our client is committed to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational integrity, utilizing advanced geotechnical analysis and monitoring techniques. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the risk management framework of the mining operations. This position requires a deep understanding of rock mass behavior, numerical modeling, and practical application in underground mining environments. You will collaborate closely with mine planning, geotechnical, and operations teams to integrate rock engineering principles into mine design and production activities. This role offers a significant opportunity to contribute to safe and efficient mining practices within the Gauteng region. The position requires a dedicated on-site presence to ensure effective oversight and timely intervention in complex geotechnical situations. We are looking for a proactive specialist with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities to join our client's esteemed technical team.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct rock mechanics investigations and provide recommendations for safe and stable mining operations.
• Design and optimize ground support systems for various underground mining conditions.
• Perform numerical modeling and analysis of rock mass behavior using software like FLAC, UDEC, or similar.
• Develop and implement ground monitoring programs and interpret monitoring data.
• Assess seismic activity and its impact on mine stability, developing mitigation strategies.
• Provide expert technical guidance on excavation design, pillar stability, and stope sequencing.
• Ensure compliance with relevant geotechnical standards and mining regulations.
• Collaborate with mine planning and operations teams to integrate rock engineering principles into mine plans.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, risk assessments, and design documentation.
• Assist in the investigation of geotechnical incidents and recommend corrective actions.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Rock Mechanics, Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of specialized experience in rock engineering for underground mining.
• Proven expertise in geotechnical data analysis, ground support design, and numerical modeling.
• Proficiency with rock mechanics software packages.
• Strong understanding of seismicity, geomechanics, and geological characterization.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report-writing skills.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for collaboration.
• Ability to work effectively in a demanding, on-site mining environment in Randburg.
• Professional registration (e.g., Pr.Eng, Pr.Sci.Nat) is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for continuous professional development and training.
• Relocation assistance to the Randburg area.
• Exposure to challenging and diverse geotechnical problems.
• A leading role within a reputable mining organization.
• Focus on safety and technical excellence.