Geotechnical Engineer at De Beers Group

Job Description:

• The Geotechnical Engineer – Underground provides geotechnical engineering support to mining and other engineering disciplines in Short to Medium Term Planning design and operational life cycles.
• This role is also responsible for Identify geotechnical hazards; risks and/or opportunities, in the Short to Medium Term Planning life cycles, through regular analysis and interpretation of geotechnical data and underground inspections.
• Assist Senior Geotechnical Engineer / Manager to proactively identify and treat excavation stability and groundwater issues to ensure that the desired levels of stability are maintained for all excavations for the required period.
• Perform appropriate calculations and prepare design reports, specifications and other deliverables for review and approval by Senior Geotechnical Engineer / Manager and / or the Production Manager.
• Lead and provide technical guidance during rock related underground investigations.
• Attend and provide input into monthly Pre-Planning, Planning and other Production and relevant technical meetings.
• Review and update geotechnical models with latest information and carry the updates through the geotech design value chain.
• Ensure the quality control systems are actively applied to all geotechnical schemes.

Qualifications:

• Grade 12 / Std 10 / N3 /relevant National NQF4 level qualification.
• Undergraduate or Graduate Degree in Engineering Geology, Mining Engineering or similarly aligned qualification.
• Valid drivers’ license (EB)
• Professional registration GSSA; SANIRE; SAIMM (advantageous)
• Chamber of Mines Certificate in Rock Mechanics or 3 theory parts of Chambers of Mines certificate in Rock Mechanics completed for underground (advantageous)

Experience required:

• 5 years’ geotechnical / caving experience of which at least 3 in a Senior / Supervisory geotechnical capacity in an underground mine.
• Understanding of mine planning, survey, geology and mining work streams and how they integrate with the geotechnical engineering function.
• Understanding of ground support techniques for underground mine development
• Project and contract management skill

Knowledge & Technical Skills:

• Ability to implement relevant underground mining processes and practices in accordance with mining, safety and environmental legislation.
• Solid technical and operational knowledge in the processes associated with underground massive mining operations and experience of working in such mines.
• A methodical approach, good analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Experiential and technical knowledge of rock mass characterisation and rock mass classification systems, including Q, RMR, GSI and MRMR, amongst others.