Job Purpose
The Geotechnical Engineer is responsible for assessing ground conditions, designing stable earthworks, and mitigating geohazards to ensure the safety and longevity of mining, infrastructure, and construction projects. The role combines field investigations, laboratory testing, and advanced modeling to provide data-driven solutions for slope stability, foundations, and underground support systems. Key Responsibilities
1. Site Investigations & Analysis

• Conduct geotechnical field surveys (borehole logging, SPT, CPT).
• Oversee laboratory testing (triaxial shear, permeability, Atterberg limits).
• Classify soil/rock using USCS, ISRM, and GSI systems.

2. Stability Assessments

• Perform slope stability analysis (open-pit mines, road cuttings) using SLIDE, PLAXIS, or GeoStudio.
• Design retaining walls, foundations, and embankments per SANS 10160.
• Evaluate liquefaction potential for seismic zones.

3. Mining & Underground Support

• Optimize pit wall angles for mining operations.
• Design ground support systems (rock bolts, shotcrete, cable anchors).
• Monitor subsidence risks for tailings dams and underground mines.

4. Risk Mitigation & Reporting

• Conduct landslide/rockfall hazard assessments.
• Prepare geotechnical baseline reports (GBRs) for tender documents.
• Advise on construction methods to mitigate ground risks (dewatering, grouting).

5. Project Coordination

• Liaise with geologists, hydrologists, and civil engineers.
• Supervise geotechnical instrumentation (inclinometers, piezometers).
• Review contractor method statements for earthworks compliance.

Required Qualifications

• BEng/BSc in Civil/Geological/Mining Engineering.
• Professional Registration:
  • ECSA PrEng 
  • SACNASP 
• Certifications:
  • Roofbolt/Slope Stability Certification (SANIRE).
  • Advanced Numerical Modeling Course (e.g., PLAXIS, FLAC3D).

Essential Skills & Competencies
Technical Skills

• Software Proficiency:
  • Geotechnical Modeling: PLAXIS, Slide, FLAC3D.
  • BIM Integration: Revit Geotechnical Module, gINT.
• Field Techniques:
  • Geophysical surveys (ERT, MASW).
  • In-situ testing (pressuremeter, dilatometer).

Soft Skills

• Problem-solving for unexpected ground conditions.
• Communication to translate technical data for non-specialists.
• Project management for multidisciplinary teams.

Experience Requirements

• 5+ years in geotechnical engineering, including:
  • Mining: Open-pit slope stability, tailings dams.
  • Civil: Road/railway embankments, deep foundations.
• Exposure To:
  • SANS/BS/Eurocode standards.

Geohazard mitigation (karst, expansive soils).