Geotechnical Engineer

Job description

The Opportunity The Geotechnical Engineer is responsible for evaluating soil, rock, effects of groundwater, and geologic conditions to ensure the safe and efficient design, construction, and operation of mining projects. This role supports open-pit mines, underground mines, tailings storage facilities, waste dumps, haul roads, and related infrastructure by assessing ground stability and geotechnical risks. Geotechnical Engineers work closely with mine planning, geology, operations, environmental, and civil engineering teams to optimize mine safety, production, and long-term stability. Responsibilities  Conduct geotechnical investigations including drilling programs, rock and soil sampling, laboratory testing, and field mapping.  Analyze rock mass behavior, slope stability, ground support requirements, and soil mechanics.  Develop geotechnical models for open-pit and underground mining operations.  Perform advanced numerical modelling using FLAC3D and industry-leading constitutive models to support complex geotechnical assessments.  Support stope sequencing, mine design optimization, and excavation stability assessments.  Design and evaluate:  Stope dimensions and estimates of ore dilution and Equivalent Linear Overbreak Slough (ELOS)  Underground ground support systems  Pit slopes and bench configurations  Waste rock dumps  Tailings storage facilities  Use geotechnical software for modeling and stability analysis including advanced numerical modelling approaches.  Support and contribute to Ground Control Management Plans (GCMPs), TARPs, and geotechnical risk management processes.  Monitor ground conditions using instrumentation such as prisms, piezometers, extensometers, and radar systems.  Interpret and manage geotechnical monitoring data, including prism, MPBX/extensometer, radar, and other instrumentation outputs.  Identify geotechnical hazards including slope failures, rockfalls, subsidence, and seismic risks.  Develop mitigation plans and emergency response recommendations.  Perform inspections and prepare stability assessments and technical reports.  Provide day-to-day geotechnical guidance to mine operations teams.  Work closely with operations teams to develop practical and implementable geotechnical solutions.  Recommend operational changes to improve safety and production efficiency.  Support drill-and-blast optimization from a geotechnical perspective.  Participate in mine planning and scheduling meetings.  Ensure compliance with mining regulations, environmental standards, and company safety policies.  Prepare technical documentation, risk assessments, and engineering reports.  Support permitting and regulatory submissions.  Coordinate with geologists, mine engineers, surveyors, and environmental specialists.  Manage contractors and geotechnical consultants when required.  Mentor junior engineers and technicians.  Present findings and recommendations to management and stakeholders. The above responsibilities are representative and may not include all assigned duties. Education and Experience  Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or related field.  Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or Rock Mechanics preferred.  5-8+ years of mining geotechnical experience  Knowledgeable in rock mechanics and soil mechanics  Experience with slope stability analysis, ground support design and data interpretation and technical reporting  Experience with geotechnical and mine design software such as FLAC3D, Rocscience Suite (Unwedge and Dips), GeoStudio, Surpac, Vulcan, AutoCAD, and GIS platforms.  Experience with advanced numerical modelling software, FLAC3D, will be viewed favorably; however, training and mentoring will be available for suitable candidates.