Senior Engineer, Geotechnical

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Overall Job Purpose

Responsible and accountable for providing strata control services and support to the Mining Operations Department to ensure safety and optimal ore extraction.
They implement and apply strata control measures within the assigned area of the business.

Specific Job Responsibility

Organise departmental recurrent activities under direction by the sr. geotechnical engineer.
Comply with all FQML Occupational Health and Safety requirements.
Ensures compliance with slope designs.
Daily inspections and monitoring of areas with potential of instability such as dumps, crushers pockets, berms/crests.
Data collection through regular pit mapping, sampling for lab testing and geotechnical core logging.
Analyse collected data to develop and update geotechnical domain plan for each of the pits as mining advances.
Understand Geotechnical designs and guide the operations team for its implementation.
Assess relationship between ground conditions and blasting activities to minimise damage to the walls and other permanent structures.
Collection and processing of slope monitoring data (e.g., prisms, extensometers, and radar).
Assist the hydrologist in managing and monitoring groundwater and surface water issues, in order to preserve the pit walls in optimal condition.
Development and implementation of a GCMP for the mine.
Assist with annual budget preparation of the geotechnical dept.
Work with pit supervisors and mining engineers to provide design and practical knowledge regarding rock and ground conditions, failure modes, cost effective support systems, and other geotechnical practices.
Prepare technical reports that describes results and processes of technical assessment and its progress.
Communicate geotechnical risks of mining activities to relevant parties including managers, engineers, supervisors, and workers.
Perform other related duties as required.

Job Specific Competencies

Intermediate computer skills (Microsoft Office & Pronto)
Application of Automated systems and Technologies (Numerical Modelling Packages, RADAR software, applications and troubleshooting, Sirovision)
Knowledge of Mine Design software (Surpac, Vulcan, DataMine, Point Studio, Leap Frog)
Data extraction and capturing
Data gathering and integration
Data interpretation
Data representation and presentation
Factual reasoning
Able to visualise and conceptualise 3D drawings and pit layouts
Decision making
Report writing skills
Planning and organising
Time management
Prioritising
Multi-tasking
Analytical thinking
Conceptual thinking
Cross-discipline integration
Problem solving skills
Attention to detail
Speed, accuracy and precision

Key Job Attributes

Emotional intelligence
Good interpersonal ability
Good communication (verbal and written)
Coaching ability
Stakeholder orientation
Able to engage with stakeholders at all levels
Self-starter
Procedural
Pragmatic
Good judgment
Professionalism
Enthusiastic
Assertive and confident
Motivated and passionate
Reliable
Goal oriented
Disciplined

Experience required to perform in this job

At least 5 years’ experience in a hard rock open pit mining environment.
Practical knowledge within the mining industry

Qualifications

Grade 12 certificate
South Africa Chamber of Mines Strata Control Certificate
Blasting License may be advantageous
SADC Driver’s License
Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering or Civil Engineering