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.