Description:
We are currently recruiting for a Geotechnical Engineer (Instrumentation and Monitoring) who will report directly into the Geotechnical Superintendent, this role is being offered on a 5:2:4:3 roster. The Geotechnical Engineer – Instrumentation & Monitoring is responsible for implementing geotechnical monitoring systems, ensuring the integrity of data being collected is of acceptable quality and helping to interpret data gathered. The role supports the geotechnical team and mining operation through timely delivery of monitoring data that helps inform the operation understand the performance of potential geotechnical hazards that may existing within operational areas of the mine. The role assists in establishing and maintaining geotechnical instrumentation, identifying and evaluating monitoring data, needs or improvements that can benefit the operation and providing instructions for implementation. Responsibilities include maintaining and developing systems to store data in an orderly way that provides easy access to data including historic data where applicable. Data interpretation including regular reporting are also a requirement of the role. Monitoring at Boddington Gold Mine includes but is not limited to ground deformation, hydrogeology, ground support performance and seismicity. The role is responsible for providing geotechnical advice to Technical Services, Production Engineering, and mining Operations, to implement the Ground Control Management Plan (GCMP), and ensure compliance to Newmont Mining Corporation Surface Ground Control Standard – Open Pit (NEM-TES-STA-003), and the Western Australian Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022.
The Role
- Implement the standards for the Geotechnical and Technical Services Department, and be accountable for the standards being met for all outputs from you.
- Ensure accuracy and timeliness for assessing the effects current mining is having, or may have in the future, on localised mine stability. Ensure any issues and hazards are communicated to the Geotechnical Superintendent promptly.
- Identify geotechnical and hydrogeological hazards in the open pits, determine the need for and implement instrumentation where applicable, liaise with related groups to inform them of changes in risk status due to observed monitoring.
- Ensure all work activities comply with the site Ground Control Management Plan (GCMP) and assist in updating the GCMP as required.
- Implement and maintain existing geotechnical Instrumentation and Monitoring systems including related to:
- Prisms
- Slope Stability Radars
- Extensometers
- Hydrogeological instrumentation (eg VWPs, standpipes etc)
- SMART cables
- Seismic monitoring systems
- Use and improve data storage systems to facilitate easy access to monitoring data including means of visual representation and interpretation.
- Examine the slope radar and prism monitoring data daily. Identify and investigate any issues/movement/changes in the short and long term, and report to the Geotechnical Superintendent.
- Use 3D modelling software (eg GEM4D, PointStudio etc) to help identify and geolocate areas of concern.
- Assess monitoring data within appropriate timeframes associated with different monitoring methods.
- Conduct performance monitoring and analysis of production blasting; including assessment of monitoring data associated with blasting (eg post-blast assessments).
- Provide assistance to evaluate the achievement of the pit design, including batter face condition, toe and crest achievement, batter backbreak angle, and rock fall analysis. Identify areas for improvement and provide input into Weekly Wall Status Report, Blastmasters, short term to long term plans, and report any issues to the Geotechnical Superintendent.
- Maintain geotechnical databases of monitoring performance information.
About You
- Self-driven growth mindset including willingness to develop knowledge independently.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Tertiary qualification in Geotechnical Engineering (Mining), or in Mining Engineering or Geology with mining geomechanical subjects (Bachelor degree or higher).
- Minimum of two years’ experience as a geotechnical engineer in a mining environment.
- Strong organisation, planning, and time management skills, with the ability to work as part of a team, or with minimum supervision.
- Experience with geotechnical monitoring tools, equipment and software.
- Strong analytical skills and a commitment to action.
- Experience using slope stability radars, prism monitoring and familiarity with ground vibration monitoring systems.
- Experience using industry standard 3D modelling software (eg GEM4D, PointStudio or other).
- Experience using Rocscience suite of software desirable.
- Competency in manipulating, interpreting and presenting geotechnical data including in MS Excel.