Senior Geotechnical Engineer

The Senior Geotechnical & Engineer plays a key role within the Technical Services function, working closely with Geology, Mining, and other operational teams to ensure geotechnical considerations are fully integrated into mine planning and execution.

This role provides technical leadership, supports operational decision-making, and contributes to continuous improvement in geotechnical performance, safety, and compliance.

This is a site-based role. The work schedule consists of 8 days on followed by 6 days off.

Geotechnical Strategy & Planning:

• Develop and implement the site geotechnical strategy aligned with mining and operational plans. 
• Provide geotechnical input into short, medium, and long-term mine planning. 
• Establish slope design criteria, ground support standards, and geotechnical risk controls. 
• Support life-of-mine planning through geotechnical modelling and analysis.

Slope Stability & Ground Control:

• Design and monitor pit slopes, waste dumps, and other geotechnical structures. 
• Conduct stability assessments and provide recommendations to mitigate geotechnical risks. 
• Define and manage trigger action response plans (TARPs) for slope stability. 
• Provide real-time geotechnical advice to operations during mining activities.

Monitoring & Data Management:

• Develop and manage geotechnical monitoring systems (e.g. prisms, radar, piezometers). 
• Analyse monitoring data and identify trends, risks, and required actions. 
• Ensure data integrity and reporting accuracy across geotechnical systems. 
• Maintain geotechnical models and databases.

Operational Support:

• Work closely with Mining and Geology teams to optimise ore recovery while maintaining safe slope design. 
• Provide geotechnical guidance for drill and blast, excavation, and ground conditions. 
• Support incident investigations relating to ground instability or geotechnical hazards. 
• Contribute to daily, weekly, and monthly operational planning processes.

Governance, Systems & Compliance:

• Develop, implement, and maintain geotechnical procedures, standards, and guidelines. 
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and company standards. 
• Support reporting obligations and technical documentation requirements. 
• Contribute to audits, inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Leadership & Capability Development:

• Provide mentoring and technical guidance to geologists, engineers, and technicians. 
• Support capability development within the Technical Services team. 
• Contribute to workforce planning and continuous improvement of geotechnical practices. 
• Promote a collaborative and high-performance team environment. 

Safety, Health & Environment:

• Demonstrate visible safety leadership and promote a strong safety culture. 
• Identify and manage geotechnical hazards and risks 
• Ensure all work is conducted in accordance with site safety systems and procedures 
• Support environmental compliance in relation to geotechnical activities.

Reporting Positions:

• Nil direct reports (with functional leadership across technical teams).

Job Safety Responsibilities:

• Work in accordance with site safety procedures, standards, and systems. 
• Identify, assess, and report geotechnical hazards and risks. 
• Participate in risk assessments, inspections, and safety initiatives. 
• Ensure safe work practices in all field and technical activities. 
• Support emergency response planning where geotechnical risks are present. 

Qualifications, Education & Experience: 

• Tertiary qualification in Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, or related discipline. 
• Relevant professional membership (e.g. AusIMM or Engineers Australia) desirable. 
• Significant experience (typically 8–10+ years) in open pit geotechnical engineering. 
• Demonstrated experience in slope design, stability analysis, and ground control. 
• Experience in mining operations and integration with planning functions. 
• Experience in geotechnical software and monitoring systems.

Technical Skills: 

• Strong understanding of geotechnical modelling and slope stability analysis. 
• Experience with geotechnical monitoring systems and interpretation. 
• Knowledge of drill and blast interactions with ground conditions. 
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capability. 
• Ability to interpret geological and geotechnical data and apply it operationally.

Personal Attributes & Abilities:

• Strong commitment to safety and risk management. 
• Ability to operate effectively in a complex, multi-contractor environment. 
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills. 
• Proactive, solutions-focused mindset. 
• Ability to influence operational decisions with technical expertise. 
• High level of accountability and professionalism. 

Safety & Compliance:

• Sound knowledge of Queensland mining legislation, including the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999. 
• Demonstrated commitment to safety leadership and compliance. 
• Understanding of statutory roles and responsibilities on a mine site (desirable). 

Key Interfaces:

• Geology Superintendent and Geology team. 
• Mining and Operations teams. 
• Technical Services (Planning, Drill & Blast). 
• Contractors and external consultants. 
• HSE and Environmental teams.

If you believe you have the skills, knowledge, and experience to fulfil this role, please submit your application online. Please include a Cover Letter which outlines how your skills and experience align with this role.

To learn more about Harmony, please visit our website www.harmony.co.za

Please note:

All candidates must have the right to live and work in Australia to be considered for this role. We thank all applicants for your interest and the time taken to submit your application. While we consider all suitable applicants, only those short-listed for screening will be contacted. The successful candidate will be required to undertake an office-based pre-employment medical screen, including drug and alcohol testing.