Chief Geomechanical Engineer

Description

Under general supervision, oversee underground excavation stability management functions including underground excavation support design and stability monitoring and serve as resource for Geomechanical information and analysis.

• Perform critical review of technical reports, analyses, design plans, specifications, cost estimates and develop appropriate recommendations. Stay abreast of the state of the practice in geotechnical engineering to fulfill this role.
• Manage projects and serve as subject matter expert (SME) on large/complex site planning/construction, expansion, or modifications. Provide guidance to site managers and engineers on applicable programs, practices, and regulations.
• Develop and review ground support designs for underground excavations to ensure a safe working environment based on relevant geological and stress conditions using empirical (Q or RMR), kinematic (unWedge) and stress (RS3, phase 2) based analysis methods.
• Manage and review underground excavation stability data collection, analysis and remedial work including underground excavation monitoring, data processing, rock strength parameters, and geologic structures.
• Proactively seek improvements to the safe mining of mine reserves relating to underground excavation monitoring, underground excavation maintenance, underground excavation support designs, Geomechanical data acquisition and analyses.
• Develop, maintain, and implement strategic plans to enhance the mine’s underground excavation stability program.
• Manage and provide Geomechanical project oversight and review relating to outside consultants.
• Evaluate and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment
• Represent the site on company sponsored steering committees, task forces, or teams.
• Perform other duties as requested.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or related engineering discipline from an accredited curriculum, with courses in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering and seven (7) years of experience in applicable field of expertise, including lead or supervisory experience; OR
• Master’s degree in Geological/Geotechnical Engineering or related engineering discipline from an accredited curriculum, with courses in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering and five (5) years of experience in applicable field of expertise, including lead or supervisory experience
• Knowledge in the principles and practices of mining, rock mechanics, geological, and/or geotechnical engineering or a related field of science or engineering
• Expertise in modeling and numerical approaches to solving engineering challenges.
• Knowledge of appropriate software (MS Office, AutoCAD, and geotechnical analysis)
• Registered Professional Engineer
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing to a diversely educated audience
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety of yourself and others
• Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards

Preferred Qualifications:

• Field experience gained at an underground caving operation
• Experience in rockmass characterization, interpretation of geotechnical lab tests, and engineering analysis
• Project Management experience
• Proficiency in using geotechnical software