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:
As a key member of a Technical team and reporting into the Hydro Manager, the Planning & Projects Engineer is responsible for designing, evaluating, and managing water systems and input into water infrastructure systems. The Water Planning Engineer will work closely with mining operational personnel, geologists, mine planners, hydrogeologist, dewatering specialist and other stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient water management practices.

The Planner will ensure there is communication between key water-using departments and identify any areas where project support can be provided. The implementation of new water management practices, operational procedures, designs and new control philosophies aimed at improving overall water balance performance and with a focus on the design, monitoring, optimisation, maintenance and roll-out of the process control systems site-wide. Carry out tasks allocated by the Hydro Manager in the context of assessing performance of the in-pit sump and pumping strategy as well as wet weather planning with the final objective of effectively contributing a fit for purpose implementation plan.

Specific Job Responsibilities:

• Liaison with Hydrogeologists and Mining Engineers to translate catchment, runoff and rainfall into in-pit sump designs and capacities in alignment with the mining schedule.
• Work with Technical Planners to construct storm water catchment and management designs.
• Form part of the process to develop and implement water management plans with Mining Technical department, including water supply, treatment, and disposal systems.
• Focus on surface water management as mining areas progress.
• Liaison with mine planners and operational personnel to plan and prepare horizontal drilling areas efficiently and in-line with the production mining plan.
• Input into the development and review of the water balance model for site facilities (Sentinel pit, Enterprise pit & TSF).
• Procurement of water related items and budget management.
• Design of storm water management controls, including assessment of performance and recommendation for improvements.
• Provide engineering designs for surface water management.
• Risk analyses.
• Conduct site assessments to identify water sumping, channeling and disposal options including pumping rates necessary to ensure low sump levels and dry mining areas.
• Focus on non-contact water preservation.
• Assistance with the development and maintenance of water budgets and forecasts for mining operations.
• Work with Technical engineering teams to design and implement water infrastructure projects.
• Create project schedules and track project progress.

Job Specific Competencies:

• Sound knowledge of the principles of a mining operation.
• Demonstrable experience in modern project planning technologies & practices (eg. Microsoft Teams / Projects).
• A thorough understanding of the integration of the mining, dewatering, infrastructural and water-planning principles.
• Provide technical project planning expertise and input into the short as well as medium term dewatering strategies.
• Knowledge of engineering and planning techniques as they apply to open-cast mine operations.
• Advanced computing skills including Microsoft Office suite.
• GIS competent.
• Deswik and / or Surpac competency advantageous.
• English language fluency.

Key Job Attributes:

• Good interpersonal skills and able to communicate and liaise with various departments.
• High level of autonomy.
• Well-developed oral and communicational skills.
• Strong drive and personal sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to maintain self-discipline within a fast-paced stressful section.
• Displays strong initiative and spirit for continuous improvement.
• Be diligent and thorough in approach.
• Self-assertive.
• Be enthusiastic and pro-active in manner.
• Excellent cognitive and analytical skills for identifying any shortfalls within the areas of responsibility of the water department.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and able to assemble data and provide clear and accurate operational project reports and plans.
• Understand and execute accountabilities of legal appointment under Zambian Mining Regulations.

Experience & Qualifications:

• A minimum of 5 years of direct experience in technical and/or operational roles within a mining environment, preferably in a copper operation.
• A Bachelor Degree in Mining, Mine Engineering or Hydrology.
• A Master’s Degree in any of the abovementioned disciplines will be highly regarded.
• Eligibility for membership of the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ).