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:

Purpose

The STRATA CONTROL OFFICER I is accountable to provide strata control services and support as well as implement and apply strata control measures within the assigned area of the business.

Key Responsibilities

The STRATA CONTROL OFFICER I is accountable for effective strata control service delivery and support to technical services and mining personnel in line with set standards, practices, procedures. In this regard the role will conduct pit slope audits, gather and interpret geotechnical data and information, determine geological and mining practices / conditions, identifying defects and compile reports and  statistical summaries. The role will be required to investigate any pit instability problems and issue recommendations on improving the safety and productivity of the mining environment.

The Strata Control Officer I will be required to ensure successful teamwork and collaboration with stakeholders through coaching, on-the-job training and overseeing and reviewing the tasks and activities of the Rock Engineering Observers. The role will also contribute to improving strata control processes.

Qualifications

• Grade 12 or equivalent NQF 4 qualification with Maths and Science passed on a higher grade.
• Mining relevant tertiary qualification (e.g. Diploma or Degree) or
• South African Minerals Council’s Strata Control Certificate.
• Blasting certificate advantageous.

Experience

• Approximately 0-2 years rock engineering experience within a surface or underground mining environment with a degree.
• Approximately 5-10 years rock engineering experience within a surface or underground mining environment with a South African Minerals Council’s Strata Control Certificate.

BEHAVIOURAL TRAITS

• Works well as part of a team.
• Strong observation skills.
• Detail-oriented and safety-conscious.
• Good communication and reporting habits.
• Comfortable using basic tools, handheld devices, and simple software.
• Effective communicator and active listener.

OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Conduct slope audits
• Gathering pit geotechnical data and information
• Applying rock engineering criteria
• Installation, maintenance and management of slope stability monitoring devices
• Observing and determining geology and mining practices / conditions
• Identifying potential bench failure modes (kinematic analyses in Dips)
• Overseeing and reviewing the tasks and activities of the Rock Engineering Observers
• Investigating slope instability issues
• Capturing and representing data and information in line with organisational and stakeholder requirements
• Accurate and timeous reporting of data and information
• Recommending on the safety and productivity of the mining environment
• Adherence to rock engineering practices and principles
• Adherence to standardisation requirements, policies, procedures and operating standards related to strata control services and support
• Resolving or escalating operational strata control related queries or breakdowns declared
• Reviewing and analysing effectiveness of operational strata control processes
• Reviewing strata control data and information
• Participating in the identification of defects and improvement opportunities
• Improving strata control processes
• Successful teamwork and collaboration with stakeholders
• Coaching and on-the-job training to Rock Engineering Observers
• Adherence to organisational and legislative safety requirements