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

Responsible and accountable for the implementation of the slope and waste rock dump design to ensure safety of operations and optimization of ore extraction.
Coordination of geotechnical activities and processes as well as application of systems and processes aligned to best practices. Effective geotechnical engineering service delivery to the Mining Technical and Mining Operations Departments.
Stakeholder management and team development.

Specific Job Responsibility

Manage slope design and implementation processes in the area of responsibility
Manage geotechnical data collection and reduction processes
Effectively monitor and control geotechnical engineering activities and processes
Plan, prioritise and coordinate operational strata control tasks and activities
Supervising strata control processes
Develop quality controls to ensure alignment with standardisation requirements, policies, procedures and operating standards
Ensure effective service delivery and support to ensure a productive mining environment
Identify production compromising conditions, defects and improvement opportunities
Ensure adherence to international best practice and legislative requirements
Provide services and support related to bench/wall instability and incident investigations
Identify changes in the production environment, defects and safety risks
Provide input into the development of safety standards, processes, policies and procedures
Maintain effective stakeholder relationships (Mining Operations, Consultants and Contractors).
Provide coaching and advice to operational stakeholders aligned to best practices
Liaise with Technical Services personnel to assist with pro-active or re-active measures related to short-term layouts, implementation, auditing and planning
Resolve and or escalating operational geotechnical engineering related queries or breakdowns declared
Ensure successful teamwork and supervision of geotechnical engineering resources
Build competencies through support, on-the-job coaching and participation in training and development requirements
Participate in the continuous improvement of the Geotechnical Engineering Function Ensure adherence to organisational best practice and legislative requirements
Actively participate in creating a safe mining environment
Maintain effective stakeholder relationships
Ensure successful teamwork and supervision of geotechnical engineering resources
Continuous improvement of the Geotechnical Engineering Function

Experience & Qualifications

At least 5 years geotechnical engineering experience in a larger hard rock open pit mining environment after obtainment of a strata control certificate or equivalent.
Familiarity with open pit slope design processes.
Familiarity with Deswick Software.
SADC Driver’s License
Grade 12 certificate with Maths and Science
Bachelor’s Degree in Mining Engineering, Geological Engineering or Civil Engineering
Strata Control Certificate
Rock Mechanics Certificate added advantage
Blasting Licence added advantage
Master’s Degree in Rock Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Engineering Geology or Civil Engineering added advantage

Job Specific Competencies

Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Office & Pronto)
Application of Automated systems and Technologies (Numerical Modelling Packages, RADAR software, Sirovision)
Practical knowledge within the mining industry
Data gathering, capturing, integration and validation
Data interpretation, modelling, representation and presentation
Factual reasoning
Able to visualise and conceptualise 3D drawings and layouts
Decision making and problem solving skills
Report writing skills, planning and organising
Time management
Prioritising
Multi-tasking
Analytical thinking
Conceptual thinking
Cross-discipline integration
Budget creation
Attention to detail

Key Job Attributes

Emotional intelligence
Good interpersonal skills
Good communication (verbal and written)
Leadership ability
Coaching ability
The ability to supervise, optimise and allocate resources
Stakeholder orientation
Able to engage with stakeholders at all levels
Procedural
Pragmatic
Good judgment
Professionalism
Enthusiastic
Assertive and confident
Motivated and passionate
Reliable and disciplined
Goal oriented