Geotechnical Engineer - Production

Ready to pursue your professional journey with Northern Star? As an ASX 50 global-scale gold miner, we have sizeable operations in Western Australia and Alaska. With unparalleled pathways for advancement and avenues for personal growth, we stand as Australia’s premier gold employer. Your journey starts here.

At Northern Star, we live by our STARR Core Values of Safety, Teamwork, Accountability, Respect and Results. These Values are not just words on paper; they are the cornerstone of our Company culture and guide everything we do. You will play a pivotal role in upholding these Values and contributing to our collective success.

We are seeking an experienced Geotechnical Engineer to join our KCGM Operations. this residential role is on an 8/6 roster working 11-hour days.

As the Geotechnical Engineer, you will be responsible for providing technical support and assistance to the mining operations with regard to mine planning, design and geotechnical support to optimise mine operations.

Here’s what awaits you:

Providing Geotechnical advice and direction in the planned and active underground mining areas, ensuring effective and appropriate ground support systems are in place to support safe mining activities.

• Geotechnical Inspections and Reporting - Complete daily geotechnical inspections and reporting of the open pit mining areas to ensure and maintain productivity, safety of employees, and meet regulatory requirements.
• Geotechnical Guidance - Provide expert advice on slope stability, ground support design, and risk management to enhance safety and productivity.
• Hazard Identification and Risk Management - Proactively identify hazards, assess risks, implement effective controls, and document findings. Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure safe work practices and adherence to safety protocols.
• Data Analysis, Reporting, and Compliance - Analyse geotechnical monitoring data and field mapping data to prepare daily/weekly reports to guide mine planning and production.
• Implementing Ground Support Systems - Design and implement ground support systems (rock bolts, meshing, etc) for wall stability. Managing all aspects of the ground support process from designing to installation and QAQC.

To thrive in this role, you’ll need: 

Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualification in Geotechnical Engineering or Geological Engineering (or equivalent).
• Knowledge of the Mine Safety and Inspection Act and Regulations.
• Possess a valid driver’s licence (manual preferred).

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years hands-on geotechnical experience in an open-cut mining environment.
• Complete daily geotechnical inspections and reporting of the open pit mining areas, to ensure and maintain productivity, safety of employees and meet regulatory requirements.
• Implement the slope monitoring programs to provide timely information and advice to all working teams in the mine areas on slope movement.
• Review mine geotechnical performance daily using monitoring systems and inspections, and communicate this to mine production personnel and mine planning teams.
• Experience designing and implementing ground support systems (e.g., rock bolts, mesh) for wall stability. Managing all aspects of the ground support QAQC program.
• Maintain a geotechnical production database for the mine, to assist in maintaining historical data for subsequent monitoring and trend analysis.
• Complete daily geotechnical inspections and reporting of the open pit mining areas, to ensure and maintain productivity, safety of employees and meet regulatory requirements.
• Conduct mapping (in the field and photogrammetry) to establish rock mass and structural conditions of various geotechnical domains.
• Proficient in the use of Maptek Vulcan or Deswik software.

Passion for Growth

• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively liaise with clients and colleagues.
• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively in a team or independently.
• Demonstrated ability to use specialised Geotechnical hardware and software, including Adamtech and the RocScience suite.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to safety and quality standards.

Discover the perks of working at Northern Star…

• Company subsidised GU Health Insurance.
• Gold Price Variable bonus incentive.
• Short-term incentive bonus program.
• Employee Share Plan programs.
• Gold standard parental leave policy.
• GoldSTARR rewards program - cash savings for everyday expenses.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that include free, confidential counselling and wellbeing services.
• Salary continuance (income protection) insurance from commencement.
• Salary sacrificing benefits, including novated leasing and remote area living benefit options.

Eligibility:

Candidates must meet our pre-employment criteria, which include a medical, drug, and alcohol screening, as well as a relevant right to work check and a valid Australian national police clearance.     

Northern Star is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce.  We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.

Apply now to join the Northern Star team!