Geotechnical Superintendent

About us

K92 Mining Limited are the owners the high-grade Kainantu Gold Mine in Eastern Highlands Province. Since commencing operations in 2016, we have delivered consistent production growth. More importantly, we have contributed significantly to the economy of Papua New Guinea, more than 90% of our employees and contractors are from PNG and our local education and skills development initiatives which include scholarships, traineeships and adult literacy programs continue to bring significant benefit the communities in which we operate.

We are now transforming the operation with a new 1.2 mtpa process plant as well as extensive construction and expansion across site that will see us triple the output from our mine by 2027. In addition to our ongoing production success, we have an extensive exploration programme across our highly prospective tenement, making K92 a great place to build a long-term career.

About the role

Reporting to the Head of Mine Technical Services, the primary purpose of this position is to oversee all Geotechnical duties at our expanding underground gold mine in PNG, you will ensure an effective and efficient ground control management plan is followed whilst training and mentoring the next generation of geotechnical engineers on site. You will be proactive and forward-thinking with enthusiasm, commitment and passion.

Key / Major Accountabilities

• With the support of the management team, coordinate and develop our growing team of professionals and technicians
• Application of your technical skill set to the development of practical design solutions for surface infrastructures and underground developments and projects
• Work with a diverse multi-disciplinary engineering team and assist them at all stages of design from concept to development
• Work in an interactive and collaborative manner with the owners and contractors to meet project needs
• Planning, directing and conducting investigative work to analyse the likely behaviour of soil and rock when placed under pressure by proposed structures, and designs above and below ground foundations.
• Performing geotechnical site investigations and analyses.
• Assisting Engineers with producing engineering reports, plans and specifications.
• Conduct site assessments to determine appropriate location for structures/foundations.
• Seeks guidance from on matters relating to quality of output, presentation and on any circumstances where negotiations/communications with clients are causing, or has the potential to cause, difficulties.
• Close liaison with the Head of Mine Technical Services on job progress and particularly any indications that deadlines/targets might not be achieved.
• Any other tasks associated with your allocated jobs and duties as delegated by the Head of MTS or General Manager.   Ensure technologies and solutions are consistent with philosophy of earthquake-resistance, sustainability and appropriateness
• Oversee construction and ensure minimum standards for quality are met
• Recruit, mentor and oversee consultants, local engineers, architects, drafters, and quantity estimators
• Take ownership over scope, schedule, and budget for client-driven design projects, and represent Build Change in discussions with clients and partners
• Solve problems and generate solutions in the field for special cases, especially in geotechnical unstable areas
• Identify technical/research questions and coordinate materials testing and experimental work with research partners
• Prepare weekly, monthly, project, and final reports
• Establish a high-performance culture by motivating team members to achieve a high level of performance and by rewarding and recognising high performance.
• Ensure effective processes are in place for communicating relevant information, including company, site, department, and team performance, to all team members.
• Direct and train employees on the Geotechnical SOP's.
• Continuously mentor and coach Geotechnical Engineers and Technicians on effective core logging and exposure mapping techniques.
• Actively review the work performance of Geotechnical engineers and provide feedback to the Head of MTS including the talent and succession planning for designated key roles.
• Actively promotes a safe and healthy culture.
• Demonstrates personal responsibility for own health and safety whilst setting clear expectations of relevant legal obligations, safe workplace practices and HSE operating practices to others, holding them accountable for their actions.
• Perform general housekeeping within and around responsible work area.
• Ensure exploration drilling and sampling is conducted by competent technicians in a safe manner and in accordance with established procedures.

About You

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor`s Degree in Mine Engineering or Geology (Preferable), Geophysics or Geoscience
• 15+ years relevant mining geotechnical experience: essential.
• Previous underground geotechnical experience with open stoping and jumbo development: essential.
• Previous surface slope stability experience: desirable.
• Previous civil foundation design experience: desirable.
• Previous TSF construction, design, and instrumentation experience: desirable.
• Previous experience as a lead ICAM investigator: desirable.
• Previous experience with shotcrete QAQC and mix designs: desirable
• Previous experience with paste backfill: desirable
• Proficiency in MS Office suite and the ability to analyse numerical and graphical data, including experience with 3D modelling software: essential.
• Proficiency in Rocscience design software packages (Dips, Unwedge, RS2, Slide): essential
• Proficiency in Surpac or Deswik software: essential
• Experience in the use of Pronto: desirable.
• Sound planning, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent trouble-shooting skills.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work under pressure and autonomously.
• Excellent attention to detail and time management skills to meet deadlines.
• Strong active listening & interpersonal skills for rapport building, conflict resolution & training.

Life at K92

K92 is an Equal Opportunity Employer, our commitment is to respect the rights of every individual to work to their highest potential, free from discrimination.  Our values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect for others, Excellence and Safety are at the core of everything we do, and they are the foundation upon which our success has been built.

Our camp is well managed and provides residents with good, healthy meals made from locally sourced fresh produce as well as internet, cable tv and a gymnasium.

At K92, we want all employees to share in our success, so as well as a competitive salary, employees also participate in our long- and short-term incentive plans, we also provide employees with access to savings incentive programs, medical assistance and the option to salary sacrifice for certain expenses.

In addition to all of this, employees can also access our Wellbeing and employee assistance programs whilst working a friendly roster.

TO COMPLY WITH PNG GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS ALL EXPATRIATE POSITIONS ARE OFFERED ON A FIXED TERM BASIS