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Senior Geotechnical Engineer

Vale • Full-time • صحار, OM • 2w ago

Job Summary

Lead Geotechnical engineer will oversee geotechnical engineering design, construction support, and long-term performance monitoring for a tailings dry-stack disposal facility as part of a large-scale operation. This role ensures geotechnical stability, compliance with regional and international standards, and implementation of safe, sustainable dry-stack deposition practices in arid climate conditions typical to the Middle East -Oman. Will be responsible for following the tailing stability, controlling the contract in tailing area preventing piles failures and structural collapses by following well-engineered stacking methods. Lead Geotechnical engineer should be fully aware about Oman environmental regulations and international compliance standards, including GISTM, ensuring to mitigate dust emissions to protect ecosystems.
The position requires expertise in tailings behavior, filter cake properties, slope stability, and surface water management for dry climates. The Lead Geotechnical engineer will work closely with multidisciplinary teams including hydrologists, hydrogeologists, environmental specialists, and operations personnel.
The role of geotechnical engineer can be extended to manage risk, Safety, and environmental control by preparing technical reports, environmental impact assessments and regulatory submissions within the tailing area with support of related areas.

MAIN CHALLENGES

Establish, review, and update key performance indicators (KPIs) to track the effectiveness of tailings management practices.
Ensure compliance with international and local geotechnical and environmental standards related to tailings storage and disposal.
Perform risk assessments and develop mitigation plans for geotechnical hazards such as pile instability and erosion.
 Prepare and maintain detailed technical reports, designs, and documentation related to tailings management.
Provide input for the development of operational procedures and emergency action plans specific to geotechnical risks.
Contribute to the budgeting and planning process by defining geotechnical requirements, constraints, and associated costs.
Provide training and guidance to operational staff to promote awareness and adherence to geotechnical best practices.

Main Responsibilities

Work as per Vale’s Mission, Vision and Values and maintain Vale's code of ethics and standers.
Perform activities with comply to all three dimensions of Vale Production System (VPS).
Understand and execute tasks following under Vale’s HSE guidelines and IMS policy.
Responsible for 5S and housekeeping of the area.
Lead Vale geotechnical team in tailing area to ensure long term stability for the tailing piles.
Actively participate in the budgetary cycle and in the strategic planning, defining premises from the key performance indicators and specific consumptions.
Create detailed cost estimates for upcoming tailings projects.
Set and monitor tailings KPIs.
Support and follow implementation of GISTM requirements.
Analyse performance data to identify areas for improvement.
Support safe operation and monitoring of tailings facilities
Evaluate geotechnical risks associated with tailings storage facilities (TSFs).
Conduct site investigations to determine soil, rock, and tailings properties.
Monitor facility performance and stability
Analyse data from monitoring systems to detect movement, seepage, or pressure build-up.
Conduct regular inspections and field assessments of embankments and foundations.
Prepare reports on facility performance and recommend corrective actions if needed.
Ensure TSFs meet regulatory geotechnical safety requirements and industry standards.
Assist with audits and inspections conducted by regulatory bodies and third-party reviewers on behalf of Vale.
Contribute to annual reports, safety reviews, and risk assessments.
Contribute to tailings lifecycle planning
Support long-term planning of tailings storage capacity and closure strategies.
Evaluate options for stack raises, expansions, or new facilities from a geotechnical perspective.
Participate in feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments related to tailings.
Advise on rehabilitation and post-closure stability of TSFs.

QUALIFICATION

Experience: 10 years minimum
Education: Master's or bachelor's degree in mining engineering /Geotechnical Engineering.
Specific requirement: Proficiency English both written and spoken, Strong knowledge in Office (Excel, PPT, Word) Good knowledge and understanding material characteristic and tailing disposal management. The lead geotechnical engineer needs to be aware of the technologies and instrumentation that are used in tailing area.
Proficiency in geotechnical analysis software, including Slide2D, RS2, GeoStudio (SLOPE/W and SEEP/W), PLAXIS and AutoCAD.