Job Description

Geotechnical Engineer - 6 Months Contract

Job Purpose:

To conduct detailed geotechnical investigations and provide expert input on soil, ground conditions, and substructure requirements for the development of a 10,000-capacity beef cattle feedlot and high-throughput abattoir. The Geotechnical Engineer will ensure safe, cost-effective, and technically sound foundations and earthworks planning aligned with site conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct a full

geotechnical site investigation

, including soil sampling, profiling, in-situ testing, and laboratory analysis. Analyse

soil bearing capacity, permeability, compaction

, and

stability

to inform infrastructure design (e.g., pens, access roads, abattoir buildings, waste ponds). Assess risk of: Soil erosion. Seasonal flooding and water table fluctuations. Ground subsidence or unsuitable fill. Provide geotechnical recommendations for:

Foundations

(shallow/deep).

Slopes and retaining structures

.

Stormwater and runoff management

based on terrain and infiltration rates. Contribute to layout planning by advising on the most geotechnically suitable zones for heavy structures, waste containment, and effluent treatment systems. Work closely with civil and structural engineers to ensure designs are informed by geotechnical data and risk assessments. Prepare technical geotechnical sections for inclusion in the feasibility report, including maps, borehole logs, lab results, and professional recommendations. Ensure compliance with South African National Standards (SANS), building regulations, and local bylaws related to soil and foundation safety.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree or higher in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering with specialization in geotechnics, or Engineering Geology. Minimum of

5 years' experience

in

geotechnical analysis for infrastructure development

, preferably in agricultural, agro-processing, or industrial sectors.

Registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)

as a

Pr. Eng

,

Pr. Tech Eng

, or

Pr. Cert Eng

. Familiarity with Eastern Cape soil types, terrain, and hydrology is a strong advantage.

Key Skills and Competencies:

Proficiency in geotechnical software (e.g., GeoStudio, Plaxis, Rocscience). Ability to interpret geophysical and geotechnical data for practical design application. Strong analytical, documentation, and technical writing skills. Excellent problem-solving, especially in constrained or variable soil conditions. Effective collaboration with multidisciplinary infrastructure teams.

Working Conditions:

Based in the Eastern Cape with significant time spent conducting field investigations in Ngqushwa Local Municipality. May involve physical fieldwork (drilling supervision, soil sampling, terrain walking) in rural and uneven terrain.
Job Type: Temporary
Contract length: 6 months

Education:

Bachelors (Required)
Experience:

geotechnical analysis for infrastructure development: 5 years (Required)
License/Certification:

ECSA (Required)
Work Location: In person

Application Deadline: 2025/06/30