Chief Underground Geomechanical Engineer

Chief Underground Geomechanical Engineer

Location:

Vancouver, British Columbia, CA, V6C 1T2

This position is initially based in Vancouver, Canada for approximately 12–18 months, allowing the successful candidate to build familiarity with key operations and teams. Upon completion of this initial period, the role will transition into a permanent, full‑time position in the United States, supporting ongoing business needs and long‑term career development within the organization.

This position will oversee underground geotechnical aspects related to underground mine design, planning, and implementation. Includes excavation stability management, development design, production planning, underground excavation support design, stability monitoring, and will serve as resource for Geomechanical information and analysis.

• Perform critical review of technical reports, analyses, design plans, specifications, cost estimates and develop appropriate recommendations. Stay abreast of the state of the practice in geotechnical engineering to fulfill this role.
• Manage and review underground excavation stability, analysis and remedial work including underground excavation monitoring, data processing, rock strength parameters, and geologic structures.
• Develop, maintain, and implement strategic plans to promote safe execution of the mine designs and production plans.
• Manage projects and serve as subject matter expert on large and complex site planning, construction, expansion, or modifications. Provide guidance to site managers and engineers on applicable programs, practices, and regulations.
• Develop and review ground support designs for underground excavations to ensure a safe working environment based on relevant geological and geotechnical data and stress conditions using empirical (Q or RMR), kinematic (un Wedge) and numerical (RS3, Map3) analysis methods.
• Provide input and oversight related to the development, implementation, and monitoring of management plans and procedures related to corporate governance.
• Proactively seek improvements to the safe mining of reserves relating to underground excavation monitoring, maintenance, support designs, geomechanical data acquisition and analyses.
• Manage and provide geomechanical project oversight and review related to outside consultants.
• Evaluate and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment.
• Represent the site on company‑sponsored steering committees, task forces, or teams.

• Bachelor’s degree in Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering or related discipline, with courses in rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering and seven years of experience in applicable field, including lead or supervisory experience; OR
• Master’s degree in the same fields with five years of experience, including lead or supervisory experience.
• Experience working as a Geomechanical or Geotechnical engineer at underground mining operations or as a consultant with extensive practical experience supporting underground mining operations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of mining, rock mechanics, geological and/or geotechnical engineering or related field.
• Technical and analytical skills to undertake and review complex designs and mine plans.
• Experience and knowledge of numerical modeling approaches to solving engineering challenges.
• Knowledge of appropriate software such as MS Office, AutoCAD, and geotechnical analysis tools.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to a diversely educated audience.
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety of yourself and others.
• Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards.
• Ability and willingness to travel internationally for at least two weeks every quarter.

• Field experience gained at an underground, preferably caving, operation.
• Fifteen years of experience in applicable field, including lead or supervisory experience.
• Experience in rockmass characterization, interpretation of geotechnical lab tests, and engineering analysis.
• Proficiency in using…