Engineer Geotechnical

Geotechnical Engineer

At Newmont, we're not just a world-leading gold and metals producer – we're a team united by our commitment to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and responsible mining industry. Joining us means becoming part of a global, diverse workforce where everyone is valued, empowered, and encouraged to grow. Our people are the heart of our success, bringing exceptional skill, integrity, and dedication to everything we do as an organization and we're dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Our Lihir Operation, located on the beautiful island of Niolam, approximately 800km north of Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby, is one of the world's largest gold mines. Set within a geothermically active, extinct volcanic crater, Lihir operates an open-pit mine producing refractory ore, which undergoes pressure oxidation and conventional leaching to recover gold. Our workforce includes both residential and commute rosters, creating a diverse and dynamic team. Lihir offers a range of recreational facilities, including a gym, sports club, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, and a 9-hole golf course. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Lihir fishing and boating clubs provide access to pristine waters and beaches, while our onsite deli and café serve fresh local and imported produce, barista-made coffee, and freshly baked goods.

We are proud to work closely with the local Lihirian community and value its vibrant culture. Through initiatives like our School to Mine program, we offer meaningful employment, training, and development opportunities for Lihirian men and women, as well as scholarships and vocational apprenticeships. We also partner with the New Ireland Province to ensure economic benefits flow directly to the community, strengthening our commitment to sustainable development and positive local impact.

Purpose

Reporting directly to the Superintendent Engineer – Mine Geotechnical, the incumbent will be tasked with minimizing the risk of geotechnical hazards impacting production and safety. This will be achieved by providing technical expertise related to the operational aspects of the geotechnical section. The role encompasses the identification of geotechnical hazards, the management of associated risks, and the assurance that all mining and dumping operations are conducted in accordance with geotechnical specifications.

Essential Duties

• Plan work to ensure safety, considering environmental conditions, nearby activities, and necessary personnel and resources.
• Foster collaboration among team members to enhance business contributions and mutual learning.
• Identify and manage geotechnical hazards and associated risks in the open pit through data analysis and regular field inspections.
• Develop and communicate geotechnical risk reviews for annual, quarterly, and monthly mine plans.
• Provide updated geoscientific information and technical project management to stakeholders through reports and meetings.
• Offer technical mentoring and guidance to the section and department.
• Develop, scope, and manage technical projects using appropriate project management tools, tracking KPIs and performance metrics, and coordinating with various departments and consultants as needed.
• Conduct detailed slope reconciliation as part of the Design, Implementation, and Verification mining process.
• Regularly monitor pit and dump slopes, ensuring accurate data capture, interpreting trends, and communicating high hazard areas to stakeholders.
• Oversee slope design implementation, providing technical input to the drill and blast team, auditing processes, and conducting asbuilt vs. design checks.
• Develop and present geotechnical hazard awareness training for the Mining Department, focusing on risk identification and management.

Training & Experience

• Tertiary qualification in Bachelor of Science (Geology) or Engineering (Civil or Mining).
• Accreditation from the Institute of Engineers PNG Inc. (to be completed as part of the work permit process).
• PNG Driver's License.
• Proficiency in English with excellent verbal, written communication, and public speaking skills.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office suite.
• Strong planning, analytical, and problem-solving 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 and interpersonal skills for rapport building, conflict resolution, and training.
• Desirable: Additional qualification in Project Management.
• Desirable: 5+ years of relevant work experience in a mining environment in a geotechnical position.
• Desirable: Exposure to geothermal and geotechnical/geothermal monitoring systems.

Working Conditions

• Must be available for FIFO to Lihir.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment medical assessment.
• Must have proof of a completed Police Clearance within the last six months.

At Newmont, our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that everyone can work to their full potential, free from discrimination, while respecting the cultures, religions, and governance of the regions in which we operate. Guided by our values of Safety, Integrity, Sustainability, Responsibility, and Inclusion, our Lihir team – 90% of which are Papua New Guinean – is dedicated to creating a culturally rich and supportive environment where meaningful, long-term connections can be formed within the industry.

We believe in the strength of our people and the positive impact we can create together. Newmont employees are rewarded with a competitive salary, flexible packaging options, and programs that recognize those who go above and beyond. We know no candidate meets every qualification listed, so if you share our values and feel you can make a meaningful contribution, we encourage you to apply – we'd love to hear from you!