This is an opportunity for a geotechnical engineer with experience in open pit mining to join dss+ as a freelance subject matter expert.
You will be working alongside a dss+ team of consultants and project managers, providing expert advice on the geotechnical engineering challenges of open pit mining with a focus on the management of risk in such an environment.
This will include advising on:
Geotechnical risk management, including:
Failure mechanisms
Hydrolgeological influences on slope stability
Dynamic loading factors
Risk assessments using a variety of tools
Slope Monitoring & Instrumentation
This role is offered on a freelance basis with the project scheduled to start in September, and onboarding training to commence in mid to late August.
Requirements
At dss+, we embrace and celebrate diversity. Above all, we are an inclusive culture in which everyone contributes and has the chance to develop their talents further.
As a technical expert with operational experience in geotechnical risk management engineering in open pit mining, you will have the following experience and expertise:
Geotechnical Risk Expertise
In-depth knowledge of:
Failure mechanisms: planar, wedge, circular, toppling, and rockfall
Hydrogeological influences on slope stability (e.g., water table, pore pressure, dewatering systems)
Dynamic loading factors, including blast-induced vibration impacts on slopes
Progressive slope failure identification and management
Experience conducting risk assessments using:
Limit equilibrium, finite element, and distinct element methods
Tools such as: SLIDE, RS2, FLAC, Plaxis, RocTopple, SWEDGE
Slope Monitoring & Instrumentation
Familiarity with installation, operation, and interpretation of:
Slope stability radar (e.g., SSR-XT, IDS)
Inclinometers, piezometers, extensometers, prism networks
Drones and photogrammetry for highwall and slope inspection
Ability to analyze displacement trends, forecast failure zones, and recommend action thresholds
Due to the multi-national make-up of the teams you will be working with, you will need to be able to work in both English and Spanish at a professional and technical level.
Diversity and Inclusion
dss+ is committed to a diverse workforce and believes that this is essential to strengthening our company and driving sustainable growth. We are committed and driving accountability for growing DSS through diversity. Diversity is an indispensable part of our organization's culture. The goal of our commitment to inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunity has not only become a competitive advantage for us but has attracted highly capable and talented employees to DSS.
dss+ Core Values
dss+ works with clients to save lives and create a sustainable future. To do so effectively, we live our core values that underpin our thinking, our goals and our actions, every step of the way. Coupled with our passion and expertise, the dss+ core values ensure we forge a path to success for our employees, stakeholders and clients — one that we can all be proud of. What ideals do we prioritise? These are the four compass points that guide our actions.
Safety and health
We share a personal and professional commitment to protecting the safety and health of our employees, contractors, customers and the people of the communities in which we operate.
Environmental stewardship
We find science-enabled solutions for our customers, always managing our businesses to protect and preserve the environment, both for today and for the future.
Respect for people
We treat our employees and all our partners with professionalism, dignity and respect, fostering an environment where people can contribute, innovate and excel.
Highest ethical behaviour
We conduct ourselves and our business affairs in accordance with the highest ethical standards, striving always to be a respected corporate citizen worldwide.