Geotechnical Technician

About the role

The Geotechnical Technician will work on‑site at the Hidden Valley Mine, supporting the Geotechnical Engineer in installing, maintaining and monitoring geotechnical equipment. The role involves field data collection, sample handling and ensuring the integrity of monitoring programmes on a FIFO 14/7 roster for PNG nationals.

Key responsibilities

• Install, calibrate and maintain geotechnical monitoring equipment and field vehicles.
• Collect, label, package and transport rock and soil samples to laboratories.
• Perform field tests such as Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) and Rock Quality Designation (RQD) logging.
• Enter and download data from monitoring devices, ensuring accurate records in the digital database.
• Maintain stock records, order consumables and manage spare parts inventory.
• Assist in preparing geotechnical reports and communicating findings to management.
• Support health and safety compliance and contribute to site safety initiatives.

Required profile

• Completion of Grade 12 and a technical certificate or diploma related to mining or geotechnical work.
• 2–5 years of practical experience in mine geotechnical activities or a similar extractive industry.
• Proven exposure to core logging, rock/soil mapping and slope performance monitoring.
• Current PNG Class 3 or 6 driver’s licence.
• Ability to work independently without direct supervision.

Required skills

• Geotechnical core logging
• Rock/soil mapping techniques
• Slope performance monitoring
• Standard Penetration Test (SPT) execution
• Rock Quality Designation (RQD) logging
• Equipment installation and maintenance
• Sample collection and handling
• Microsoft Office suite
• Microsoft Access
• Data entry and database management