Hydrogeologist – Sandfire Resources

Job Description

Hydrogeologist (Ref 333) – Tenable in Ghanzi

Closing Date: 28-Sep-2026

Field: Mining

Location: Motheo Copper Mine, Ghanzi, BOTSWANA

Summary

The position is responsible for proactively managing groundwater and site water risks.

Description

The position is responsible for proactively managing groundwater and site water risks by providing reliable hydrogeological advice, maintaining an effective water-balance and dewatering strategy, and coordinating all relevant stakeholders to ensure safe, uninterrupted, compliant and cost-effective mining operations.

Key Performance Areas

• Ensure work is undertaken in line with the company HSE standards and complies with legal requirements.
• Assist with the development of processes, standards and procedures for hydrogeology requirements.
• Provide weekly, monthly & yearly reporting in a timely manner.
• Developing and implementing mine dewatering and depressurisation strategies in alignment with the Ground Control Management Plan.
• Conducting hydrogeological investigations and groundwater resource assessments.
• Developing and maintaining conceptual and numerical groundwater models.
• Monitoring groundwater levels, abstraction rates, pore pressures and water quality.
• Evaluating dewatering performance and recommending optimisation measures.
• Supporting the design, installation and operation of dewatering infrastructure.
• Managing groundwater monitoring programmes and hydrogeological databases.
• Preparing technical reports and providing specialist advice to operational teams.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable environmental, safety and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure effective working relationships are built and maintained with other departments and stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Contributing to mine planning and risk management initiatives through hydrogeological input.
• Participate in the internal and external reviews for geotechnical processes.
• Assist with the development, documentation and management of the Mining department budget.
• Manage and coordinate the dewatering contractor and other stakeholders to ensure the site water management plan is proactively developed, effectively implemented, and continuously monitored.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Degree in Hydrogeology, Geology or related Earth Science discipline.
• MSc Degree in Hydrogeology or equivalent postgraduate qualification will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 8 Years’ experience in open pit mining and 2 years in mine dewatering.
• Demonstrated experience in mine dewatering, groundwater monitoring and groundwater modelling competency in softwares/applications i.e. MineDW and Modflow Surfact
• Professional Membership: Membership or eligibility for registration with a recognised professional body such as the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) or equivalent will be an added advantage.

Technical/Behavioural Competencies

• Hydrogeological investigations and interpretation.
• Groundwater modelling and water balance management.
• Mine dewatering and depressurisation systems.
• Competency in Hydrogeological software (i.e. MineDW and Modflow Surfact) and GIS applications.
• Technical report writing and data analysis.
• Environmental and water management practices.
• Working knowledge of the Botswana Mines, Quarries, Works and Machinery Regulations.
• Values driven.
• Positive People Management.
• Tenacity.
• Ability to perform in a production environment and work as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Sound decision-making ability.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Effective stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• High commitment to safety, health and environmental stewardship.
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.