Specialist Hydro-Geologist

About the role

Kumba Iron Ore, part of the Anglo American / De Beers Group, is looking for a Specialist Hydrogeologist in Kathu. The role coordinates all hydrogeology and water management activities under the Water Management Plan, aligned with mine operations and long-term planning. It sits in the Discovery & Geosciences (GEO) NC department, Band 6 (D-Upper), reporting to the Manager Geology.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a safe and healthy work environment, keep environmental impacts within statutory requirements and take part in VFLs, risk assessments and safety action close-outs.
• Ensure dry and safe mining conditions by dewatering the pit and keeping groundwater below the mining level.
• Develop and update conceptual, numerical and analytical hydrogeological models, and monitor water levels, abstraction rates, water quality, well yields and rainfall.
• Coordinate the multidisciplinary water team and deliver the Water Management Plan, including water balances (groundwater, grey water, process water) and water-related capital projects.
• Develop water KPIs, a water use efficiency plan, and manage water infrastructure maintenance and contaminant/plume monitoring.
• Produce annual model updates, a groundwater monitoring network, a Water Information Management System and monthly reports, and liaise with Mine Planning and external stakeholders.
• People management: optimise human resources and promote continuous improvement in performance.

Required profile

• BSc (NQF7) or equivalent in a relevant technical discipline; BSc Honours (NQF8) preferred.
• Full registered member of SACNASP/ECSA.
• Drivers' licence.
• 6-8 years of experience in hydrogeology and water management in large open-pit mines, including large-scale dewatering and slope depressurisation systems.
• Experience with site-wide water balances and external stakeholder engagement (DWS, regional water authorities, municipalities, landowners).