• As a key member of a Technical team and reporting into the Hydro Manager, the Hydrologist is responsible for designing, evaluating, and managing water systems and input into water infrastructure systems
• Input into water balances for our mining operations.
• The Hydrologist will work closely with mining operational personnel, geologists, mine planners, hydrogeologist, dewatering specialist and other stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient water management practices.
• The Hydrologist will ensure there is communication between key water-using departments and identify any areas where project support can be provided.
• The implementation of new water management practices, operational procedures, designs and new control philosophies aimed at improving overall water balance performance and with a focus on the design, monitoring, optimisation, maintenance and roll-out of the process control systems inside the operational pit, as well as site-wide.
• Carry out tasks allocated by the Hydro Manager in the context of assessing performance of the in-pit sump and pumping strategy as well as wet weather planning with the final objective of effectively contributing a fit for purpose implementation plan.
• Participate performance analyses and improvements initiatives.

Specific Job Responsibility

• Liaison with Hydrogeologists and Mining Engineers to translate catchment, runoff and rainfall into in-pit sump designs and capacities in alignment with the mining schedule.
• Work with Technical Planners to construct storm water catchment and management designs.
• Form part of the process to develop and implement water management plans with Hydro Management department, including water supply, treatment, and disposal systems
• Focus on surface water management as mining areas progress
• Liaison with mine planners and operational personnel to plan and prepare horizontal drilling areas efficiently and in-line with the production mining plan.
• Input into the development and review of the water balance model for site facilities (Sentinel pit, Enterprise pit & TSF)
• Procurement of water related items and budget management
• Design of storm water management controls, including assessment of performance and recommendation for improvements
• Provide engineering designs for surface water management
• Risk analyses
• Conduct site assessments to identify water sumping, channelling and disposal options including pumping rates necessary to ensure low sump levels and dry mining areas.
• Focus on non-contact water preservation
• Assistance with the development and maintenance of water budgets and forecasts for mining operations
• Work with Technical engineering teams to design and implement water infrastructure projects
• Create project schedules and track project progress

Job Specific Competencies

• Sound knowledge of the principles of a mining operation.
• Demonstrable experience in modern project planning technologies & practices (eg. Microsoft Teams / Projects)
• A thorough understanding of the integration of the mining, dewatering, infrastructural and water-planning principles.
• Provide technical project planning expertise and input into the short as well as medium term dewatering strategies.
• Knowledge of engineering and planning techniques as they apply to open-cast mine operations
• Advanced computing skills including Microsoft Office suite
• GIS competent
• Water balance modelling software such as Goldsim
  Predictive inflow software such as HMS HMC
• Deswik and / or Surpac competency advantageous
• English language fluency

Key Job Attributes

• Good interpersonal skills and able to communicate and liaise with various departments
• High level of autonomy
• Well-developed oral and communicational skills
• Strong drive and personal sense of ownership and accountability
• Ability to maintain self-discipline within a fast-paced stressful section
• Displays strong initiative and spirit for continuous improvement
• Be diligent and thorough in approach
• Self-assertive
• Be enthusiastic and pro-active in manner
• Excellent cognitive and analytical skills for identifying any shortfalls within the areas of responsibility of the water department
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and able to assemble data and provide clear and accurate operational project reports and plans
• Understand and execute accountabilities of legal appointment under Zambian Mining Regulations

Experience required to perform in this job

• A experience in technical and/or operational roles within a mining environment, preferably in a copper operation.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor Degree in Mining, Mine Engineering or Hydrology.
• A Master’s Degree in any of the abovementioned disciplines will be highly regarded
• Eligibility for membership of the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ)