Job Overview & Organization Mission

Direct geotechnical stewardship, ANCOLD compliance, and seepage monitoring for large-scale mining Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs).

South32 is recruiting a Senior Tailings Dam & Water Management Engineer to join the global technical team in Perth. You will drive engineering governance, surveillance reviews, and risk reduction across active and closed tailings storage facilities, ensuring rigorous compliance with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM).

As a key member of the team at South32 in Perth, WA, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Evaluate tailings: Evaluate tailings facility designs, lift construction methods, and seepage cut-off systems.
• Oversee compliance: Oversee compliance audits adhering to ANCOLD guidelines and GISTM standards.
• Review annual: Review annual dam safety inspections (DSI) and comprehensive Dam Safety Reviews (DSR).
• Perform water: Perform water balance simulations, flood routing, and dam breach inundation assessments.
• Liaise with: Liaise with external Engineers of Record (EoR) and Independent Tailings Review Boards (ITRB).

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at South32, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Bachelor of Civil or Geotechnical Engineering & CPEng.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 5+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• Bachelor of Civil or Geotechnical Engineering.
• 7+ years experience in tailings dam design, construction, or operational surveillance.
• Chartered Engineer (CPEng) or working toward registration.
• Comprehensive knowledge of ANCOLD guidelines, CDA, and GISTM frameworks.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At South32, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$160,000 – AU$200,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Salary $160,000 – $200,000 + 11.5% super + annual STI bonus.
• Flexible Perth office working model with planned travel to Australian operations.
• Comprehensive health, life insurance, and paid volunteer leave.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: South32

South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company producing bauxite, alumina, aluminium, copper, silver, lead, and zinc.

South32 is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official South32 careers gateway.