Bentonite Engineer

Bentonite Engineer at Bradfield consulting

Job Description

The Bentonite Engineer will manage and monitor bentonite and polymer slurry systems used in bored piling and diaphragm wall construction, ensuring that slurry preparation, testing, circulation, treatment, recycling, and disposal comply with project specifications and operational requirements.

The role supports borehole and trench stability, efficient excavation, construction quality, and effective use of slurry materials.

Key Responsibilities

Slurry Preparation and Management:

• Plan and supervise bentonite and polymer slurry preparation according to approved mix designs and project requirements.
• Ensure the availability of suitable slurry materials, mixing equipment, storage tanks, and circulation systems.
• Monitor slurry preparation, hydration, mixing, storage, and delivery to active construction areas.
• Coordinate slurry circulation and recovery during piling and diaphragm wall excavation.
• Ensure appropriate handling, storage, recycling, and disposal procedures are followed.

Testing and Quality Control:

• Conduct or supervise slurry testing in accordance with project specifications.
• Monitor density, viscosity, sand content, pH, and other required parameters.
• Maintain accurate test records and communicate results to construction and QA/QC teams.
• Identify slurry that does not meet specifications and coordinate corrective action.
• Ensure slurry properties are suitable for maintaining borehole and trench stability.
• Support quality inspections and provide technical documentation when required.

Slurry Treatment and Equipment Coordination:

• Supervise desanding, slurry separation, treatment, and recycling operations.
• Monitor the performance of slurry pumps, mixing plants, desanders, pipelines, and associated equipment.
• Coordinate with plant engineers and operators to resolve equipment issues.
• Identify opportunities to reduce slurry losses, material wastage, and unnecessary operating costs.
• Ensure adequate slurry capacity for planned construction activities.

Technical Support:

• Advise piling and diaphragm wall teams on slurry-related operational requirements.
• Investigate slurry contamination, excessive sand content, instability, and other technical issues.
• Recommend corrective actions in line with approved procedures.
• Coordinate with geotechnical and QA/QC personnel to address slurry performance concerns.
• Support the review of slurry specifications and operational procedures.

Environmental, Safety, and Reporting Responsibilities:

• Ensure safe handling of bentonite, polymers, and related materials.

• Monitor slurry waste management and disposal in accordance with project and environmental requirements.

• Enforce applicable HSE procedures around slurry plants and treatment areas.

• Prepare daily slurry consumption, testing, recycling, and operational reports.

• Maintain inventory records and report material requirements.

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Compliance of slurry properties with project specifications.

• Timeliness and accuracy of slurry testing records.

• Slurry availability for construction operations.

• Reduction in avoidable slurry losses and material wastage.

• Efficiency of slurry treatment and recycling.

• Response time for slurry-related operational problems.

• Equipment availability and reduction in slurry plant downtime.

• Compliance with environmental and HSE requirements.

• Qualifications and Experience

• B.Sc., B.Eng., or HND in Civil Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or another relevant discipline.

• Minimum of five years' relevant experience in bentonite slurry management, piling, diaphragm wall construction, or geotechnical works.

• Practical knowledge of bentonite and polymer drilling systems.

• Experience with slurry testing, desanding, recycling, and treatment systems.

• Relevant technical training or professional memberships are an advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of slurry properties and their application in foundation construction.
• Analytical and technical problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret test results and project specifications.
• Equipment coordination and operational supervision.
• Accurate recordkeeping and reporting.
• Effective communication and teamwork.
• Ability to work under pressure and on remote project sites.
• Willingness to work in Lagos and be deployed to sites anywhere across Nigeria.

Preferred candidate markets include:

• Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Egypt, and other countries with strong relevant industry experience
• Candidates must possess practical, verifiable experience relevant to the specific position and be willing to work in Nigeria.

Work Location and Conditions:

• Primary location: Lagos, Nigeria.

• Project deployment: Any state across Nigeria, including remote project locations.

• Work arrangement: Fully on-site; not hybrid or remote.

• Working days: Monday to Saturday.

• Working hours: Project-based, depending on site requirements.

• Work authorisation: Applicable Nigerian immigration and work permit requirements must be met.

• Candidates must be prepared to travel, relocate between project sites, and work under the conditions associated with active foundation engineering and construction projects.

• Additional Benefits

• Accommodation support.

• Transportation support.

• Work permit assistance where applicable.

• Project-related allowances.

• Medical support in line with company policy.

• Career progression and leadership opportunities.

• Exposure to major infrastructure and foundation engineering projects.

• Technical development and professional certification support where applicable.

Application Closing Date

Not Specified.