Project                               Lesotho Highlands Water Project – Phase II - Polihali Transfer Tunnel

Division                             Water

Location                            Katse or Polihali tunnel sites in the Lesotho Highlands

Primary Position Purpose

MSKC Joint Venture are the Professional Services Consultants for the design and construction supervision of the Polihali Transfer Tunnel Lesotho Highlands Water Project-Phase II project. The new Polihali Transfer Tunnel will connect the new Polihali Dam with the Katse Reservoir, which delivers water through Transfer and Delivery Tunnels, to the Ash River Outfall between Clarens and Bethlehem in South Africa.

Tunnel Superintendent shall have a minimum of 20 years of experience on TBM tunnel construction, including a minimum of 15 years of experience as a Tunnel Superintendent with a minimum of 5 years in hard rock tunnelling with fully-shielded TBM’s (single shield or double shield TBM) and bolted, gasketed, precast concrete segmental tunnel lining.

The Tunnel Superintendent shall demonstrate experience in similar size tunnel (5-meter diameter) and tunnel length using 2 TBM’s (~17 km each) with precast concrete segmental tunnel lining consisting of bolted, gasketed, precast concrete segments.  The Tunnel Superintendent shall be able to read, write and speak fluently in the English language and be able to work and integrate into a multi-cultural environment.

• The role of the Superintendent will involve the following duties:
• Reports to the two Resident Engineers and Chief Resident Engineer.
• Leads the TBM inspectorate and provide technical guidance and training to the Engineers team including working closely with the contractor’s TBM operations team.
• Must be competent in the observation and interpretation of TBM operating parameters such as thrust, torque, penetration rate etc and recommend any adjustments required as demanded by the geology.
• Laise directly with senior geotechnical staff to monitor ground conditions encountered to assess the implication for TBM performance.
• Specific skills in the installation of tapered segmental lining, specifically ring build quality and annular grouting, segmental damage etc. 
• Inspects all work related to the TBM to ensure compliance with contract documents, drawings and specifications as well as relevant & applicable standards or codes.
• Inspects Tunnel Boring Machine construction activities and construction progress which may include ensuring procedures and materials comply with specifications.
• Observes work in progress to assure conformance with requirements, and acceptable workmanship.
• Record and monitor specific TBM down time stoppages, and cause.
• Checks drawings/plans for compliance with project specifications
• Notes and communicates any identified discrepancies on the Works.
• Ensures that the Contractor’s production teams conduct Toolbox Talks, DSTIs, Task-Based Risk Assessments, etc.
• Attends such Toolbox Talks, DSTIs, Task-Based Risk Assessment sessions as required or directed by Management.
• Review Daily Diaries, documented inspections, photograph status/conditions of the Works and comment on such records with the Section Engineers where required.
• Analise progress and production and make recommendations to improve safety, quality, production, and avoid risk threats.
• Calls for materials testing as and when required.
• Reviews contract drawings, method statements, safe work procedures, plans and specifications for compliance with applicable project requirements.
• Review site measurements of executed work on each shift worked as required.
• Support the production of redline drawings for the purposes of As-Built Drawings.
• Ensures safe execution of Works by the Contractor and/or Sub-Contractors and note unsafe acts.
• Raise NCRs as required.

Required Qualifications

• BSc/B Eng or B Tech or National Diploma in Civil Engineering or similar approved
• Knowledge and experience in Water and Tunnelling will be advantages.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented environment

SMEC is committed to supporting its people by providing opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed. Hiring is based on skills, qualifications, and experience to ensure fairness. The company values diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging as core principles, fostering a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, innovation is encouraged, and everyone is empowered to contribute and thrive.

At Surbana Jurong, we put talent, hard work, teamwork and a fun workplace together to approach problems and solve them creatively and collaboratively. Join us in making a positive impact on the world!