Geologist at Rio Tinto in Superior, AZ

Geologist (8)

• Join a leader in mining & metals offering outstanding personal development & global career opportunities.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Work in an underground project located near Superior, Arizona.

About the Role

We are looking for eight Geologists to provide technical support in geologic and geotechnical data collection through core logging, borehole geophysics, underground mapping and LIDAR scanning, drilling operations support, and geologic modeling. This role contributes to the orebody knowledge of the Resolution deposit and provides the opportunity to develop well-rounded expertise in the entire resource evaluation workflow. These disciplines include but are not limited to:

• Managing daily core inflows, core logging, photography, core scanning prep, geotechnical logging, borehole geophysics reconciling, and data QAQC.
• Supervision of drilling operations in some of the most challenging drilling conditions.
• Assay sample prep, planning, and execution of shipments/returns.
• Underground data collection during drift development and core drilling.

This role is a great opportunity to be part of the Resource Evaluation team where detailed data collection is conducted to interpret and define the structural geology, mineralization, and alteration characteristics of the deposit. This also includes opportunities for focused project work to further enhance role development. Daily activities require frequent interaction with the core handling, drilling operations, resource modeling teams, and contractors.

Role Responsibilities

• Geologic, geotechnical and drilling-related data collection at a high-quality standard in a timely manner.
• Synthesis and communication of drilling and geologic interpretations to update the geologic model and impacts on the project’s development.
• Drill core logging and interpretation of core scanning data and downhole geophysical logs
• Daily reporting of drilling and underground development progress and results of the data collection. 
• Safety and operational field supervision of drill contractors to ensure positive reinforcement of site culture values and effective use of critical risk management tools, risk assessment, incident reporting and completion of corrective actions.
• Developing and implementing drilling plans, optimizing drilling parameters, managing drilling schedules, and coordinating with other departments to ensure smooth operations. 
• Updating geologic and drilling databases and preparation of reports and diagrams.
• Underground mapping, LIDAR scanning, and sampling of development headings; coordination with miners for access to active headings and underground drill sites.

About you

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology/Earth Science, Geologic Engineering, or Geotechnical Engineering, or a Bachelor’s degree with 3+ years of demonstrated experience in geology related field.
• Professional and practical communications skills including technical and scientific documentation and reporting.
• Willingness/ability to work in an underground mine, including night shifts.
• Ability to work with technical and operational colleagues with diverse backgrounds to contribute to a positive and collaborative team culture
• Function in digital environment and ability to operate fluently in software such as Excel, Word, acQuire.
• Ability to meet productivity targets and deliverable deadlines in a dynamic work environment
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of demonstrated experience in exploration or mining geology (MSHA metal/non-metal 40hr)
• Knowledge and field experience of resource drilling processes and techniques, contractor management experience and confidence to direct operations in alignment with safety policy and procedures.
• Background in geotechnical/geomechanical engineering applied to underground mining
• Knowledge of porphyry Cu systems with respect to alteration phases, geochemical signatures
• Experience with scripting language (SQL, Python, C, etc.) and application to geoscientific data management
• Understanding of geoscientific database structure and functionality
• Proficiency in 3D geologic modeling tools such as Deswik, Leapfrog, Vulcan.

What we offer

We are committed to providing our employees with a generous benefits package. Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking, your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress, we provide: 

• A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
• Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees 
• Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
• Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
• Generous Rio Tinto employee share program, which allows you to purchase Rio Tinto Company shares.
• Comprehensive leave policies which cover all moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave. 
• A favorable child-caregiver leave program (Up to 100% salary top-up)
• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
• Ongoing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family; to help in addressing educational opportunities, addiction treatment, depression, stress, domestic issues, financial management, and legal concerns. 
• Our team and industry experts are here to support and work with you to explore your learning potential and career goals 

Where you will be working

Resolution Copper has the potential to supply nearly 25% of the US copper demand and create several thousand direct and indirect jobs in the Pioneer Mining District of Arizona, with an economic value of several billion dollars over the estimated mine life.

The project will rely on a technique called block caving to extract the deposit that lies more than 2,000 meters deep. This technique uses gravity to help remove the ore and is the most viable way to recover the resource.

Resolution Copper will continue underground development, conduct extensive drilling and orebody testing, plus maintain the permitting and public engagement process.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

 

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.