Specialist Geoscience Data

PLS Group; Western Australia; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual short-term incentive bonus

Employee share scheme

18 weeks parental leave for primaryCar

Flexible working arrangements

Health and wellbeing allowance

Novated leasing

Paid community leave

Employee Assistance Program

Monthly recognition awards

KidsCo School Holiday Program

Job summary

PLS Group is seeking a senior geoscience data manager to own and develop the PLS geoscience database and lead data science initiatives for the Pilgangoora operation and Colina Project, with occasional travel to Australia and Brazil.

You will combine database management with data science, applying Python, ML and AI to turn drill hole, assay and geo-metallurgical data into better decisions, while supporting audits and data standards across the organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of relevant experience in geoscience data management.
• At least three years in geological database management.
• Experience administering Datashed or an equivalent geoscience database.
• Strong SQL skills, including SQL Server.
• Python programming for data processing, automation and analysis.
• Practical application of ML or AI to geoscience or mining data.
• Sound understanding of drill hole data, sampling, QAQC and JORC Code reporting requirements.
• Willingness to travel to site in Australia and Brazil.
• Experience with Snowflake, Git, or dbt is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Act as custodian of the Datashed geoscience database and its SQL Server backend.
• Manage loading, validation and approval of collar, survey, geology, sampling, assay, geo-metallurgical and geotechnical data.
• Run QA/QC processes and support internal and external audits.
• Work with the Technology team to maintain data replication to Snowflake.
• Integrate data into consistent PLS database structures, standards and workflows.
• Support automated ingestion pipelines for geological and geo-metallurgical data.
• Develop tools, dashboards and ML/AI applications turning data into insight for geologists and leaders.
• Provide data analysis to support Mineral Resource estimation, reconciliation and exploration targeting.
• Coordinate geoscience software licence allocation, usage and expenditure.
• Train and mentor geologists in data standards, database use and Python.

Skills

SQL skills

Python programming

Machine learning

Data QA/QC

Communication

Travel readiness

Education

Geoscience or data science degree

Tools

Snowflake

Git

dbt

SQL Server

Job description

The world is going electric, and PLS is at the forefront of the charge.

Our collaborative, inclusive culture is a cornerstone of PLS. Humble, down-to-earth and genuinely invested in each other, we are one team united by a common purpose and driven to do great work together.

Being such a fast-moving company in clean energy transition means there is no shortage of challenge or opportunity. Whether it is taking on new projects, developing new skills or stepping into bigger roles, PLS is a place where careers move and where your potential has room to grow.

We're not a big corporate, and we don't want to be. At PLS you own your work, you're backed by people who care about doing a good job, and there's room to innovate and make things happen.

Positioned to be a major force for change, this is a great time to join us as we play a critical role in addressing the global energy crisis. If you want to be part of an organsation that is all about great people shaping the next era of battery minerals, we would love to hear from you.

The future is lithium, make it yours.

What PLS offers

• Annual short-term incentive bonus recognising individual and business performance
• PLS employee share scheme
• 18 weeks parental leave for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers
• Flexible working arrangements, including work from home options
• Health and wellbeing allowance
• Novated leasing through salary sacrifice
• Paid community leave
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and Company Chaplains
• Monthly employee recognition awards
• Access to PLS’ KidsCo School Holiday Program

The opportunity

This is a newly created role to bring geoscience data management in-house and build a data science capability from the ground up. Reporting to the Group Advisor Resource Geology, you will own, administer and develop the PLS geoscience database and manage the wider geoscience data landscape for the Pilgangoora Operation and the Colina Project. You will combine database management with data science, applying Python, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to turn drill hole, assay and geo-metallurgical data into better decisions.

This is a permanent full-time role based at our Perth Corporate office, noting we are currently based in West Perth, but will be moving to the CBD (QV1 Building) in 2027. The role includes occasional travel to the Pilgangoora Operation and the Colina Project in Brazil. Shortlisting begins immediately, so early applications are encouraged.

Key responsibilities

• Act as custodian of the Datashed geoscience database and its Structured Query Language (SQL) Server back end

• Manage loading, validation and approval of collar, survey, geology, sampling, assay, geo-metallurgical and geotechnical data

• Run quality assurance and quality control (QAQC) processes and support internal and external audits

• Work with the PLS Technology team to maintain and improve replication of geoscience data to Snowflake

• Integrate data into consistent PLS database structures, standards and workflows

• Support automated ingestion pipelines for geological and geo-metallurgical data

• Develop tools, dashboards and ML and AI applications that turn data into insight for geologists and leaders

• Provide data analysis to support Mineral Resource estimation, reconciliation and exploration targeting

• Coordinate geoscience software licence allocation, usage and expenditure

• Train and mentor geologists in data standards, database use and Python

About you

• Tertiary degree in geoscience, data science, computer science or a related discipline

• At least five years of relevant experience, including a minimum of three years in geological database management

• Demonstrated experience administering Datashed or an equivalent geoscience database

• Strong SQL skills, including SQL Server

• Python programming for data processing, automation and analysis

• Practical application of ML or AI to geoscience or mining data

• Sound understanding of drill hole data, sampling, QAQC and JORC Code reporting requirements

• A curious, structured approach, high attention to detail and clear communication skills

• Willingness to travel to site in Australia and Brazil

• Experience with Snowflake, Git, or dbt is highly regarded

Supporting an inclusive and diverse workforce

PLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating a workplace that values, respects and supports diversity and inclusion. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our business and help us deliver better outcomes for our people, our communities and the future we’re building. We foster an environment where everyone feels safe, included and able to contribute their best. Our recruitment processes are designed to be fair, equitable and accessible for all.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, all ages, and people of all genders and sexual orientations (LGBTQIA+).

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and in the workplace to support all applicants and employees. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application process or inform our Careers team if you are contacted for an interview.

Our recruitment process

As part of our recruitment process, a number of checks will be conducted, including police / criminal background checks, medical assessments, drug and alcohol testing, due diligence, right to work checks and reference checks.

We respectfully request agencies not to submit unsolicited resumes.

Acknowledgement of Country

PLS respectfully acknowledges the Nyamal and Kariyarra People of the Pilbara, the Whadjuk Noongar People of the Perth region and all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are the Traditional Owners and First Nations peoples of these lands.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge their continuing connection and care for the land, water and Country.