Technical Lead, Tailings & Mine Waste

Equilibrium; Canada; On-site; CAD 145,000 - 175,000; Full time

Job summary

Equilibrium in Vancouver seeks a Senior Geotechnical professional to lead the Mine Waste team’s tailings and mine waste projects. You will provide technical direction and work with multidisciplinary teams to deliver practical results that meet safety and budget requirements.

You will mentor staff, develop client relationships, and contribute to the growth of Equilibrium’s Mine Waste practice while traveling to project sites as needed.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of relevant experience in mining, engineering consulting or project delivery.
• Experience in design and evaluation of tailings dams, waste rock spoils, and/or co-management structures.
• P.Eng. registration in Canada and eligibility to work in Canada.

Responsibilities

• Lead the geotechnical investigations, design, coordination, and delivery of tailings, waste rock spoils, and other mine waste projects.
• Manage technical quality of all project aspects, provide direction, and maintain knowledge of best practices.
• Lead dam safety reviews, inspections and risk-informed recommendations.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and review to junior staff.
• Build and manage client relationships and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Contribute to proposals, client pursuits, and opportunity development for Mine Waste practice.
• Promote industry best practices and continuous improvement.

Skills

Geotechnical engineering

Project leadership

Client relationship management

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering (Civil, Geotechnical, Geological, or related)

Job description

We are seeking an accomplished Senior Geotechnical professional to join our growing Mine Waste team. Our Mine Waste practice is a strategic area of growth, complementing our established rock mechanics and hydrogeology disciplines. You’ll work alongside experienced multidisciplinary teams on significant projects while contributing to the continued growth and development of our mine waste capabilities.

Why Join Equilibrium?

Global reach. Specialist expertise. Real influence.

Equilibrium brings together the global reach and expertise of an established consultancy with the autonomy and agility of a specialist firm.

Here, you’ll work closely with experienced leaders, have a genuine voice in the business and see the impact of your work firsthand. As we grow, you’ll have the opportunity to take ownership, deepen your expertise and play a meaningful role in shaping what comes next.

We want our people to grow with the business, build meaningful relationships and make a lasting contribution - not simply be part of the team, but help build the future of Equilibrium.

The Role:

As Technical Lead, Mine Waste, you’ll lead the delivery of tailings and mine waste projects, provide technical direction and work closely with experienced multidisciplinary teams. You’ll have the opportunity to further develop your technical and leadership capability, build trusted client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of Equilibrium’s Mine Waste practice.

You will:

• Lead Projects: Lead the geotechnical investigations, design, coordination, and delivery of tailings, waste rock spoils, and other mine waste projects, confirming safe work practices, schedule, budget, and client requirements are met.
• Lead Technical Excellence: Manage technical quality of all aspects of projects, applying sound engineering judgement, providing technical direction, and maintaining knowledge of industry best practices.
• Champion Facility Safety: Lead dam safety and spoil inspections, dam safety reviews, and other technical assessments, providing risk-informed recommendations and supporting client’s safety management programs.
• Develop People: Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and technical review to junior staff, supporting professional development and career growth.
• Build Client Relationships: Manage client and stakeholder relationships and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, contractors, regulators, rightsholders, and global technical specialists.
• Grow the Business: Contribute to proposals, client pursuits, and opportunity development, helping grow Equilibrium's Mine Waste practice.
• Drive Best Practice: Promote industry best practices and continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For:

• 10+ years of relevant experience in mining, engineering consulting or project delivery.
• Demonstrated experience in design and evaluation of tailings dams, waste rock spoils, and/or co-management structures.
• Experience in dam safety reviews or experience within an Engineer of Record team (lead or deputy) is a plus.
• Strong technical judgement, leadership, and project delivery skills.
• Strong interpersonal and emotional intelligence, with the ability to communicate thoughtfully, build trust, provide constructive technical feedback, and navigate challenging situations with empathy.
• Experience working with clients and multidisciplinary teams.
• Bi-lingual communication ability is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Engineering (Civil, Geotechnical, Geological, or related discipline).
• P.Eng. registration in Canada.
• Demonstrated experience in business development and building long-term client relationships.
• Willingness to travel to mine sites as required.

About Equilibrium:

Complex challenges. Practical solutions. Technical excellence.

Equilibrium is a specialist technical consultancy serving the global mining and natural resources sectors. We bring together expertise in geotechnical engineering, structural geology, and hydrogeology, to solve complex technical challenges and deliver practical solutions for our clients.

Founded by internationally respected technical leaders, we combine deep technical expertise with a practical, solutions-focused approach and close client relationships. Our multidisciplinary teams work across regions and disciplines to deliver work that is technically sound, practical and fit for purpose.

Technical excellence is at the heart of what we do. We are committed to continuously improving our expertise, how we work and the value we deliver to our clients.

Our People & Culture:

Different perspectives make us stronger.

We believe bringing together different experiences and ways of thinking makes our teams stronger and our work better. More than half of our team are women, reflecting the inclusive and collaborative culture we are building at Equilibrium.

We look for people who are technically excellent, curious, empathetic and generous with their knowledge. Initiative, collaboration and fresh thinking shape how we work, while respect and transparency guide how we work with one another.

We want people to feel heard, supported and empowered to contribute — whether that’s sharing an idea, challenging an assumption or helping a colleague succeed.

Our values — excellence, transparency, diversity and mindfulness of our impact — guide how we work with each other, serve our clients and contribute to our communities and the planet.

Compensation:

We expect that the salary package to be in the below range depending on experience, qualifications, and skills. The final compensation package will be determined based on the successful candidate’s background and fit for the role.

• Canada $145,000 - $175,000 CAD per year + Benefits + Bonus
• USA $140,000 - $165,000 USD per year + Benefits + Bonus
• Australia $170,000 – $200,000 AUD per year + Superannuation + Bonus

Location:

Equilibrium operates globally, with offices in South Brisbane, Australia; Vancouver, Canada; and Portland and Phoenix, USA.

We are primarily accepting applications from candidates from within Canada or United States. Flexible and remote-based arrangements will be considered for the right individual, depending on location and project requirements.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the country where the position is based.
• Periodic domestic and/or international travel may be required for project assignments, meetings, training, client engagements, field investigations, and other business purposes, including travel to remote project and mine sites.
• As the Employer operates globally, flexibility in work schedule may be required to support collaboration across different time zones.
• Depending on project or client requirements, the role may require security, background, criminal record, drug and alcohol, or other screening.