Associate Water Resources Engineer - Mining (Multiple Locations)

Burns & McDonnell; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Burns & McDonnell is seeking a senior mine water management professional to lead technical design, delivery, and integration across the mining lifecycle. The role requires deep mine‑water expertise, client leadership, and the ability to embed solutions from concept through construction.

You will guide planning, modeling, and implementation of water infrastructure, mentor staff, and collaborate with engineering and construction teams to balance rigor, cost, and long‑term performance.

Qualifications

• 13+ years of progressive mine water management experience.
• Experience developing mine-water balances and hydrologic analyses.
• Proven project-management skills with scope, schedule, budget accountability.
• Client-facing experience supporting proposals, scoping, and cost estimating.
• Strong written and verbal communication for technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical planning and execution for mine water management from permitting to long‑term stewardship.
• Develop and oversee water balance models, analyses, and treatment or reuse options.
• Direct, review, and validate hydrologic and hydraulic analyses and modeling.
• Design mine water infrastructure and ensure constructability and operability.
• Serve as primary technical interface with clients and support proposals and scopes of work.

Skills

Mine water management

Hydrologic modeling

Project leadership

Client-facing

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

GoldSim

HEC-HMS

MODFLOW

HEC-RAS

Job description

Job Overview

Burns & McDonnell is hiring a senior mine water management professional to lead technical design, delivery, and integration across the mining lifecycle. The role demands deep mine‑water expertise, client leadership, and the ability to embed solutions from concept through construction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead technical planning and execution for mine water management across permitting, operations, closure, and long‑term stewardship.
• Develop and oversee mine water strategies, water balance models, site‑specific analyses, and treatment or reuse options.
• Direct, review, and validate hydrologic, hydraulic, and hydrogeologic analyses, including watershed‑scale and scenario‑based modeling.
• Support planning and design of mine water infrastructure (ponds, impoundments, conveyance and treatment systems), ensuring constructability and operational practicality.
• Participate in constructability reviews and integrated design efforts to align mine water solutions with overall construction plans.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with clients, explaining concepts, evaluating alternatives, and enabling decision‑making.
• Assist sales and business development by providing mine‑water expertise, shaping opportunities, and contributing to proposals and scopes of work.
• Develop cost estimates, schedules, and resource plans for mine‑water scopes, considering construction complexity and risk.
• Manage or act as project manager for mine‑water projects, overseeing scope, schedule, budget, quality, safety, and client satisfaction.
• Monitor labor, expenses, and overall project health to meet financial performance goals.
• Collaborate closely with engineering and construction teams to integrate mine‑water considerations into broader delivery strategies.
• Lead or support development of mine‑water balance models, risk‑informed statistical analyses, and climate‑variability assessments.
• Translate complex analyses into clear, defensible recommendations for clients, regulators, and internal stakeholders.
• Mentor engineers and scientists, providing guidance on analyses, design, and project execution.
• Support staff growth through knowledge sharing, coaching, and internal tool development.
• Collaborate with permitting, remediation, engineering, and construction teams to deliver integrated solutions that balance rigor, cost, and long‑term performance.
• Participate in internal knowledge sharing, technical forums, and lessons‑learned discussions to continuously improve services.
• Perform any additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, environmental, chemical, mechanical engineering, or a related field from an accredited program.
• 13+ years of progressive experience in mine water management, water resources, hydrogeology, or a closely related field with direct application to mining projects.
• Proven experience developing mine‑water balances, surface water and/or groundwater modeling, and interpreting hydrologic data.
• Client‑facing experience supporting proposal development, scoping, and cost estimating for mine‑water work.
• Demonstrated project‑management skills with accountability for scope, schedule, budget, and financial performance.
• Experience supporting projects through design and into construction, including constructability reviews.
• Strong technical writing and communication skills, capable of explaining complex analyses to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Collaborative team player with senior‑level technical judgment.
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (preferred).
• Professional licensure (PE, PG) or ability to obtain one (preferred).
• Experience in mine permitting, operations, closure, and reclamation from a water‑management perspective.
• Familiarity with industry‑standard modeling tools such as GoldSim, HEC‑HMS, HEC‑RAS, MODFLOW, or similar platforms.
• Experience applying probabilistic, risk‑informed, or uncertainty‑based approaches to water‑management decision‑making.
• Background in mine closure planning, tailings‑related water considerations, or long‑term stewardship strategies.
• Experience mentoring staff and contributing to development of technical teams and practices.

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Burns & McDonnell is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.