Chief Geotechnical and Hydrogeology Engineer

WorkNovaX; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

WorkNovaX in Tucson, AZ, seeks a Chief Geotechnical and Hydrogeology Engineer to lead combined geotechnical and hydrogeological initiatives as we move from feasibility studies to detailed engineering and operations.

You will oversee advanced modeling, mine water management, structural design support, field data acquisition, and collaboration with geological and mine planning teams to deliver safe, innovative solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Geochemistry, Mining, Civil, or Geotechnical engineering.
• 12+ years of work experience in mining, consulting, and regulatory environments.
• Licensed professional engineer or geologist (PG or PE) in Arizona or Nevada, or the ability to work towards registration. Must possess a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical and hydrogeological programs across the USBU.
• Develop conceptual/site and numerical models of groundwater flow and cover systems.
• Oversee mine water management, budgets, dewatering strategies and containment/mitigation.
• Coordinate drill planning, contractor relations, and RFPs for VWP installations.
• Support geotechnical design of foundations, soil and civil structures.
• QA/QC and data collection training; manage external consultants.
• Interface with clients, agencies, and vendors to deliver safe, innovative solutions.

Skills

MODFLOW/FEFLOW

Water Balance

MinePlan/Slide

MS Office

Education

Geotechnical/Geology degree

MS preferred

Tools

Slide

MinePlan

Job description

Chief Geotechnical and Hydrogeology Engineer

Tucson, United States | Posted on 09/17/2026

Our client is looking for a Chief Geotechnical and Hydrogeology Engineer to lead and support projects. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Technical Services, the Chief Geotechnical and Hydrogeology Engineer will lead the project's combined geotechnical and hydrogeological initiatives as we transition from feasibility-level studies to detailed engineering and operations. The position will oversee advanced conceptual and numerical modeling, mine water management, structural designs, and field data acquisition while collaborating closely with our geological and mine planning teams.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Program Leadership: Lead and direct all geotechnical and hydrogeological programs across the USBU.
• Modeling & Cover Systems: Work with internal teams and external experts to develop conceptual site models, analytical and numerical models of unsaturated and saturated groundwater flow, and design evapotranspiration cover systems.
• Water Management: Develop and oversee mine water management approaches, including water budgets, mine dewatering strategies, waste-material impoundments, and groundwater containment/mitigation.
• Drill & Contractor Coordination: Manage and coordinate drill planning (e.g., Sonic holes, pumping wells, condemnation holes), contractor relations, and RFP creation (including proposals for VWP installations).
• Structural Support: Provide support in the design of geotechnical works, soil structures, and civil structures, including foundation and pile design.
• QA/QC & Data Collection: Master internal logging data collection procedures to train staff and conduct QA/QC on work completed by external consultants.
• Testing & Instrumentation: Review and oversee advanced borehole testing (packer, airlift, pump, and injection tests) and geotechnical instrumentation.
• Budgeting & Capital Projects: Develop budgets for supervised areas, ensure adherence to budgets, oversee large capital projects, and manage external consultants and contractors.
• Stakeholder Interfacing: Attend meetings and interface seamlessly with clients, agencies, external consultants, contractors, sub-contractors, and/or vendors to deliver safe, responsible, and innovative solutions.
• Safety Compliance: Complete workplace examinations to identify safety hazards and ensure all field investigations are conducted safely.
• Team Development: Supervise and mentor junior/mid-level staff members and technicians, supporting the hiring and development of new talent in a positive, team-oriented environment.
  

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master's degree (M.S. preferred) in Hydrogeology, Geology, Geochemistry, Mining, Civil, or Geotechnical engineering.
• Experience: A minimum of 12 years of work experience in mining, consulting, and regulatory environments.
• Technical Skills: Expertise in saturated flow modeling using MODFLOW and/or FEFLOW, and strong expertise in Water Balance. Exposure to geotechnical software (Slide, MinePlan, etc.) and advanced MS Office skills.
• Licenses & Certifications: Licensed professional engineer or geologist (PG or PE) in Arizona or Nevada, or the ability to work towards registration. Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels within the company confidently and prepare complex technical reports. Ability to work effectively, with limited supervision, with a diverse group of professionals in a collaborative working environment.