Chief Geotechnical & Hydrogeology Engineer

Copper World Inc; Sahuarita (AZ); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Hudbay is seeking a Chief Geotechnical and Hydrogeology Engineer to lead geotechnical and hydrogeological initiatives for the Copper World and Mason projects in Arizona. You will oversee advanced modeling, water management, and field data collection while coordinating with geology and mine planning teams.

Reporting to the Senior Manager of Technical Services, you will mentor staff, manage budgets, and ensure safety and regulatory compliance across the USBU projects as they move from feasibility

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Hydrogeology, Geology, Geochemistry, Mining, Civil, or Geotechnical engineering.
• Minimum 12 years experience in mining, consulting, and regulatory environments.
• Licensed professional engineer or geologist (AZ or NV) or eligible for licensure.
• Proficient in groundwater modeling and water balance concepts.
• Experience with geotechnical software and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical and hydrogeological programs for the USBU Copper World and Mason projects.
• Develop conceptual and numerical models of groundwater flow.
• Oversee mine water management, dewatering strategies, and water budgets.
• Coordinate drill planning and contractor oversight.
• Ensure QA/QC and data collection procedures across projects.
• Mentor staff and manage budgets and external consultants.

Skills

MODFLOW

FEFLOW

Water balance

Geotechnical software

Technical reporting

Education

Hydrogeology/Geology degree

Tools

Slide

MinePlan

MS Office

FEFLOW

GIS

Job description

Chief Geotechnical & Hydrogeology Engineer

Management Sahuarita, AZ, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1186

Role Title:

Chief Geotechnical and Hydrogeology Engineer

Reports to:

Senior Manager of Technical Services

Location:

Helvetia, AZ

About Hudbay:

Hudbay (TSX, NYSE: HBM) is a copper-focused mining company with three long-life operations and a world-class pipeline of copper growth projects in tier-one mining-friendly jurisdictions of Canada, Peru, and the United States.

Hudbay’s operating portfolio includes the Constancia mine in Cusco (Peru), the Snow Lake operations in Manitoba (Canada) and the Copper Mountain mine in British Columbia (Canada). Copper is the primary metal produced by the company, which is complemented by meaningful gold production. Hudbay’s growth pipeline includes the Copper World project in Arizona, the Mason project in Nevada (United States), the Llaguen project in La Libertad (Peru) and several expansion and exploration opportunities near its existing operations.

The value Hudbay creates and the impact it has is embodied in its purpose statement: “We care about our people, our communities, and our planet. Hudbay provides the metals the world needs. We work sustainably, transform lives, and create better futures for communities.” Hudbay’s mission is to create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging its core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

Mission:

To create sustainable value and strong returns by leveraging our core strengths in community relations, focused exploration, mine development and efficient operations.

Purpose of Role:

The United States Business Unit seeks a Chief Geotechnical and Hydrogeology Engineer to lead and support our Copper World and Mason 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:

Strategic Project Leadership

• Program Leadership: Lead and direct all geotechnical and hydrogeological programs across the USBU (Copper World and Mason projects).


• 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION:

• 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 confidently communicate at all levels within the company and prepare complex technical reports. Ability to work effectively, with limited supervision, with a diverse group of professionals in a collaborative working environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous direct experience at an open-pit mine site is highly preferred.


• Knowledge of budget and cost management.


• Experience in marketing and preparing proposals and presentations.


• Ability to perform in a dynamic and fast-paced mining environment with strong problem-solving skills for timely, data-driven decisions.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Other Requirements:

Employee must be able to prove that they have a current and valid driver's license.

Why Hudbay?

• At Hudbay, our values of Dignity & Respect, Caring, Openness, and Trustworthiness are embedded into our culture by the way we work and how we interact with one another.


• We pride ourselves in providing our employees with competitive total rewards that include:
  
  
  • Annual performance bonuses
  
  
  • Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits for you and your family.
  
  
  • Company paid Life insurance, AD&D, Short- & Long-term Disability.
  
  
  • 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
  
  
  • An Employee Share Purchase Plan with contribution matching
  
  
  • Employee Assistance Program
  
  
  • Paid time off, paid sick time and holiday pay.
  
  


• Regular performance appraisals to acknowledge our employees for their contributions, strengths and work well done.

Hudbay is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates may be required to undergo educational and criminal background checks. Chosen candidates will be required to successfully pass a physical and drug screening.