Engineer II

Rio Tinto; California (MO); On-site; USD 92,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health programs

401k matching program

Employee share plan

Paid time off

Annual cash incentive (STIP)

Job summary

Rio Tinto is seeking a Mine Hydrogeologist for the Boron, CA operation to manage dewatering plans that support pit slope stability and mine production. The role emphasizes safety, technical leadership, and collaboration with geotechnical engineers and mine planners.

The candidate will lead hydrogeology drilling plans, model pore pressures, and communicate groundwater findings to multidisciplinary teams while mentoring colleagues and contributing to safety and profitability.

Qualifications

• BS in Hydrogeology or related field and hands-on groundwater role experience.
• Strong understanding of groundwater flow in open pit slope stability.
• Familiarity with pore pressure modeling software packages.
• Ability to explain groundwater data to non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Identify targets for depressurization and monitoring to support pit slope stability.
• Prepare hydrogeology drill plans and budgets.
• Supervise drillers, subcontractors and hydro consultants on site.
• Collect and interpret surface and groundwater data.
• Model pore pressure with appropriate hydrogeological software.
• Prepare reports on dewatering targets and progress.

Skills

Groundwater knowledge

Open pit hydrogeology experience

Pore pressure modeling software

Communicating groundwater data

Rock & soil mechanics awareness

Education

BS in Hydrogeology

Job description

• Global mining organization with an exceptional safety culture
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Excellent opportunity for career development and development of technical expertise within the Rio Tinto group
• For California based roles the expected annual salary range is $92,240 - $126,830

Mine Hydrogeologist

• Global mining organization with an exceptional safety culture
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Excellent opportunity for career development and development of technical expertise within the Rio Tinto group
• For California based roles the expected annual salary range is $92,240 - $126,830

About The Role

We are looking for a Mine Hydrogeologist to join the Mine Technical Services team of our Boron operation in California. The successful candidate will maintain site dewatering plan in support of pit slope stability and mine production plans.

This role is a great opportunity to contribute to the organization’s safety and profitability while developing as a technical expert and leader. The role is responsible for

• Identification of targets for depressurization and/or monitoring to support pit slope stability in a soft rock environment with extremely low hydraulic conductivity.
• Preparing hydrogeology drill plans and budgets.
• Supervising drillers and subcontractors, as well as hydro consultants.
• Surface and groundwater data collection and interpretation.
• Pore pressure modeling using appropriate hydrogeological software.
• Preparing reports documenting the achievement and progress toward dewatering targets.
• Designing and maintaining surface runoff catchment network at the mine.
• Maintaining communication with geotechnical engineers and mine planners regarding surface and groundwater issues across the mine.
• Sharing and seeking out knowledge and best practices across the mining industry through collaborative forums, site visits, mentoring and training.
• Performing other duties, including geotechnical data collection and on-call duty during weekends and evening hours.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will have

• Minimum of a BS degree in Hydrogeology or a related field.
• An in-depth knowledge of groundwater flow and its role in open pit slope stability.
• At least three years of relevant experience in an open pit hydrogeology role.
• Familiarity with pore pressure modeling software packages.
• Ability to communicate groundwater monitoring data and pore pressure evaluation results to various groups, including non-technical audience.
• Familiarity with rock and soil mechanics and their roles in pore pressure modeling.

What We Offer

We are committed to providing our employees with what they deserve. Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking, your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress, we provide

• A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
• Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees
• Access to top tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
• Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
• Generous Rio Tinto employee share program, which allows you to purchase Rio Tinto Company shares.
• Comprehensive leave policies which cover all moments that matter in life PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
• A favorable child-caregiver leave program (Up to 100% salary top-up)
• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
• Ongoing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family; to help in addressing educational opportunities, addiction treatment, depression, stress, domestic issues, financial management, and legal concerns.
• Our team and industry experts are here to support and work with you to explore your learning potential and career goals

Where you will be working

This role is located in Boron, CA. Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We provide 30 per cent of the world's supply of refined borates, remarkable minerals that are essential to life and to modern living.

Also known for its 20 Mule Team Borax brand, Rio Tinto Borates traces its roots to California’s Death Valley, where borate deposits were discovered in 1872.

The twenty-mule teams Borax used to haul ore out of the remote desert live on as a symbol of our commitment to innovation. Rio Tinto Borates distinguishes itself through world-class safety, environmental and community practices, and a commitment to constant innovation and improvement.

About Rio Tinto

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http //www.ucis.gov/ for more information.