Geologist

Sawtooth Mining; Winnemucca (NV); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sawtooth Mining seeks a Geologist to join the Thacker Pass Lithium Clay Surface Mine project in Nevada. You will plan and lead ore-control drilling, analyze results, and integrate findings into short-range geological, structural, and assay block models. Emphasis on QA/QC and ore-control workflow is essential.

The role reports to the Principal Geologist and requires collaboration with mining operations, environmental teams, and site contractors. Relocation assistance is provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology with field experience in exploration drilling and ore control.
• Experience integrating geological model results into short-range mine planning.
• Preference for Professional Geologist designation and SEC/43-101 qualifications.

Responsibilities

• Interpret geologic data and provide structure and assay assessments.
• Monitor drilling permits and reserves protection requirements.
• Supervise geologic drilling contractors and related projects.
• Collect and analyze geotechnical data.
• Maintain geologic files, QA/QC data, databases, and samples.
• Update short-range geological, structural, and block models.
• Lead ore control efforts and track reconciliation.

Skills

Sedimentary geology

Lithium geology

Geochemistry

Hydrology

MS Office

Geobank

Vulcan

Team collaboration

Communication

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology

5–10 years of exploration drilling experience

Master's degree preferred

Professional Geologist designation

Qualified Person (SEC SK-1300) & 43-101

Tools

Geobank

Vulcan (Maptek)

Maptek’s Vulcan

Job description

Sawtooth Mining is seeking a technically skilled Geologist to join our growing technical team at the Thacker Pass Lithium Clay Surface Mine as we prepare for first ore and transition from a greenfield project to an operating mine. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in one of North America’s most significant lithium projects and contribute directly to the future of critical mineral production.

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and leading ore-control drilling, as well as collecting, analyzing, and interpreting drilling results for integration into short-range geological, structural, and assay block models. This person will also focus on QA/QC processes and lead the ore control workflow and reconciliation tracking.

Reporting to the Principal Geologist, the Geologist will collaborate closely with mining operations, environmental teams, contractors, and technical personnel across the site.

Work Location: Thacker Pass Project in Orovada, NV.

Job Description:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

• Interpret geologic data and provide geologic structure and assay information and assessments.
• Monitor state and federal drilling permit requirements and protection of reserves.
• Supervise contractors during geologic drilling and other related projects.
• Collect and analyze geotechnical data.
• Maintain geologic files, QA/QC data, databases, and samples.
• Complete special technical studies as assigned.
• Update and maintain the short-range geological, structural, and block models for use in short-range mine planning.
• Lead and support Ore Control efforts to ensure that ore is being mined efficiently and reconciliation is tracked correctly.
• Perform all duties in accordance with MSHA regulations, state and federal requirements, and company policies.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety-first culture.
• Support environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance initiatives.

OTHER DUTIES:

• Assist with other teams on various mining-related projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Some travel will be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledgeable in sedimentary and lithium geology, geochemistry, and hydrology.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, Geobank Database software, and Maptek's Vulcan block modeling software.
• Knowledge of Fleet Management System reporting is a plus.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills are required.
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills are required.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work in a team environment.
• Strong critical thinking skills are required.
• Candidate should be based in or willing to relocate to Winnemucca, Nevada (relocation assistance provided).

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE:

At a minimum, a Bachelor's degree in Geology with 5-10 years of experience in exploration drilling, geological block modeling, and ore control at a surface mining operation. Preference given to those with a Master's degree in Geology, Professional Geologist designation, and those currently qualified as a Qualified Person under the SEC's SK-1300 and Canadian 43-101 regulations.

ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF POSITION:

• Intermittently: None
• Occasionally (0 - 1/3 of workday): Kneeling/crouching (field inspections, troubleshooting); pushing/pulling (light equipment, sampling devices); reaching-above/below shoulder (equipment access, truck cabs); riding in heaving equipment (haul trucks, graders); entering/exiting equipment (3-point contact climbing required); working at elevations/heights (pit walls, elevated platforms); bending/stooping (inspecting ground, samples, equipment); lifting (up to 30-40 pounds: core boxes, tools, sampling gear); carrying (PPE kits, survey gear, laptops); climbing (accessing shovels, highwalls, stairs/ladders); standing (pre-shift meetings, pit observations, mine site walk-throughs).
• Frequently (1/3 - 2/3 of workday): Navigation of active mining areas (around haul trucks); walking (pit floors, waste dumps, uneven and rocky terrain); walking on uneven ground (loose ore, benches, slopes); driving light vehicles (long distances across mine site (minimum of 10 miles/day); sitting (engineering design, scheduling, reporting, AutoCAD, Vulcan, Microsoft Office Applications).
• Constantly (2/3 - 3/3 of workday): Fine motor skills-typing, instruments (engineering software, GPS/survey tools); vision (hazard recognition, surveying, reading plans/screens); hearing (radio communication, alarms, heavy equipment); communication (coordination with operators, supervisors, contractors); depth perception (working near edges, haul roads, highwalls); situational awareness (MSHA safety environment).

EEO Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate.

You must meet at least the specific minimum requirements listed above to be considered a qualified applicant.