Geotechnical Engineer

ASARCO; Kearny (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(k) plan with company match

Robust carpool/vanpool program

Job summary

A leading mining company is seeking an enthusiastic Geotechnical Engineer to support safe, reliable copper production. This role involves monitoring highwall stability, conducting hazard assessments, and providing geotechnical guidance. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Geological, Geotechnical, or Mining Engineering, along with relevant site-based experience. Excellent communication and teamwork skills are essential. The location is in Kearny, Arizona, with a great benefits package offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of site-based experience in an open pit geotechnical role.
• Excellent safety record with knowledge of MSHA/OSHA requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to perform essential functions of the job.

Responsibilities

• Deploy and oversee slope-monitoring systems and interpret monitoring data.
• Establish and maintain trigger levels and provide on-call geotechnical support.
• Conduct routine TSF inspections and data validation.

Skills

Geotechnical analysis

Safety leadership

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering or related field

Tools

Rocscience suite

FLAC

ArcGIS/QGIS

Job description

Overview

ASARCO Ray Mine is seeking an enthusiastic Geotechnical Engineer – Slope Stability, to support safe, reliable copper production at a world‑class porphyry deposit. The Geotechnical Engineer provides continuous highwall monitoring, rockfall hazard assessment and control, and practical slope design input at an autonomous‑haulage, high‑tonnage open‑pit copper mine processing both sulfide and oxide ores. Reporting to the Chief Engineer, this role ensures operating decisions are informed by real‑time monitoring data, geotechnical models, and field validation, and that TARPs, stand‑offs, and depressurization strategies are aligned with mine plans. The Geotechnical Engineer links geotechnics with operations, mine planning, dewatering, and tailings, conducting routine TSF inspections and delivering clear, actionable geotechnical guidance to drive site‑wide risk reduction and value generation.

Responsibilities

• Deployment, QA/QC, and oversight of slope‑monitoring systems (prisms/total stations, slope radar, LiDAR/UAV photogrammetry, vibrating‑wire piezometers, automated TDR, extensometers) and interpretation of monitoring data.
• Establishment and maintenance of trigger levels and a Trigger‑Action‑Response Plan (TARP); provide on‑call geotechnical support and direct operating controls during movement events.
• Rockfall and bench‑scale stability analyses (kinematic, limit‑equilibrium, and discontinuum as needed); design of catch berms and attenuator systems; stewardship of the Rockfall Management Plan.
• Reporting and interpretation of geotechnical data and field observations; maintain a single source of truth in the site geotechnical database; produce concise daily/weekly/monthly and event reports.
• Assist with and/or oversee the geotechnical design of pit slopes, pushbacks, and geotechnical projects; integrate recommendations with short‑ and medium‑term mine plans.
• Collaborate with dewatering/hydrogeology on pore‑pressure management; plan, track, and interpret VWP and pumping data for depressurization.
• Conduct routine TSF inspections and data validation in coordination with the Engineer of Record/RPTE; support compliance with GISTM guidance and dam safety reviews.
• Scope, budget, and supervise geotechnical drilling, logging/sampling, laboratory testing, instrumentation installation, and ground‑support trials; manage contractors and service agreements for monitoring systems.
• Maintain and archive project records, drawings, and change‑management documentation.
• Recommend operating and capital budgets; track spend and asset condition.
• Provide training and mentoring to operators and junior engineers; deliver toolbox talks and participate in continuous improvement and technology trials.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Geological Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or closely related field.
• 3+ years of site‑based experience in an open pit geotechnical role.
• Proficiency with geotechnical analysis and data tools (e.g., Rocscience suite—Dips, RocPlane, Slide/RS2/RS3; FLAC or GeoStudio Slope/W & SEEP/W; ArcGIS/QGIS; monitoring platforms such GeoMosS, Guardian, MonitorIQ).
• Excellent safety record with demonstrated safety leadership and knowledge of MSHA/OSHA requirements.
• Strong teamwork, problem‑solving, and verbal/written communication skills; ability to translate complex data into clear operating guidance.
• The ability to work outdoors in varied weather conditions for extended periods; valid driver’s license; ability to participate in an on‑call rotation.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of this job.

The Ray mine is located 64 miles southeast of Phoenix and 70 miles northeast of Tucson. We have a robust carpool/vanpool program and encourage participation. Employees save more than 50% of commuting costs while commuting.

A core value of ASARCO LLC is Safety First. The Company is committed to helping employees improve their safety, inclusivity, social and environmental responsibility. Employees must demonstrate good working knowledge of modern safety systems and work within all required safety procedures and processes.

ASARCO is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates must possess a current and valid driver’s license. Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and pre‑employment physical including a drug screen.

ASARCO offers an excellent benefits package for medical/prescription/ dental/vision, disability coverage, life insurance and other optional coverage, and 401(k) plan with company match.

Location: Ray Mine, near Superior, AZ.