Geotechnical Superintendent

MRC Recruiting; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

MRC Recruiting client seeks a Geotechnical Superintendent to lead the geotechnical and mine geology functions at an operating open-pit mine. This hands-on technical leadership role emphasizes field presence, team development, and clear communication of geotechnical risk to Operations.

The role requires deep experience in slope stability, rock mechanics, and field instrumentation, with a track record of building strong, capable teams in challenging mining environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical, Mining, Civil Engineering or closely related discipline.
• 8+ years of relevant open-pit mining experience recommended.
• Hands-on geotechnical monitoring and instrumentation experience.
• Proven track record leading engineers and geologists.

Responsibilities

• Lead geotechnical program in open-pit mining operations.
• Perform pit-wall/highwall/stockpile inspections and assess slope stability.
• Coordinate with external geotechnical consultants and the Design Engineer.
• Review prism, piezometer, inclinometer, InSAR, LiDAR data and TARPs.
• Develop and coach a multidisciplinary technical team and communicate risk to mine leadership.

Skills

Slope stability

Rock mechanics

Ground control

Field judgment

Team leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical/Mining/Civil Engineering

Tools

Rocscience

Geotechnical instrumentation

Job description

Our client is looking for a Geotechnical Superintendent to lead the geotechnical and mine geology functions at an operating open-pit mine. This is a hands-on technical leadership role. You'll spend real time in the pit evaluating ground conditions firsthand, and you'll be just as focused on building and developing a strong team.

You'll serve as the site's senior geotechnical resource and lead a department that includes a Senior Geologist, 3 Ore-Control Geologists, a Sampling Technician, and a geotechnical professional. If you want both technical ownership and leadership responsibility, and you'd rather work close to the operation than manage from an office, this one's worth a look.

What You'll Do

Geotechnical Program

You'll lead the program and stay personally involved in the fieldwork.

• Conduct pit-wall, highwall, catch-bench, and heap-leach inspections
• Assess slope stability and ground-control risk
• Manage rockfall, highwall, and catch-bench conditions
• Evaluate blast impacts and changing geological conditions
• Coordinate with external geotechnical consultants and the Design Engineer

Monitoring and Response

• Review and interpret prism, piezometer, inclinometer, InSAR, LiDAR, and other monitoring data
• Administer the site's geotechnical Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs)
• Lead the response to abnormal slope conditions and significant geotechnical events

Leadership and Communication

• Oversee mine geology, ore-control, and sampling activities
• Develop and coach a multidisciplinary technical team
• Communicate geotechnical risk and recommendations clearly to mine leadership and Operations

What You Bring

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Geological, Geotechnical, Mining, or Civil Engineering, or a closely related discipline

Experience

• 8+ years of relevant experience, ideally in open-pit hard-rock mining
• Hands-on experience with geotechnical monitoring and instrumentation
• A track record of leading engineers, geologists, or other technical professionals

Key Skills

• Strong knowledge of slope stability, rock mechanics, and ground control
• Sound field judgment and the ability to turn technical information into practical operational decisions
• Clear communication and a collaborative approach

Highly Desirable

• Open-pit experience with a similar deposit type
• Proficiency with Rocscience software
• EIT or PE credentials

A Note on Fit

We understand no candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you!