Lead Mine Reclamation Soil Scientist

WSP in the U.S.; Albuquerque (NM); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Disability and life insurance

Retirement savings plans

Job summary

WSP in the U.S. seeks a Lead Mine Reclamation Soil Scientist in Albuquerque, New Mexico. In this role, you will develop mine closure plans, manage complex soil science projects, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.

You will ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, mentor junior staff, and pursue business development opportunities in mining. Strong experience in soil science and environmental consulting is essential. Remote work options are available for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 to 15 years of experience in environmental consulting.
• Strong practical experience in soil science including laboratory testing.
• Experience navigating mining regulations and conducting field studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of mine closure plans and soil cover designs.
• Manage soil science projects including logistics and staffing.
• Oversee compliance with state and federal permit requirements.

Skills

Soil Science

Environmental Consulting

Data Analysis

GIS

Project Management

Education

Master of Science in Soil Science

Bachelor of Science in related field

Tools

ArcGIS

R

Python

Excel

Power BI

Job description

WSP is seeking a Lead Mine Reclamation Soil Scientist to join our Mine Closure team located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with the possibility of remote work or other office locations for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of mine closure plans, soil cover designs, and revegetation protocols to close mine facilities in collaboration with physical scientists and engineers.
• Oversee borrow material investigations and soil inventories to identify suitable reclamation materials and determine soil characteristics.
• Direct quantitative seepage, vegetation, and erosion monitoring studies to ensure compliance with state and federal permit requirements.
• Navigate complex regulatory frameworks to secure approvals for mine operations and closure activities.
• Manage a variety of soil science projects on reclaimed mine lands, including field logistics, staffing, budgets, scheduling, data collection, and report generation.
• Coordinate with unsaturated flow modelers to develop inputs for and analyze outputs from long‑term cover stability and net percolation modeling efforts.
• Develop study designs, quantitative monitoring plans, and implement field programs that may include test pitting, material characterization sampling and chemical analysis, test plot construction and monitoring, vadose zone sensor installations, and reclamation cover design and grading for closure planning.
• Lead multidisciplinary field programs with teams of up to 10 professionals across soil science, geology, ecology, engineering, and technical support.
• Provide health and safety leadership in the field and in the office.
• Collect and manage quantitative soil data, including quality assurance, compilation, analysis, and interpretation.
• Nurture client relationships and actively pursue opportunities related to mining and mine closure, including leading proposals and business development activities.
• Collaborate with senior members of the Mine Environment team on mine closure and reclamation projects, establishing links with other environmental and engineering business units.
• Create detailed reclamation plans and specialized technical reports for mine closure projects.
• Interact effectively with clients, local and regional team professionals, and regulatory officials.
• Travel domestically and internationally as needed; candidates not located in Albuquerque should be prepared to travel regularly to New Mexico and project sites.
• Guide and mentor junior staff.
• Oversee and work with cross‑functional teams in executing project work and respond to requests for proposals.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision‑making regarding company funds, resources, and conduct, adhering to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Required Qualifications

• Master of Science in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Range Science, Geology, or a closely related field; a Bachelor of Science with specific relevant experience may also be considered.
• 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in environmental consulting focused primarily on mining and/or land restoration.
• Strong practical experience in soil science, mine waste chemical/hydraulic characterization, soil cover design, and laboratory/field testing (USDA, USCS).
• Demonstrated experience with field protocols to describe and sample soils, laboratory testing protocols (USDA and USCS), and vadose zone and meteorological monitoring sensors.
• Proven ability to manage and mentor junior staff in the field and office.
• Experience navigating local, regional, and federal mining regulations.
• Ability to manage complex programs involving large amounts of data collection and analysis.
• Strong commitment to scientific integrity, QA/QC, workplace safety, and ethical conduct.
• Ability to manage multiple project assignments while maintaining flexibility to meet cost and schedule objectives.
• Excellent technical communication skills, including preparation of high‑quality reports; peer‑reviewed publications are an asset.
• Proficiency with GIS‑based field data collection and data analysis/visualization tools (ArcGIS, R, Python, Excel, Power BI).
• Experience with unsaturated soil atmospheric modeling software (e.g., HYDRUS, SEEP/W, UNSAT‑H).
• Willingness to travel and perform physically demanding field work, including flexible work schedules.
• Highly capable self‑leadership with attention to detail, multi‑tasking, and prioritization in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team members with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety, drug/alcohol, and harassment policies.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project‑specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) certification.
• 24‑Hour MSHA Part 48 Certification.
• 40‑Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings plans to support health and financial stability.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Race, Age, Color, Religion, Sex, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, National Origin, Disability, or Protected Veteran Status are not considered as barriers to employment. The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.