Principal Geologist

RESPEC; Reno, Northern (NV, KY); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible Work Schedules

401(k) & ESOP (with company match up

Professional Development and Training

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Assistance Program

Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans

Job summary

RESPEC is seeking a Principal Geologist to provide technical leadership on mining projects, focusing on resource modeling, estimation, and QP oversight. The role supports business development, client management, and staff development, with a primary focus on Reno and potential work in Denver or Tucson.

The successful candidate will mentor staff, guide multidisciplinary teams, and ensure compliant, high-quality project delivery across RESPEC's Mining & Energy market sector.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in geology or geological engineering.
• 15–20 years of applied geology experience in mining across the value chain.
• Professional designation such as Professional Geologist (P.G) or P.Geo (Canada) and/or CPG (AIPG)
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and lead staff and projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to complex mining projects with multidisciplinary teams.
• Provide technical guidance and oversight for resource modeling and estimation.
• Ensure work meets client expectations, standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Support business development, proposal prep, and client relationship management.
• Recruiting and staff development to strengthen RESPEC's Reno team and beyond.
• Represent RESPEC at industry events and conferences.

Skills

Geology modeling

Data analytics

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Client relations

Education

Geology or geological engineering degree (B.S. or higher)

Tools

Geological modeling software

Data analytics tools

Job description

RESPEC is seeking an experienced Principal Geologist to provide technical leadership and support for mining projects within our Mining and Engineer Market Sector. While preference will be given to candidates based on, or willing to work from Reno, Nevada, we encourage qualified applicants in Denver, Colorado and Tucson, Arizona to apply.

This role is responsible for delivering high-quality geological services with a focus on resource modeling, resource estimation, and Qualified Person (QP) oversight. The Principal Geologist will play a key role in strengthening project delivery, maintaining technical excellence, mentoring staff, and supporting business growth within RESPEC's Mining & Energy market sector, with a primary focus on supporting the Reno team.

The successful candidate will lead and contribute to complex mining projects, provide technical guidance to multidisciplinary teams, and ensure project work meets client expectations, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. In addition to project execution, this role will support business development efforts, proposal preparation, client relationship management, recruiting, and staff development initiatives. The Principal Geologist will also represent RESPEC at industry events, conferences, and professional engagements as appropriate.

This position is ideal for a strategic and collaborative geological professional with extensive consulting experience, strong technical expertise in resource estimation and modeling, and a passion for developing people, building client relationships, and advancing mining projects from concept through execution.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s or advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in geology or geological engineering
• A minimum of 15-20 years in applied geology across the mining value chain with a focus on modeling and estimation, including technical leadership roles in consulting
• Strong proficiency in geological modeling software and data analytics tools
• Professional designation such as Professional Geologist (P.G) or P.Geo (Canada) and/or CPG (AIPG)
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and set long-term direction
• Experience with a variety of commodities and deposit types
• Strong business and commercial judgment
• Must possess a valid driver's license and maintain a clean driving record; position requires operating a company or personal vehicle during work hours for business-related travel

Additional Information

Compensation: Salary depends on experience and expertise. The typical salary range for this position is $150,000 to $200,000. Compensation includes a comprehensive fringe-benefits package. RESPEC is a 100% employee-owned company and employees are eligible for participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) after a qualifying period.

Featured benefits include:

• Flexible Work Schedules
• 401(k) & ESOP (with company match up to 4%)
• Professional Development and Training
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Company Info

Big challenges need bold thinkers.

If you’re someone who sees problems as opportunities, you’ll thrive here. RESPEC is 100% employee-owned, which means we take ownership of every challenge. Here, your ideas drive real solutions. Since 1969, we’ve tackled complex challenges in energy transition, infrastructure resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability.

At RESPEC, you’ll work alongside clients to take on critical problems. Depending on your expertise, you might design infrastructure in remote locations, develop renewable energy solutions for global projects, or apply data-driven technology to improve mining and water systems.

We bring deep technical knowledge, real-world experience, and a commitment to work that matters. If you’re looking for a place where your contributions have real impact, you’ll fit right in.