Principal Hydrogeologist / Principal Geologist

SLR Consulting; Fairbanks (AK); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Vacation

Wellness initiatives

Professional growth

Job summary

SLR Consulting (Americas) seeks a Principal Hydrogeologist or Principal Geologist to join our Anchorage or Fairbanks practice in Alaska. This senior leadership role guides technical excellence, develops client relationships, mentors staff, and expands SLR's mine water, hydrogeology, and remediation services across Alaska and North America.

The successful candidate will have deep expertise in hydrogeologic investigations, groundwater resource evaluations, mine permitting support, and closure

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience in hydrogeology, mining environmental consulting, geology, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated expertise in mine-related hydrogeologic investigations and water resource assessments.
• Experience designing and managing environmental baseline programs for mine permitting and development projects.
• Strong understanding of mine water management, groundwater modeling, hydrology, geochemistry, and environmental monitoring.
• Experience supporting mine closure planning, reclamation, remediation, and long-term environmental management.

Responsibilities

• Lead hydrogeologic and environmental projects for mining developments as Principal-in-Charge or Technical Director.
• Oversee groundwater characterization, aquifer testing, water balance, seepage, and groundwater-surface water studies.
• Provide senior oversight for mine water management, dewatering systems, and closure planning.
• Guide projects on geochemical characterization, ARD/ML assessments, and long-term water quality management.
• Expand SLR's mining and hydrogeology services through client relationships and proposal development.

Skills

Hydrogeology

Water Resources

Leadership

Mentoring

Client Liaison

Education

PG or PE preferred

Advanced degree in Hydrogeology/Geology

Tools

MODFLOW

Hydro Modeling

Job description

We are SLR Consulting (Americas), a 1500+ team of advisory, environmental, engineering, and regulatory professionals across Canada, the United States, and LATAM. We deliver environmental and sustainability services to our clients through the integration of over 30 advisory, technical environmental, and engineering disciplines to help clients address some of their most complex challenges around sustainability. We are Making Sustainability Happen.

Our mining practice supports projects throughout the full life cycle, from exploration and baseline studies through permitting, closure, reclamation, and long‑term environmental stewardship.

Role

SLR is seeking a Principal Hydrogeologist or Principal Geologist to join our growing practice in Anchorage or Fairbanks, Alaska. This senior leadership position offers the opportunity to guide technical excellence, develop client relationships, mentor staff, and expand SLR's mine water, hydrogeology, baseline characterization, and environmental remediation services throughout Alaska and the North American.

The successful candidate will be recognized for their expertise in hydrogeologic investigations, groundwater resource evaluations, mine permitting support, environmental baseline programs, and closure/remediation strategies. This individual will help shape the future growth of SLR's mining services while serving as a trusted advisor to clients, regulators, and project stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Mining & Hydrogeology Leadership

• Serve as Principal-in-Charge or Technical Director for hydrogeologic and environmental projects supporting mining developments.
• Lead groundwater characterization, aquifer testing, water balance assessments, seepage investigations, groundwater-surface water interaction studies, and predictive hydrogeologic modeling.
• Provide senior technical oversight for mine water management, dewatering systems, pit lake assessments, tailings facility hydrogeology, and closure planning.
• Guide projects involving geochemical characterization, acid rock drainage (ARD), metal leaching (ML) assessments, and long‑term water quality management.

Baseline Studies & Permitting

• Lead environmental baseline investigations supporting mine permitting, expansion, and regulatory compliance.
• Direct groundwater, surface water, water quality, hydrology, and environmental monitoring programs.
• Support environmental review and permitting efforts, including state, federal, and tribal regulatory processes.
• Provide technical leadership for environmental impact assessments and mine development studies.

Mine Closure & Remediation

• Develop and review mine closure, reclamation, and post‑closure monitoring strategies.
• Provide senior oversight for contaminated site investigations and remediation associated with active and legacy mining operations.
• Support risk assessment, corrective action planning, long‑term stewardship, and regulatory negotiations.

Practice Growth & Client Development

• Expand SLR's mining and hydrogeology services through existing and new client relationships.
• Identify emerging opportunities related to critical minerals, mine water management, permitting, and closure/remediation.
• Lead proposal development, project scoping, and business strategy initiatives.

Team Leadership

• Mentor and develop technical staff across varying experience levels.
• Foster a culture of technical excellence, collaboration, safety, and innovation.
• Support recruiting, staff development, succession planning, and practice growth.

Working @ SLR

With us, there is no doubt you’ll grow your subject‑matter expertise and industry knowledge. We care about investing in our employees for the long‑run, and if you ask our team, they’ll tell you that’s just one of the many benefits of working here. We want to be a place where you can experience career growth and satisfaction for many years.

Here’s what else you’ll enjoy as part of our team:

• Competitive total compensation package including comprehensive benefits, vacation, and a suite of wellness initiatives
• The salary range for this position is $130- $180,000. Final agreed upon compensation will be commensurate with individual education, professional designation, experience, internal parity, and location.
• Full‑time, permanent role with opportunities for professional growth and advancement

Qualifications

• 15+ years of professional experience in hydrogeology, mining environmental consulting, geology, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated expertise in mine‑related hydrogeologic investigations and water resource assessments.
• Experience designing and managing environmental baseline programs for mine permitting and development projects.
• Strong understanding of mine water management, groundwater modeling, hydrology, geochemistry, and environmental monitoring.
• Experience supporting mine closure planning, reclamation, remediation, and long‑term environmental management.
• Familiarity with permitting and regulatory frameworks applicable to mining projects in Alaska and North America.
• Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary technical teams and complex projects.
• Established or developing relationships within the mining industry.
• Strong business development, project management, communication, and leadership skills.
• Desire to grow and lead a high‑performing technical practice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Geologist (PG), Professional Engineer (PE), or equivalent professional registration.
• Advanced degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Geological Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline.
• Experience with MODFLOW or other groundwater modeling platforms.
• Experience with mine developments, operating mines, or legacy mine remediation projects.
• Hazardous waste management experience is a plus, particularly in industrial, environmental, or regulatory settings.
• Existing relationships with mining companies, government agencies, and industry stakeholders.
• Experience in Arctic, sub‑Arctic, or remote operating environments.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

Artificial intelligence is not being used to screen, assess, or select applicants.

SLR strives to build diverse teams that reflect the communities we work in, and encourages applications from traditionally underrepresented groups including women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, people identifying as 2SLGBTQI+, veterans, and people with disabilities.