Senior Geoscientist- TCLW

Freeport McMoRan Inc.; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 98,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

Life and disability insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Tuition assistance

Employee assistance program

Discounted insurance plans

Career progression opportunities

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan is seeking a seasoned engineer to supervise tailings, crushed leach, and water management facilities, providing technical guidance and project leadership. You will coordinate with engineers and management to ensure safe, compliant operations and continuous improvement.

The role requires a strong background in civil/geotechnical fields, experience with tailings storage, water resources, and related systems, plus the ability to communicate clearly in English.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in a scientific field with 5+ years in the field; master’s with 3+ years in engineering/related field also acceptable.
• PE or equivalent certification preferred; ETI acceptable in some cases.
• Proficiency in safety practices and ability to manage hazards.

Responsibilities

• Supervise tailings, crushed leach, and water dam facilities through inspection, data management, analysis, and reporting.
• Review and improve tailings and water management systems.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams and coordinate with engineers and management.
• Project management or technical leadership on site planning or construction.
• Develop scopes of work, evaluate proposals, and administer contracts with vendors.
• Identify opportunities for risk reduction and value improvements.

Skills

English communication

MS Office

CAD

Analytical skills

Safety awareness

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor's degree in a scientific discipline

Master’s degree in a scientific discipline

Professional Engineer (PE) certification

Engineer in Training (ETI) certification

Tools

Geotechnical instrumentation

Earth embankment construction monitoring

Job description

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At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career.

Where You Will Work

Chino is an open-pit copper mining complex located 15 miles from the historic mining community of Silver City in southwestern New Mexico. The historic Chino mine was among the world's first low-grade, open-pit copper mines. Today, the operation consists of a 36,000-metric-ton-per-day concentrator that produces copper and a 150-million-pound-per-year solvent extraction/electrowinning plant that produces copper cathode from solution generated by run-of-mine leaching.

The community of Silver City boasts various restaurants, arts, entertainment, cliff dwellings, festivals and much more. Residents and visitors enjoy gentle four seasons, with three hundred days of sunshine a year and low humidity. From unique shopping finds in the galleries to everyday groceries, schools and housing, there are numerous amenities for everyone. Visit Silver City to learn more.

What You Will Do

Supervise, provide technical guidance, interpret, manage projects/tasks and/or participate in activities to maintain operational performance and support projects with focus on Tailings and Crushed Leach facilities. Activities include inspection, measurement, interpretation, analysis, coordination, problem solving, forecasting, reporting, and may include project design support. Review and improve the performance of existing tailings, crushed leach, and water management systems.

• Supervise, guide and participate in activities to maintain performance of tailings, crushed leach, and water dam facilities through inspection, measurement, data management, interpretation, analysis, coordination, problem solving and reporting.
• Review, improve and apply tailings, crushed leach, and water management systems to achieve good practice.
• Provide guidance and instruction to multidisciplinary teams; assign tasks as necessary. Review reports for design and operations projects and provide recommendations to site team and to project consultants.
• Collaborate to continuously ensure good performance of tailings, crushed leach, and water management areas and to identify and implement associated improvements. This includes engaging the Engineer of Record in the design and operations of TSF and WD facilities. Serve as point of contact with corporate engineers and management, including tracking all recommendations, ensuring compliance with those recommendations, reporting actions regularly, as well as communicate accurate, timely and relevant information to the Site management team.
• Supervise or may serve as Project Manager or technical expert on large/complex site planning/construction, expansion or modifications.
• Contribute to site strategic planning and budgeting efforts for Tailings Storage, Crushed Leach and Water areas. Manage appropriate budgets for consulting and other services such as drilling and construction contractors.
• Develop and/or review scopes of work, evaluate proposals, draft formalized internal requests for funding, and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment as approved and required.
• Identify opportunities for improvements and determine associated value for risk reduction measures.
• Perform other duties as required.

What You Bring To Freeport

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant Scientific discipline with five (5) years of experience in applicable field of expertise, OR
• Master’s degree in a relevant Scientific discipline with three (3) years of experience in Engineering or related scientific field
• Knowledge of principles and practice of Civil, Geotechnical, Water Resources, Water Quality/Treatment, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, and/or Geological Engineering
• Demonstrated technical competence through design and/or operations experience in at least one of the following work areas: tailings storage, leach stockpiles, water dams, process water balance, reclamation and closure planning
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing in English to a diversely educated audience
• Proficient in MS Office and other Engineering tools (CAD, analytical, mapping)
• Present a positive, professional image
• Self-motivated, energetic, able to execute, and client-service oriented
• Be able to prioritize tasks and work well under pressure
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety of yourself and others
• Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a related scientific degree
• Professional Engineer (PE) certification or equivalent relevant certification
• Engineer in Training (ETI) or equivalent relevant certification
• Active tailings deposition planning and execution experience and/or earth embankment construction monitoring and quality assurance
• Experience with geotechnical instrumentation and monitoring programs, data management, and analysis
• Experience reviewing and editing geotechnical engineering reports and documents
• Engineering experience in geotechnical analyses, field investigations, lab testing, soil characterization, slope stability, and seismic analysis
• Experience in surface water hydrology, hydraulics, and groundwater hydrology in addition to geotechnical experience

What We Offer You

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently$97,500-$138,000.This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.

• Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits
• Company-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
• Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle
• Internal progression opportunities
• Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

What We Require

• Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.
• Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.
• Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.
• Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer