STAFF METALLURGIST

hydroGEOPHYSICS, Inc.; Irvine (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

hydroGEOPHYSICS, Inc. in Irvine, California is looking for a Staff Metallurgist responsible for applying hydrometallurgical expertise to classify leach pads and design solution injection programs. The role includes significant fieldwork and training provided in geophysical methods.

The ideal candidate holds a B.S. degree in a relevant engineering field, possesses 2+ years of experience in leach projects, and has strong communication skills and Spanish fluency. This position offers a permanent salary with opportunities for career growth.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience on leach projects involving copper or gold.
• Experience with operational leach pad performance and metallurgical test work.
• Ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Interprets solution chemistry and assesses leach pad performance.
• Develops conceptual models of leach maturity and installation guides.
• Supports the design of solution injection well fields on heap leach pads.
• Collaborates with geophysicists to correlate responses to solution content.
• Co-authors technical reports and interacts with project personnel.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Microsoft Excel proficiency

Microsoft Word proficiency

Spanish-language fluency

Education

B.S. in Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, or Chemical Engineering

M.Sc. in metallurgy or mining-related field

Ph.D. in metallurgy or mining-related field

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Staff Metallurgist is responsible for applying hydrometallurgical expertise to the characterization of heap leach pads and the design and execution of solution injection programs on active and legacy mining operations. The role bridges process metallurgy with non-invasive subsurface imaging: the incumbent will interpret leach pad performance data (solution chemistry, recovery histories, column and bottle roll test results, operational records, and stacking configuration) and translate those observations into survey objectives that our geophysical team can test with electrical resistivity, induced polarization, and electromagnetic methods. Candidates are not expected to arrive with geophysical experience; the company will train the right metallurgist in its methods and workflows. Up to fifty percent field work is anticipated for both project performance and continued professional development. The Staff Metallurgist position is considered a permanent and salaried position. Position is open to applicants with compensation commensurate with the level of experience and technical expertise.

REPORTS TO

Divisional Vice President

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Interprets solution chemistry (PLS, ILS, raffinate) and operational records to assess leach pad performance and residual recovery potential for copper and gold operations.
• Develops conceptual models of leach maturity, short-circuiting, preferential flow, and residual metal distribution to guide geophysical survey design.
• Supports the design and implementation of low-pressure solution injection well fields on active heap leach pads, including well spacing, bench placement, casing selection, and pilot test scoping.
• Reviews and interprets column leach tests, bottle roll tests, and metallurgical balance data in support of residual recovery assessments.
• Collaborates with geophysicists to correlate electrical resistivity, IP, and EM response to solution content, degree of saturation, and ore mineralogy.
• Co-authors technical reports, technical memoranda, and proposals; contributes metallurgical sections and reviews integrated interpretations with higher-level staff.
• Interacts with mine site metallurgy, process, and operations personnel during project scoping, field execution, and reporting.
• Provides Spanish-language support during client interactions, site visits, and technical correspondence when applicable.
• Participates in training in geophysical acquisition and processing methods under the mentorship of senior staff and progresses toward independent field leadership over time.
• Contributes to bid preparation, scope development, and cost estimation for metallurgy-adjacent projects.
• Supports field crews with site-specific metallurgical context (e.g., acid distribution strategy, curing, aeration, stacking history) during survey planning and execution.
• Completes production reports, time logs, project logs, and other office or project-related paperwork as required.
• Provides field supervision of support personnel as needed. May interact with subcontractors and clientele.
• Responsible for reporting defects in field or work-related equipment.
• Assists with health and safety plans (e.g., HASP).
• Responsible for maintaining OSHA and MSHA certifications (company-supported).
• Observes and enforces all safety protocols.

REQUIREMENTS

Education: A B.S. degree in Mining Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a closely related discipline, with coursework in hydrometallurgy at a minimum. An M.Sc. in a metallurgy- or mining-related field counts as two years of experience, and a Ph.D. in the same counts as four years of experience.

Experience: 2+ years of experience on copper or gold heap leach, dump leach, or in-situ leach projects, including exposure to operational leach pad performance, solution management, or metallurgical test work (column, bottle roll, or pilot scale). Display strong organizational skills, as well as excellent oral and written communication ability. Must demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word. Spanish-language fluency (written and spoken) is strongly preferred given the company’s active project portfolio in Latin America. Candidates without prior geophysics background are encouraged to apply; training in resistivity, IP, and EM methods will be provided on the job.

Physical Demands: Must demonstrate the ability to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds (special exemptions may apply).

Travel: Projects may require travel up to 50 percent of work schedule, including domestic and international assignments.

** NOTE: HGI JOB POSITIONS ARE GENERAL GUIDANCE AND ARE AT THE MANAGEMENT’S DISCRETION. **