Technical Director - Geotechnical/Tailings

GHD; Eureka (CA); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 258,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) – Eligible

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Wellness benefits

Job summary

GHD is seeking an experienced Technical Director – Tailings to lead and grow our tailings and mine waste capabilities in the US West region. Based across multiple West offices, you will oversee TSF design, redevelopment and geotechnical projects, while mentoring teams and advancing business development.

You will drive technical excellence, engage with clients worldwide, and contribute to GHD’s School of Tailings while delivering complex solutions in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 20 years of geotechnical and civil engineering experience related to dams and mine waste.
• Postgraduate qualifications preferred.
• Registered Professional Engineer credential required or actively pursued.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership in multi-disciplinary teams for planning, investigations, feasibility studies and detailed design.
• Lead tailings storage facility (TSF) design including deposition planning, water management, embankment stability and seismic analyses.
• Scope and lead geotechnical investigations and laboratory testing programs.
• Participate in dam safety inspections and dam safety risk assessments.
• Develop client and internal relationships nationally and internationally; mentor junior staff.

Skills

Registered Professional Engineer

Team leadership

Dam design knowledge

Geotechnical engineering

Education

Degree in Civil/Geological/Geotechnical Engineering

Job description

Job Description

Bring your curiosity and determination to make a positive impact on the future of mining! Together with our mining clients, we will create a lasting community benefit making water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come.

Join our team of globally connected engineers, scientists, and specialists to help solve complex mining challenges and experience groundbreaking projects from idea to delivery, and beyond.

Join GHD.

About the Role

The US Mining Team is looking to bring onboard an experienced Technical Director – Tailings to complement our existing Tailings and Mine Waste global services team as well as strengthen and grow our US mining business. This position will lead and/or support technical delivery on existing tailings and mine waste projects globally, while also participating in business development, including identifying new opportunities, promoting GHD’s capabilities and expertise, and leading technical scope/fee development.

The role can be based in any of our offices across the West region: Phoenix, AZ; Tucson, AZ; Sacramento, CA; Roseville, CA; Seattle, WA; Irvine, CA; Eureka, CA; Concord, CA; Bay Area, CA; Redding, CA.

As a technical leader in geotechnical, geological, or civil engineering relating to Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) design and construction, you will be responsible for the direction of small, medium and large project teams, working within the wider GHD global tailings community on projects for TSFs, which may be across multiple geographies.

You will also have an opportunity to share your knowledge through GHD’s School of Tailings, a highly regarded global online training course.

Our Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture! Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility. Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment. This is a full‑time role with flexible work options available.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership, often in multi-disciplinary teams for planning, field investigations, feasibility studies and detailed design activities
• Lead TSF design including deposition planning, water management, foundations, embankment dam stability, hydraulic analyses, liquefaction analyses, seismic deformation analyses, and groundwater analyses
• Scope and lead geotechnical investigations and laboratory testing programs
• Participate in dam safety inspections and dam safety risk assessments
• Develop client and internal relationships, both nationally and internationally
• Mentor and train other GHD staff

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering (Civil, Geological, or Geotechnical)
• Minimum of 20 years of experience in geotechnical and civil engineering relating to dams and mine waste, ideally in a consulting environment, and relevant postgraduate qualifications are preferred
• Registered Professional Engineer
• Established industry profile through participation in professional and academic associations and scientific publications
• Detailed knowledge of design of a broad range of dam types, including embankment, tailings and concrete dams
• Ability to grow a team and provide mentoring of junior staff
• Strong knowledge of relevant American and international standards, industry guidelines and current industry practices

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.

Salary Range: $155,000–$258,000 based on location and experience.

Benefits

• 401(k) – Eligible to participate on the first day of the month following 3 months of service
• Paid time off – PTO starts at 16 days per year and increases with years of service
• Holiday pay – 9 holidays per year; pay based on the regular set schedule for the employee
• Wellness benefits – Reimbursement up to $250 annually for health club memberships, home exercise equipment, bicycles, fitness tracking devices, and similar perks