Principal Geoscientist (Orebody Development)

Principal Geoscientist (Orebody Development)

We actively encourage applications from women and Indigenous Peoples. As we strive to create a more representative and diverse workplace, your unique perspectives are valued

• Drive strategic development of our Pilbara portfolio through integration of orebody knowledge across our business

• Help optimise the value of our Pilbara ore bodies by leading a shift in the way we leverage orebody knowledge in decision making

• Lead and foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation developing orebody knowledge

Where we are all welcome

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes us who we are.

At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTI+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from diverse cultural backgrounds.

We acknowledge that all people are different and believe that our differences are our strength. The diversity of skills, life experiences and perspectives within our team enhances our way of working and our ability to achieve success together.

About the role

We are looking for a Principal Geoscientist to lead the adoption of the Resource Range Assessment methodology across geoscience and hydrogeology. Your role involves integrating orebody knowledge decision-making processes, owning the Resource Range Assessment framework, proactively addressing long-term strategic risks, collaborating with stakeholders, developing team capability, and contributing to Resource Development leadership. This position is pivotal as Resource Range Assessment becomes a central tool in shaping our approach to orebody knowledge development and supporting decision-making for development of our Pilbara orebodies. 

Reporting to the Manager Orebody Development & Studies, key responsibilities include:

• Lead adoption and embed Resource Range Assessment methodology: As a leader, you’ll drive the adoption of the Resource Range Assessment methodology across geoscience and hydrogeology technical disciplines. 

• Integrate orebody knowledge decision-making processes: You’ll be responsible for aligning decision-making processes related to orebody knowledge across development and closure projects.

• Own the Resource Range Assessment framework: You’ll take ownership of the framework used for Resource Range Assessment and ensure that the process adheres to standards focussed on value-driven technical inputs for new developments.

• Proactively address long-term strategic OBK risks: Identify and mitigate potential risks that could impact future development and overall business objectives related to orebody knowledge.

• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders: Foster a culture of continuous improvement by following the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle.

• Develop team capability: Lead the advancement of technical and delivery skills within your team, enhancing overall capability of the division.

• Contribute to Resource Development leadership: Actively participate by providing insights and strategies for effective development of orebody knowledge

• Engage stakeholders: Maintain strong connections with both internal and external stakeholders, promoting collaboration and innovation in developing orebody knowledge.

What you will bring

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and others, creating and maintaining an engaging and supportive workplace. We are here to enjoy the work we do while making a difference! 

• A strategic thinker with an understanding of the challenges associated with developing timely orebody knowledge

• A strong influencer with the ability to build consensus and persuade stakeholders across diverse technical and operational backgrounds.  

• An excellent communicator who can translate technical information into clear and concise messages for both technical and non-technical audiences.

• A commitment to continuous learning

• Hold a bachelor's degree in a related geoscience discipline (Resource Range Analysis experience considered advantageous).  

• A current manual WA Driver's license.

• Commitment to Rio Tinto value drivers of Care, Courage, and Curiosity

• Leadership experience, including leading change

• Strong problem solving and business process optimisation skills

• Solid influencing skills and ability to develop and build credibility among peers

• Strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills

What we offer

• Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you have helped the world progress.

• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority

• A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto

• Full relocation provided to Western Australia from elsewhere in Australia

• A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive bonus

• Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family

• Attractive share ownership plan

• Company provided insurance cover

• Extensive salary sacrifice & salary packaging options

• Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions

• Ongoing access to family-friendly health and medical wellbeing support

• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave, cultural leave)

• To better suit different family needs, our paid parental leave approach gives all parents the option to take 18 weeks of paid leave after a new child arrives – at a time that suits them

• Exclusive employee discounts including hotel stays, banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more.

We are committed to elevating Indigenous voices and increasing cultural knowledge in our business. Diversity of skills, life experiences and perspectives within our team enhances our way of working and our ability to achieve success together. To help you on your journey with us, you will also have access to:

• Specialist Indigenous Support Advisors are always there for our Indigenous employees and available to support through any aspect of your employment

• Indigenous leadership programmes across some professional and operational roles to ensure that we are developing Indigenous Leaders

Where you will be working

You will be Perth based with opportunity to work flexibly from home combined with time in our Central Park offices. The team actively encourages and supports flexible work. This includes workdays, hours and location, in addition to flexible and part-time work schedules. Occasional site travel will be required.

Who we are

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we cannot do it on our own, so we are focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win and meet opportunities.

Applications close on Monday, 29th July 2024 (Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove advertised roles prior to this date).