Senior Hydrologist

Senior Hydrologist / Water Resources Engineer

• Global mining organisation with an exceptional safety culture

• Unique opportunity - use your technical expertise to provide mentoring / technical coaching for an established team of professionals

• Permanent full-time role - Perth CBD

About the role

All progress begins with pioneers. At Rio Tinto, it begins with you.

Our Water Resource Evaluation (WRE) division is responsible for providing the technical advice and direction necessary to mitigate water-related risk across our Pilbara operations at all stages of mine development, from concept through to feasibility, implementation, operations and closure.

We are now looking for a Senior Hydrologist to join our Water Resources and Evaluation (WRE) team to identify and characterise hydrologic (flooding) risks to current operations and future mine development and then effectively communicate the magnitude to site and multi-disciplinary study and project teams.

You’ll be a part of a close-knit team where working together, looking out for each other and enjoyment are priority. You will be supported by a great leadership team who understand that there’s more to life than work! This role is a great opportunity for a highly motivated individual, with a passion for surface water management and contributing to a strong team environment. This individual will possess an enthusiasm for motivating and mentoring others in the delivery of highly technical work. Working a 5 day on, 2 off roster and reporting to the Superintendent Hydrologist, you will:

• Provide line management and guidance for an established team of professionals
• Provide technical input into expansion studies for Conceptual, Order-of-Magnitude, Pre-feasibility, Feasibility, Life-of-Mine, Closure and 5-year mining studies
• Undertake the annual flood risk assessment and support the annual wet season management plan development for operational sites
• Provide, and effectively communicate, technical advice to operations on surface water issues
• Scope, undertake and review surface water investigations to establish hydrologic and hydraulic conditions and develop strategic and tactical surface water management plans
• Provide advice on surface water management issues to other business services (Approvals, Environment, Engineering and Asset Management, EPCM contractors)
• Provide technical input into establishing RTIO hydrological standards, guidelines and stakeholder engagement processes. Support the Superintendent Hydrologist in managing these processes.
• Engage and manage consultants for surface water investigations (including the review of consultant’s reports and recommendations) as required
• Build and foster strong relationships with site mining personnel, hydrogeologists, and environmental officers
• Provide technical review of hydrologist technical work e.g., model builds, study chapters, technical memos

• Provide mentoring / technical coaching for an established team of professionals.

What you will bring

• A commitment to the health and safety of yourself, your team and the environment

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Geography or Environmental Science (post graduate qualification in engineering, hydrology, or water resource management advantageous)
• Demonstrated experience in assessment of surface water flow and flood estimation in the Pilbara region of Western Australia
• Practical experience in surface water management, design of flood mitigation structures and development of surface water management plans
• Practical experience of 1D-2D hydraulic modelling and GIS tools
• Experience in presenting complex technical assessments to a range of stakeholders

• The ability to engage effectively and collaboratively with a diverse range of internal and external partners

• Strong report writing skills
• Strong project management skills, including time management
• 8+ years relevant experience
• A manual C class drivers’ licence.

It will also be beneficial if you have previous experience in the mentoring/leadership of specialist professional teams.

What we offer

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

• An opportunity to be part of the world’s largest integrated portfolio of iron ore assets
• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
• Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions
• A competitive salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive program
• Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family
• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick leave and carers leave)
• Attractive share ownership plan and an array of salary sacrifice and packaging options
• Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more).

Where you will be working

In the Pilbara region of Western Australia, Rio Tinto operates the world's largest integrated portfolio of iron ore assets with industry-leading margins. Our premium product suite, including our flagship Pilbara blend, drives strong customer relationships and is supported by technical and commercial marketing expertise. The iron ore business continues to be the world's largest autonomous truck operator and a proud leader in automated mining technologies.

Effective management of water is a key priority at Rio Tinto and as a member of Water Resource Evaluation you will gain exposure to water management across the full range of a project’s lifecycle from greenfield development through feasibility studies, operation and into closure.

This position will be based in the Perth CBD at our Central Park building with travel to site as required.

Every Voice Matters

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 different cultural backgrounds.

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 different.

Apply today if you want to work with the latest technology and innovation, in an environment where we challenge you to drive positive change.

This role is for applicants residing in or willing to permanently relocate to Western Australia.

Applications for this role will close on Monday 14th November 2022.