Specialist Environmental Geoscientist

Specialist Environmental Geoscientist –- Perth based

• Utilise your analytical and problem-solving skills to support business decisions related to water quality and mineral waste management
• Work collaboratively with other technical experts to implement process and system improvements across the business
• Permanent full-time role - Perth CBD with some ad hoc travel
• Enjoy flexible and agile working arrangements and other unique family benefits

About the role

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs. 

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 seeking a Specialist Environmental Geoscientist to join our Water Quality and Mineral Waste Management team within our WRE division. In this Perth based role, you will provide technical support and advice to the Rio Tinto Iron Ore business on all activities related to the management of water quality and mineral waste to assist in the full life cycle and delivery of projects from development, through operations and into closure.

Reporting to the Superintendent Water Quality and Mineral Waste you will:

• Provide specialist technical advice to studies (Conceptual, Order-of-Magnitude, Pre-feasibility, Feasibility), operations and mine closure
• Undertake geochemical characterisation of waste rock including AMD Risk Assessments and communicate results and implications to the business
• Interrogate large datasets to determine trends in geological and water quality data
• Work closely with teams to implement standards, ensuring compliance and best practice are in use at sites
• Implement and roll out improvements to increase the efficiency of current procedures, systems, and capabilities
• Provide technical review of related works e.g., Risk Assessments, characterisation assessments, Mine Closure Plans, water quality reports
• Build and foster strong relationships with site mining personnel, hydrogeologists, environmental officers and providing mentoring to junior members of the team
• Engage and manage consultants for water quality and mineral waste investigations (including the review of consultant’s reports and recommendations) as required.

We are an open, connected international team of technical specialists using some of the most exciting data and tools on the planet. We are the world leader in automation and smart mining. 

We have technical development programmes that are industry-leading and recognise the unique nature of your role. These provide opportunities to grow your career through a dedicated technical path while being rewarded for your unique skills.

What you’ll bring

• A commitment to the health and safety of yourself, your team and the environment
• Tertiary qualifications in Environmental Science, Geology, Geochemistry or similar
• Practical experience within the mining industry and be someone who enjoys collaborating with a diverse stakeholder group
• You will be able to engage, influence and call upon your technical experience to communicate complex technical concepts effectively
• An in depth understanding of mine waste characterisation, AMD Risk Assessments, water quality analysis and management of their impacts, hydrogeology, groundwater monitoring and sampling techniques
• Effective project management, report writing and time management skills
• A manual C class drivers’ licence
• Exposure to software packages such as Leapfrog, Vulcan and ArcGIS will be advantageous.

What we offer

• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority 
• Flexible working from home arrangements as per operational requirements 
• 18 weeks of gender-neutral and equal paid parental leave, with continued superannuation contributions whilst employees are on unpaid or half paid parental leave 
• A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive program 
• 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) 
• Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more); and 
• Local relocation packages offered for Australian residents only.

Where you’ll 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 performance and technology. Our iron ore business continues to be the world's largest autonomous truck operator and a proud leader in automated mining technologies.

This role is based in Perth at our Central Park building with some travel to operating sites as required.

About Rio Tinto

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 can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win and meet opportunities. 

Every Voice Matters

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. 

Ready to experience something unique? Come work with us.

Applications close 11th December, 2023 (Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove advertised roles prior to this date)