Specialist Groundwater Modeller

Specialist Groundwater Modeller

• Apply your technical skills to mine water management on the largest scale
• Be part of a dynamic, high performing team with excellent career development opportunities
• Permanent full-time role - Perth CBD

Where we’re 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 different.   

At Rio Tinto, we 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 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

Our Hydrogeology group is a team of water-related experts responsible for delivering technical excellence focused on unlocking opportunities and mitigating water-related risks across our Pilbara operations at all stages of mine development, from concept through to feasibility, implementation, operations, and closure.

We are seeking a Specialist Groundwater Modeller to join our groundwater modelling team within Rio Tinto Iron Ore. As a part of the Hydrogeology Department within the Resource Development Division, your role will be pivotal in leading advanced modelling projects and driving strategic initiatives that enhance our mining operations in Pilbara. Your expertise will foster innovation and uphold our reputation for technical excellence in groundwater management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Advanced Modelling and Analysis: Develop and manage complex numerical groundwater models using state-of-the-art software and techniques. Oversee the integration of stochastic methods and probabilistic analyses to enhance model accuracy and reliability, focusing on quantifying uncertainties in predictive outputs.
• Project Leadership: Lead major projects and initiatives, ensuring they align with strategic objectives. Provide mentorship to project-level modellers in advanced modelling techniques and uncertainty analysis, fostering skill development and maintaining high standards of work.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the strategic planning of hydrogeological activities, incorporating advanced probabilistic and predictive modelling techniques to shape future directions and methodologies in groundwater management.
• Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary technical liaison with internal and external clients, effectively communicating the implications of model uncertainties and managing expectations around model outcomes.

What You’ll Bring:

• Expert Knowledge: Deep understanding of analytical and numerical groundwater modelling, including mastery of MODFLOW, PEST, and proficiency in probabilistic and predictive uncertainty analysis techniques.
• Leadership and Communication: Strong leadership qualities and excellent communication skills, capable of mentoring others and leading cross-functional teams.
• Problem Solving: Exceptional problem-solving skills with a proven track record of innovative solutions in groundwater management, particularly in handling uncertainties in model predictions.
• Education: Advanced degree in Hydrogeology, Environmental Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Strategic Mindset: A commitment to maintaining the highest standards of hydrogeological practice and the ability to inspire and educate others, enhancing team capabilities and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.

Why Join Us:

• Impactful Work: Play a key role in strategic initiatives that enhance our mining operations in Pilbara.
• Professional Growth: Be supported by a great leadership team who understand that there’s more to life than work and are committed to your development.
• Innovative Environment: Lead and engage in continuous improvement and research efforts that advance our modelling capabilities.

If you are a highly motivated individual with a passion for hydrogeology and a strong team spirit, we encourage you to apply.

We are committed to promoting diversity within Rio Tinto and as a special measure to we strongly encourage women to apply.  

What we offer 

• Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve 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, read more about the huge range of benefits here: https://bit.ly/43AQLue   

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

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 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. 

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 role is based in Perth at our Central Park office, with travel to our iron ore operations in the Pilbara as required.

Ready to experience something unique? Come work with us.

Applications close on 13^th August 2024 (Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove advertised roles prior to this date).