Specialist Hydrogeologist
Rio Tinto
Specialist Field Hydrogeologist
Lead with purpose. Shape the future of groundwater management.
FIFO 8:6 roster | Permanent role | Pilbara-based
About the role
Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.
As a Specialist Field Hydrogeologist, you’ll play a key role in shaping how we manage groundwater across our Tier 1 Pilbara assets. You’ll lead technical excellence in the field and mentor one of the largest and most diverse field hydrogeology teams in the industry, and champion innovation in field delivery.
Whether you're an experienced technical leader or someone ready to take the next step, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our values of Care, Courage, and Curiosity.
Reporting to the Superintendent Field Hydrogeology, you will:
Lead with impact: Mentor a collaborative team of ~20 Field Hydrogeologists across multiple sites, fostering a culture of safety, respect, and continuous learning.
Drive technical excellence: Oversee high-quality field execution in drilling, aquifer testing, Vibrating Wire Piezometer installation and groundwater data collection. Embed the use of industry-standard tools, databases, and software into daily workflows to ensure consistent, high-quality data management and analysis.
Champion innovation: Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance hydrogeological field programs and support long-term environmental stewardship goals.
Collaborate widely: Partner with internal teams and Contract Partners to shape program design and ensure alignment with technical and environmental objectives.
Support decision-making: Ensure program deliverables are technically robust, fit-for-purpose, and aligned with business needs.
Promote inclusion: Create an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and everyone feels empowered to contribute.
We’re looking for someone who:
Has a collaborative, inclusive approach to solving complex challenges.
Is passionate about mentoring and supporting diverse teams.
Communicates clearly and confidently across technical and non-technical audiences.
Has practical experience in hydrogeological drilling and water-well drilling, developing and testing in Pilbara terrain.
Values environmental stewardship and sustainable water management.
Is curious, reflective, and committed to continuous improvement.
Brings solid time and resource management skills to deliver large-scale programs.
Holds a current manual WA Driver’s license and a relevant bachelor’s degree (geology, hydrogeology, science, or engineering).
It will be beneficial if you have:
Postgraduate training in hydrogeology.
Experience navigating WA’s water regulatory environment.
Understanding of the challenges faced by underrepresented groups in mining or field-based roles.
If you are excited about the role and think you have what it takes but your experience doesn't align 100% we still want to hear from you.
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
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)
Possible domestic relocation assistance
Where you’ll be working
Working 8:6 roster across multiple sites within the Pilbara.
In the Pilbara region of Western Australia, we own an integrated portfolio of iron ore assets: a world-class, integrated network of 16 mines, four independent port terminals, a 1,700 kilometre rail network and related infrastructure – all designed to respond rapidly to changes in demand. We are one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of iron ore.
Applications close on Tuesday 23 September 2025 (Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove advertised roles prior to this date)
#gts
About Rio TintoRio 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 situations and meet opportunities.
Every Voice MattersAt 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.
