Specialist Hydrologist
Rio Tinto
Lead surface water investigations and technical analysis that influence mine planning, operational performance and long-term water management outcomes.
Develop deep technical expertise while partnering with multi-disciplinary stakeholders across all stages of mine development and operations.
Work on complex hydrology challenges and help shape flooding, water management and risk mitigation strategies across the business.
We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About the role
We are looking for a Specialist Hydrologist to lead the technical analysis and delivery of surface water understanding required to identify and characterise flooding and surface water risks and opportunities across all stages of mine development.
You will partner with stakeholders across technical and operational disciplines to deliver decision-ready hydrology advice, investigations and water management solutions.
What you'll be doing
Reporting to the Principal Hydrogeology (Hydrology & Groundwater Modelling), you will:
• Lead surface water investigations to establish hydrologic and hydraulic conditions and develop fit-for-purpose water management strategies.
• Provide technical input into expansion studies, operational planning and closure activities through hydrology assessments and risk analysis.
• Undertake flood risk assessments, hydrologic modelling and data interpretation to support business-critical decisions.
• Monitor and assess surface water systems, integrating field data, investigations and modelling outcomes into practical recommendations.
• Manage specialised consultants and technical studies, reviewing outputs and ensuring alignment with business requirements and standards.
• Develop and maintain hydrology standards, guidelines and best practices that improve technical consistency and capability.
• Build strong relationships with mine planning, hydrogeology, environmental and operational stakeholders to deliver integrated outcomes.
• Coach and mentor hydrologists and technical practitioners, strengthening team capability and technical excellence.
About you
We’re looking for someone whose experience aligns with the key requirements below. You do not need to meet every helpful for success item to apply. If you bring relevant experience and are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to submit an application.
Required for Success
• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
• Demonstrated experience designing, analysing and delivering surface water investigations within mining, resources, consulting or a related environment.
• Experience using hydrologic and hydraulic modelling tools to assess flooding, runoff and surface water behaviour.
• Strong capability interpreting complex technical data and translating findings into practical business outcomes.
• Experience managing technical studies, consultants and stakeholder requirements across multiple workstreams.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to influence technical and operational decision-making.
Helpful for Success
• Experience with regional flood estimation, hydrology modelling and water resource assessments.
• Knowledge of mine water management, closure planning or infrastructure development projects.
• Experience coaching or mentoring technical professionals.
• Tertiary qualification in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources or a related discipline.
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, personal & cultural leave)
Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more)
Possible domestic relocation assistance
Where you'll be working
Our modern office located in Central Park tower in Perth provide an inspiring environment for collaboration and professional growth. You'll be able to enjoy a range of benefits, including access to a modern gym, wellness programs, and convenient amenities that support a healthy work-life balance. Situated in the heart of Perth, we are close to public transport and several parking options.
Applications for this role will close on Tuesday 22nd September 2026.
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.
Respect and InclusionAt Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTQ+ 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.
