Title: Chief Geoscientist - Tailings, Crushed Leach and Water (TCLW)
Tucson, AZ, US, 85706
At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today!
Where You Will Work
Our Technology Center is home to a team of globally recognized engineers and scientists who provide innovative mining, processing and environmental solutions to our operations throughout the world. Our employees make use of state-of-the-art laboratories and test facilities, including a fully automated analytical lab – the first of its kind in the Americas. Employees provide direct support in a variety of areas: mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, analytical chemistry, mineralogy, process economics, mining and geology.
Whether you choose to live in Green Valley, Sahuarita or Tucson, you will enjoy spectacular sunsets and mild winters, as well as numerous local attractions. Tucson is home to the Pima Air and Space Museum, University of Arizona and Sonora Desert Museum. Other notable community staples are several schools, hospitals, restaurants, parks, shopping centers and more. Visit sahuaritaaz.gov and tucsonaz.gov to learn more.
Description
Supervise, provide guidance, mentorship, leadership and technical expertise; organize resources, and evaluate performance relative to established systems. Provide subject matter expertise in a relevant discipline to support and continuously improve the framework for sustaining stewardship, stability, and risk management for FCX tailings, crushed leach and/or water dams. Serve as resource for Geotechnical and Hydrological information and analysis.
- Supervise, provide guidance and participate in activities to maintain performance of tailings, crushed leach, and water dam facilities through inspection, measurement, data management, interpretation, analysis, coordination, problem solving and reporting.
- Review, improve and apply tailings, crushed leach, and water management systems to achieve good practice.
- Provide guidance and instruction to multidisciplinary teams; assign tasks as necessary. Review reports for design and operations projects and provide recommendations to site team and to project consultants. Facilitate interaction with other functional areas/disciplines.
- Collaborate to continuously ensure good performance of tailings, crushed leach, and water management areas and to identify and implement associated improvements. This includes engaging the Engineer of Record in the design and operations of TSF, CL and WD facilities. Serve as point of contact with corporate engineers and management, including tracking all recommendations, ensuring compliance with those recommendations, reporting actions regularly, as well as communicate accurate, timely and relevant information to the Site management team.
- Supervise or may serve as Project Manager or technical expert on large/complex site planning/construction, expansion or modifications.
- Contribute to annual operational and sustaining capital budget preparation by supplying costs and recommendations. Manage appropriate budgets for consulting and other services such as drilling and construction contractors.
- Develop and/or review scopes of work, evaluate proposals, draft formalized internal requests for funding, and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment as approved and required.
- Identify opportunities for improvements and determine associated value for risk reduction measures.
- Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant Scientific discipline with seven (7) years of experience in applicable field of expertise, OR
- Master’s degree in a relevant Scientific discipline with five (5) years of experience in Engineering or related scientific field
- Knowledge of principles and practice of Civil, Geotechnical, Water Resources, Water Quality/Treatment, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, and/or Geological Engineering
- Demonstrated technical competence through design and/or operations experience in at least one of the following work areas: tailings storage, leach stockpiles, water dams, process water balance, reclamation and closure planning
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing in English to a diversely educated audience
- Proficient in MS Office and other Engineering tools (CAD, analytical, mapping)
- Present a positive, professional image
- Self-motivated, energetic, able to execute, and client-service oriented
- Be able to prioritize tasks and work well under pressure
- Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety of yourself and others
- Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards
Preferred Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in Hydrogeology or related Scientific discipline
- Professional Geologist, Professional Engineer or equivalent relevant certification or licensure
- Experience with metal mining operations, especially with tailings storage facility (dam), water dams and/or crushed leach stockpile design and operations
- Experience with geotechnical or hydrogeological field investigation programs, lab testing, site characterization, monitoring programs, data management, and analysis
- Experience reviewing and editing relevant technical analysis and design reports and documents for a variety of applications
- Experience in surface water hydrology, hydraulics, and groundwater hydrology in addition to geotechnical experience
- Able to research and analyze information of relatively small scope and minimal difficulty and draw valid conclusions
- Able to evaluate and implement new methods and techniques in design projects and operational support
- Superior interpersonal as well as written and oral communication skills with diverse teams of technical and non-technical staff
- Skilled in related Engineering software (AutoCAD/Civil 3D, ArcGIS, GoldSim), programming languages
- Fluency in Spanish and English
- Technical experience, including leaching from R&D perspective and site implementation
- Experience with microbial leach technologies
Criteria/Conditions:
- Ability and willingness to travel domestic / international
- Ability and willingness to travel at least five (5) weeks for every quarter
- Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required.
What We Offer You
The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $116,000-$162,500. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional incentive compensation considerations based on company and individual performance. Additionally, this position is currently eligible for annual long-term incentive consideration. Long-term incentives are contingent upon authorized approval under the terms and conditions of the Company's plan and award agreements. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.
- Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
- Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave
- Tuition assistance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle
- Internal progression opportunities
- Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!
What We Require
- Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.
- Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.
- Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.
- Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com.
Nearest Major Market: Tucson
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