Principal Geoscientist

• Lead a critical geology function and shape the geological strategy for the Winu Project.
• Influence resource growth and the long-term development of what could become Rio Tinto's next major copper operation.
• Join a collaborative, inclusive team where different perspectives are valued.
• Perth-based, Monday to Friday role with flexible working arrangements and periodic site travel.

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 Principal Geoscientist to lead the geology function supporting the Winu Project. In this strategic and senior technical and people leadership role, you will shape geological strategy and the resource development approach, provide trusted technical guidance across exploration and resource growth, and help inform long-term mine development decisions.

This is an opportunity to combine strong technical expertise with people leadership, coordination and stakeholder influence, whist making a lasting contribution to the future of Winu.

What you’ll be doing

Reporting to the Manager Technical and working in a diverse, close-knit and collaborative team, you will:

• Lead, support and develop a diverse team of geoscience specialists, creating an inclusive environment where people can contribute, grow and do their best work through coaching, mentoring and constructive technical challenge.
• Develop, implement and review the Winu Orebody Knowledge (OBK) strategy to support resource growth and project outcomes.
• Oversee the management, analysis and quality control geological, geochemical and geostructural data.
• Lead drill-hole planning and verify execution against resource, grade control, structural, geotechnical and hydrogeological objectives.
• Provide technical oversight of geological and resource modelling, external Mineral Resource reporting, including acting as Resources Competent Person where appropriate.
• Coordinate technical work programs, deliverables, budgets and project timelines across the wider Project and Technical teams.
• Build stakeholder relationships and influence technical and strategic decisions across the Winu Project.
• Support geological planning by applying technical expertise, technology and innovative approaches to complex challenges.

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.

We welcome applicants with transferable experience from exploration, operations, consulting, resource development or related technical environments.

Required for Success

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
• Strong technical expertise in mine geology, ideally gained in copper and/or gold operations.
• Demonstrated experience in geological mapping, drill-hole planning and execution, logging, geological modelling and resource estimation.
• Advanced knowledge of resource geology and Mineral Resource reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate complex technical programs, manage budgets and schedules, and build alignment with technical, project and leadership stakeholders.
• A tertiary qualification in Geology or a related Geoscience discipline.

Helpful for Success

• Meeting the Joint Ore Reserves Committee Code criteria to act as a Mineral Resource Competent Person.
• Experience leading technical teams and building capability through coaching and mentoring.
• Experience delivering complex geological programs in an exploration or mining environment.
• Experience applying new technologies and innovative approaches to geological challenges.

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 & cultural leave) 
• Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more) 
• Possible domestic relocation assistance  

Where you’ll be working

Winu is a copper-gold project located in Western Australia’s northern Pilbara region, on the Traditional lands of the Nyangumarta People. The Karlkayn airstrip which supports the project is located on the Traditional lands of the Martu People.

Discovered in 2017, Winu is a greenfield development with a focus on delivering a safe, efficient and future‑ready operation. Winu is being planned in close consultation with both Traditional Owner groups to support responsible development and minimise impacts on Country through development and future operation.

Winu is a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Sumitomo Metal Mining Co (SMM). As managing partner Rio Tinto will lead development and operation, continuing to work in close partnership with SMM.

At Winu, you will join a collaborative project team helping to shape one of our key growth opportunities through its next stage of development.

If you would like to understand more about the role, the team or the flexible working arrangements available, we encourage you to contact the recruitment team for a confidential conversation.

Applications close on 18th October (Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove advertised roles prior to this date).

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 situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

At 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.

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