Principal Advisor – Geotechnical and Tailings SME

  • An opportunity to join our dynamic global team working on a variety of closure projects and sites.

  • Great levels of exposure and a fantastic development opportunity in the Rio Tinto Closure (RTC) Major Hazards Team.

  • Permanent role in Australia based in either Brisbane or Perth.

About the role

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.

We are looking for a ‘Principal Advisor – Geotechnical and Tailings SME’ to provide technical subject matter expert (SME) support and advice to manage all geotechnical and tailings risks in the Australia Pacific region through effective engagement, communication and collaboration with multiple assets. This role is a great opportunity to provide technical support and assistance to the RTC portfolio for closing and legacy assets and is centred around the Rio Tinto commitment to safely and responsibly closing its assets. You will play a critical part in the Rio Tinto journey to achieving closure whilst mitigating risks associated with geotechnical assets.

We are an open, connected global team that includes some of the industry’s best and brightest minds. We offer competitive, performance-focused remuneration and a wide range of benefits to reward your contribution. With a global reach, the opportunities to develop and grow your career are broad and exciting.

Reporting to the Rio Tinto Closure – Manager SME Major Hazards, and working in a collaborative team and exciting environment you will:

  • Ensure compliance with Rio Tinto’s Standards with an emphasis on Tailings, Water and Geotechnical Risk Management in the Asia Pacific region, to ensure risks are appropriately identified and managed at all RT Closure sites.

  • Identify hazards associated with tailings storage facilities, water storage facilities, natural and engineered slopes and underground mine workings, working closely and effectively with the assets to secure and provide appropriate technical and engineering support.

  • Provide strategic advisory and SME technical support for relinquishment planning, strategic projects and commercial divestment strategies.

  • Support the development of assurance plans for the management of geotechnical material risks.

  • Develop technical documentation to assist and guide the closure of geotechnical assets.

  • Provide expert advice and guidance to Rio Tinto accountable persons in accordance with internal standards and guidelines in addition to work performed by external consultants and independent reviewers.

What you’ll bring

  • Tertiary qualifications in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, civil engineering or geological sciences and substantial experience (>15 years) working in the field of geotechnical engineering or tailings.

  • Ability to quickly build robust business-focussed relationships, establish credibility and influence internal and external stakeholders to drive consensus and collaboration.

  • Proven experience and understanding of tailings facilities, water storage facilities, slope management and underground control (preferred but not essential).

  • Experience with closure of geotechnical assets

  • Demonstrated experience in leading projects or studies and implementing initiatives with a commitment to the safety of yourself and the team.

  • Proven ability to establish and maintain productive technical networks at a senior level.

  • Extensive experience in large, complex organisations with either a global or large regional spread.

  • Ability to work with an interdisciplinary technical team in problem solving.

  • Experience managing teams of employees, researchers and contractors across time zones.

  • Strong team skills and willingness to spend short durations on site (when required).

  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

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 culture that is supportive of flexible working options

  • 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

This role can be based In either our Brisbane or Perth Hun and will have some occasional travel to site.

Applications close on Thursday the 12th of December 2024 (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.

Every Voice Matters

At 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.

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Take your leadership career to the next level.

Where can Rio Tinto take you?

You’re passionate and ambitious with tremendous career aspirations. The breadth and growth of our organisation empowers you to define your ideal career path.

Take a look at Katie’s career journey

Take a look at Amy’s career journey

Rio Tinto employee Shona Markham

Rio Tinto employee Amy

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    Superintendent Operations Centre
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  • 2019
    Deputy Quarry Manager
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  • 2018
    Development Supervisor
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  • 2017
    Senior Engineer of Drill, Blast and Survey
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  • 2016
    Production Engineer
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  • 2015
    Mine scheduler - 2 week planner
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    Drill and Blast Engineer
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    Chief Engineer Execution – Port Facilities & Rolling Stock
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Working at Rio Tinto

Help us deliver the materials that make human progress possible.

The plane you’re flying in just landed. You fire up your phone and get your laptop out of the overhead bin. Immediately, you’re in work mode – thousands of miles from your office. Do you ever stop to think about all the materials that make life in the 21st century possible? At Rio Tinto, we discover, develop and deliver the materials that drive human progress. When you work with us, you’ll experience advantages you won’t find anywhere else.

Working in a technical role at Rio Tinto

Your advanced expertise will help drive human progress.

We’ve developed technical capabilities through nearly 150 years of discovering, planning, and operating mines in every corner of the world. We’re an open, connected international team of technical specialists using some of the most sophisticated tools and robust data on the planet. Join us and experience:

Meaningful work

We’re industry innovators – driving responsible progress and exploring the boundaries of everything we do. And we work hard to leave a lasting, positive legacy for everywhere we work. Nothing could be more rewarding.

Three female Rio Tinto employees smiling while sitting at a table under a tree

Opportunities for growth

With a business as expansive and diverse as ours, the opportunities for professional advancement are limitless. We’ll work with you to create a career plan, develop your skills, and further your education.

Female Rio Tinto worker holding hard hat and standing a railing

Excellent compensation and benefits

We offer great pay as well as a benefits package that recognises your contributions and provides you with everything you need to enjoy a truly rewarding life.

Man playing with daughter in the sand on a beach

Safety

Though we’re continually focused on discovering, developing, and delivering the materials that make human progress possible, the safety and wellbeing of our employees have been and always will be our bottom line.

Rio Tinto employee wearing jacket, hard hat and respirator

Inspiring people and an empowering culture

Whatever our individual roles, we’re each here to contribute to extremely important work. And we do it together. We inspire, encourage, empower and truly care for each other.

Two male Rio Tinto employees in jackets and hard hats in front of a processing plant - one employee is placing his hand on the other's shoulder

A commitment to inclusion and diversity

We’re committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being 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 and value our differences for the strength and diversity they bring to our organisation.

Close-up of a line of work boots with rainbow-colored laces on clay soil

Safety

The safety and well-being of our employees have been and always will be our priority. We do the work only if it is safe, and we invest to make sure every member of our team has the quality tools they need to do their job.

Rio Tinto employee wearing jacket, hard hat and respirator

Quality of life

Our rosters are designed to provide you with the flexibility you need to balance your work life with your home life, your family, and your other outside interests and commitments.

Male Rio Tinto employee with his smiling family, holding his son

Opportunities for growth

With a business as expansive and diverse as ours, the opportunities for professional advancement are limitless. We’ll work with you to create a career plan, develop your skills, and further your education.

Three smiling Rio Tinto employees wearing hard hats and protective eye wear enjoying a conversation

Meaningful work

We’re industry innovators – driving responsible progress and exploring the boundaries of everything we do. And we work hard to leave a lasting, positive legacy for everywhere we work. Nothing could be more rewarding.

Smiling female employee wearing a hard hat and goggles in front of industrial equipment

A commitment to inclusion and diversity

We’re committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being 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, and value our differences for the strength and diversity they bring to our organisation.

Close-up of a line of work boots with rainbow-colored laces on clay soil

Quality of life

We’re committed to providing you with the flexibility you need to balance your work life with your home life, your family, and your other outside interests, passions, and commitments.

Female Rio Tinto employee and her son playing foosball in an arcade

People and culture

Whatever our individual roles, we’re each here to contribute to extremely important work. And we do it together. We inspire, encourage, empower and truly care for each other.

Three smiling Rio Tinto employees gathered around a small conference table

Opportunities for growth

With a business as expansive and diverse as ours, the opportunities for professional advancement are limitless. We’ll work with you to create a career plan, develop your skills, and further your education.

Female Rio Tinto employee is business casual clothing presenting to large group in auditorium

Meaningful work

We’re industry innovators – driving responsible progress and exploring the boundaries of everything we do. And we work hard to leave a lasting, positive legacy for everywhere we work. Nothing could be more rewarding.

Female Rio Tinto employee in high technology center writing on glass board

A commitment to inclusion and diversity

We’re committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being 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.

Female Rio Tinto employee in foreground working on laptop with other employees in the background

Inspiring people and an empowering culture

Whatever our individual roles, we’re each here to contribute to extremely important work. And we do it together. We inspire, encourage, empower and truly care for each other as we live out the values and deliver the performance that defines Rio Tinto.

Diverse group of smiling Rio Tinto employees standing over table looking at project plans

Meaningful work

You’ll be joining a global technical community with the best tools and data at your fingertips. We are innovation leaders and are committed to advancing the promise of a more sustainable world. Nothing could be more rewarding.

Two male Rio Tinto employees controlling large, state-of-the-art drone

Quality of life

Enjoy efficient and effective work processes with strong support to help you balance your other interests and commitments.

Male Rio Tinto employee with his smiling family, holding his son

Opportunities for growth

With a business as expansive and diverse as ours, the opportunities for professional advancement are limitless. Our technical development programs are industry-leading and enable you to grow your career through a dedicated technical path while being rewarded for your unique skills.

A male and a female Rio Tinto employee are at a project site and looking at a computer tablet

A commitment to inclusion and diversity

We’re committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being 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 and value our differences for the strength and diversity they bring to our organisation.

Close-up of a line of work boots with rainbow-colored laces on clay soil

Opportunities for learning and development

You can build on your education with real-world work that makes a difference. With our Global Development Program and other key initiatives, you’ll help shape the future of Rio Tinto as you enhance your professional potential and broaden your career options. You’ll network with experienced industry leaders and expand your knowledge base through many specific development activities.

Two Rio Tinto employees look on as a third employee writes on a white board

Meaningful work

You’ll get to work on a variety of assignments that present exciting challenges and complexity. If you receive rotations, you’ll also participate in many different roles, teams, and environments.

A female Rio Tinto professional in business attire sitting at a desk in an office setting

A focus on sustainability

You’ll be able to play a significant role in sustainability initiatives and help us develop global solutions for environmental and climate change challenges.

Wind turbine in field of flowering bushes

Inspiring people and an empowering culture

You’ll experience the benefits of our unique culture. Our leadership is active, engaged, supportive, and ready to help you translate your education into a rewarding career.

Diverse group of Rio Tinto employees walking through industrial building

A commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

We’re committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable being 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 and value our differences for the strength and diversity they bring to our organisation.

Close-up of a line of work boots with rainbow-colored laces on clay soil

Life at Rio Tinto

We’re a mining and metals company with operations in 35 countries around the world. We work in an incredible variety of settings – in mines, smelters, and refineries; in sales offices and data centres; in research facilities and development labs; and with artificial intelligence. All of this adds up to tremendously varied lifestyle options. We’ll work with you to determine the lifestyle opportunities that are available for your role.

1/6

Residential

You’ll be part of a friendly, welcoming community close to our mining operation. You’ll be home after each shift to enjoy your life away from work.

2/6

FIFO

Flying into a site, staying at a camp for the duration of your roster, then flying home again. We call this FIFO.

3/6

BIBO

For certain sites, you will take a bus or a boat into the site, stay at a camp, and then bus or boat out again.

4/6

Operations Centre

Advanced facilities in certain regions enable our teams to control some systems remotely.

5/6

City hubs

State-of-the-art offices connect you seamlessly with colleagues around the world.

6/6

Our application process

01

Apply

The first thing you’ll need to do is apply to the role. You can do this with your LinkedIn profile or you can upload your resume. We’ll also ask you to complete a few questions before you submit your application.

02

Undergo assessments

Our assessments are designed to help us work out whether you are suitable for the role. We will let you know which ones you’ll need to complete.

03

Interview(s)

Our interviews could be in person or online. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know you a bit better, answer any of your questions and talk about the exciting career opportunity you have applied for.

04

Offers and checks

At this stage, we will let you know if you have been successful. If you have been, we’ll need to conduct a couple of checks, such as a background or security check. You may also need to do a medical assessment depending on the role you have applied for.

05

Join the Rio Tinto team

Once the checks have been completed, we’ll be in touch to talk with you about your start date and answer any questions you may have before you start with us.

01

Apply

The first thing you’ll need to do is apply to the role. You can do this with your LinkedIn profile or you can upload your resume. We’ll also ask you to complete a few questions before you submit your application.

02

Undergo assessments

Our assessments are designed to help us work out whether you are suitable for the role. We will let you know which ones you’ll need to complete.

03

Interview(s)

Our interviews could be in person or online. It’s a great opportunity for us to get to know you a bit better, answer any of your questions and talk about the exciting career opportunity you have applied for.

04

Offers and checks

At this stage, we will let you know if you have been successful. If you have been, we’ll need to conduct a couple of checks, such as a background or security check. You may also need to do a medical assessment. depending on the role. you have applied for.

05

Join the Rio Tinto team

Once the checks have been completed, we’ll be in touch to talk with you about your start date and answer any questions you may have before you start with us.

Your questions answered

Your questions answered

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