Senior Geotechnical Engineer (Kennecott Utah Copper LLC, Bingham Canyon, UT):
Interpret geotechnical monitoring data, including radars, prisms, GPS, and downhole instruments, to assess slope deformation and stability. Conduct field inspections to identify geotechnical hazards, evaluate slope conditions, and confirm hazard management controls. Perform stability assessments for open pit and natural slopes through routine and ad-hoc inspections. Contribute to developing and implement Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs) based on failure modes, deformation behavior, and runout analyses. Conduct geotechnical design reviews and provide engineering recommendations for slope performance and hazard mitigation. Perform 3D slope stability and failure calibration modeling using Rocscience and FLAC3D. Conduct slope runout analysis using DAN3D and Fahrböschung methods to inform control design. Integrate orebody knowledge (OBK), geological data, and ATV/OTV logging into geotechnical models and interpretations. Conduct rock mass characterization, including lithology, structural orientation, GSI ratings, and hydrogeological assessments. Perform geotechnical data collection and QA/QC, including mapping, core logging, and laboratory testing data review. Contribute to managing geotechnical datasets, including SQL-based databases for rock mass and laboratory data. Apply dewatering and depressurization principles to evaluate geotechnical performance and slope design assumptions. Provide geotechnical input for drill and blast planning, slope design conformance, and mine plan evaluations. Analyze structural geology models to characterize geotechnical failure mechanisms. Utilize 3D modeling tools such as MineSight and Leapfrog to support geotechnical analyses and mine planning. Conduct geotechnical risk assessments for short-range and long-range mine plans and communicate associated risks. Manage geotechnical projects, including scope definition, scheduling, budget tracking, and consultant oversight. Present geotechnical analyses, monitoring interpretations, and risk assessments to internal teams and external reviewers.
The Senior Geotechnical Engineer position reports to the Bingham Canyon Mine on a daily basis. One day per week requires reporting to the office location at 4700 W. Daybreak Parkway, South Jordan, UT, and bi-weekly reporting to the coreshed facility at 9150 W State Hwy Bingham Canyon, UT 84006.
Full time employment, Monday – Friday, 40 hours per week.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, or a related field, and 10 years of progressively responsible related work experience in geotechnical engineering.
Alternatively, the employer will accept a Master’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, or a related field, and 7 years of progressively responsible related work experience in geotechnical engineering.
Must have 7 years of experience in each of the following:
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Using slope monitoring systems (radars, prisms, GPS, and downhole instrumentation);
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Interpreting structural geology, rock mass characterization, and slope monitoring data;
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Performing rock mass characterization and GSI evaluation;
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Rock and soil mechanics laboratory testing for geotechnical data;
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Geotechnical data collection (geotechnical mapping and core logging);
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Making geotechnical recommendations for slope performance and safety;
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Managing geotechnical projects (scope definition, planning, implementation, and budgets);
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Applying dewatering or depressurization principles to open pit designs;
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Using 3D modeling tools: MineSight or Leapfrog; and
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Using OBK and strategic mine planning for geotechnical hazard interpretation.
Must have 6 years of experience working in an open pit mine environment.
Must have 5 years of experience in each of the following:
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Conducting geotechnical design reviews; and
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Conducting slope runout analysis using DAN3D and Fahrböschung.
Must have 2 years of experience in each of the following:
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3D stability modeling and failure mechanism analysis using Rocscience and FLAC3D;
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Applying orebody knowledge to geotechnical stability modeling; and
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Risk assessment and hazard management for long-term mine planning.
International travel required up to 5%; Domestic travel required up to 10%; Regional travel required up to 15%.
TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply through https://jobs.riotinto.com and search for requisition number R65253. Should you have any difficulty in applying for this position through our website, please contact us.recruitment@riotinto.com for assistance in the application process.
#NB
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
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.
R65253
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, 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 and meet opportunities.
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.
Start your application
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 Katie’s career journey
- 2022 - PresentManager Projects - Energy DevelopmentBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2021Superintendent Operations CentreBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2020Development / Drill and Blast SuperintendentPilbara, Western Australia
- 2019Deputy Quarry ManagerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2018Development SupervisorPilbara, Western Australia
- 2017Senior Engineer of Drill, Blast and SurveyPilbara, Western Australia
- 2016Production EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2015Mine scheduler - 2 week plannerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2014Drill and Blast EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2012Graduate Mining EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2022 – PresentManager Projects – Energy DevelopmentBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2021Superintendent Operations CentreBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
- 2020Development / Drill and Blast SuperintendentPilbara, Western Australia
- 2019Deputy Quarry ManagerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2018Development SupervisorPilbara, Western Australia
- 2017Senior Engineer of Drill, Blast and SurveyPilbara, Western Australia
- 2016Production EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2015Mine scheduler – 2 week plannerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2014Drill and Blast EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
- 2012Graduate Mining EngineerPilbara, Western Australia
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:
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.