Water Sampling Technician
- Support environmental monitoring across Rio Tinto Kennecott facilities
- Build hands-on experience with groundwater and surface-water sampling, field instrumentation and environmental data
- Work independently in the field while partnering with laboratory, environmental and operational teams
- Full-time role in Magna, UT
We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide the 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 Water Sampling Technician to support compliance and operational environmental monitoring across Rio Tinto Kennecott facilities. You will collect and preserve groundwater and surface-water samples, operate and maintain field equipment, document sampling activities and help ensure environmental data is accurate, reliable and collected in accordance with quality requirements.
This permanent role is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys field-based work, brings strong attention to detail and wants to build practical experience in environmental monitoring within a complex industrial operation.
Reporting to the Environmental Superintendent, Water Quality and working with the Water Quality team and Kennecott Environmental Laboratory, you will be:
What you’ll be doing
- Collect and preserve water samples from groundwater wells, outfalls, ponds, streams, canals and other designated monitoring locations in accordance with sampling plans and quality assurance and quality control requirements.
- Operate groundwater sampling equipment using approved purge and no-purge methods, including HydraSleeve® sampling where required.
- Measure and document field parameters, interpret groundwater quality data and trends, and compare field results with applicable compliance limits and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain, calibrate, inspect and decontaminate field equipment to protect sample integrity and environmental data quality.
- Troubleshoot sampling pumps and field equipment, coordinate the repair and maintenance of monitoring wells and other site infrastructure, and escalate issues when necessary.
- Plan and prioritize field activities against established sampling schedules, including working independently in remote and active operational areas.
- Complete chain-of-custody records, field documentation and accurate data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System.
- Organize and review environmental data, support graphs, figures, reports and follow-up actions, and follow all applicable health, safety and operational requirements during field and office work.
About you
To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:
- A commitment to the safety of yourself and others, with the ability to follow field, laboratory and site requirements consistently.
- Practical exposure to environmental field sampling, monitoring, laboratory work or a related technical environment. Relevant education in geology, chemistry, environmental science, materials science or a related field is considered an asset.
- Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, water sampling methods, chemical analysis, laboratory procedures and quality assurance and quality control principles.
- The ability and willingness to work outdoors in varying weather and field conditions and to safely access designated areas across an active industrial property.
- Strong organization, record-keeping and written communication skills, with confidence using Microsoft Word, Excel and data management applications.
- The ability to work accurately and independently while collaborating effectively with others. A valid driver’s license and a safe driving record are required.
What we offer
Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you have helped the world progress.
- A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
- Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus
- Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage and various voluntary benefits
- Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution and a generous 401(k) matching program
- Attractive share ownership plan
- Comprehensive leave policies covering the moments that matter, including paid time off, paid holidays and paid bereavement leave
- A generous parental leave policy to support quality time with your new family
- Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Personify Health with incentives supporting your wellbeing
- Access to our Employee Assistance Program, providing confidential counseling or expert guidance for you and your family
Where you’ll be working
Our Kennecott mine is a world-class, fully integrated copper mining operation, including a concentrator, smelter, and refinery, located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903 and is one of the top producing mines in the world, comprising approximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.
Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove advertised roles prior to the posting end 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
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.
R65019
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 one of our function’s teams
We supply the materials that drive human progress. You make it all possible.
With business operations that stretch from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Perth, Western Australia, we have exciting opportunities in virtually every discipline imaginable. From HR to marketing, finance to technology, infrastructure to supply chain, and much more, the opportunities are endless. Join us and enjoy:
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.



















