Principal Technical Programs, Hydrogeology

 Principal Technical Programs, Hydrogeology

• Help shape the strategic direction and vision for water management across Rio Tinto Iron Ore

• Drive technical leadership in program delivery and mining water management solution

• Influence and drive a culture of continuous improvement

• Full time opportunity, Perth based with ad-hoc travel to site.

In the role of Principal Technical Programs, Hydrogeology you will translate RTIO’s commitment to water stewardship into tangible outcomes through active project sponsorship, oversight and delivery of strategic water management projects and initiatives across RTIOs Pilbara operations. The role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with a diverse and passionate team, changing the way we approach water management, and implement step-change solutions to meet RTIO’s short to medium term operational and water stewardship goals.

Reporting to the Manager Hydrogeology, Resource Development, you will be an active intermediary between the leadership team and project & technical SME team/s, and with accountability for ensuring business and project needs are met.

• Lead and inspire a diverse group of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), championing inclusive planning and innovative water management solutions across our Pilbara iron ore operations.

• Embody RTIO’s commitment to responsible water use through strategic projects that make a meaningful impact for people and the planet.

• Foster a culture that values innovation, long-term thinking, and the perspectives of individuals from all backgrounds in water resource planning.

• Steer a dynamic portfolio of water programs, ensuring they evolve with technical advancements, stakeholder needs, and business priorities—supporting both the medium term Mine Plan and our broader Water Strategy.

• Sponsor and guide the development of forward-thinking water solutions, such as in-pit water banking and aquifer recharge systems, working collaboratively with internal partners to ensure water initiatives align with our inclusive operational goals.

• Oversee the water program portfolio and maintain clear reporting that highlights status, progress, challenges, and strategic alignment of water initiatives, enabling timely responses to technical advances, feedback, and evolving business objectives.

• Support the implementation of strategies that reduce water intensity in operations, focusing on water conservation and efficiency improvements through the adoption of new technologies and inclusive practices.

• Cultivate solid, respectful partnerships across technical, planning, and delivery teams, encouraging collaboration across the full spectrum of lived experiences and identities.

• Promote meaningful engagement with Traditional Owner Partnerships and Communities & Social Performance stakeholders, developing a deep understanding of the cultural and social values of water in the Pilbara.

• Translate complex technical insights into clear, compelling business cases that inform investment and prioritization—ensuring all voices are heard in the decision-making process.

• Drive decisions that balance risk, return, and environmental responsibility, with an emphasis on fairness and inclusion.

• Evaluate program outcomes to help shape future strategy and investment.

• Mentor, inspire, and empower team members from all backgrounds, fostering a culture of belonging, continuous learning, psychological safety, and professional growth where everyone can thrive as their authentic selves.

What you’ll bring

• Deep understanding of mining water management with familiarity across hydrogeology, water management systems, and environmental & cultural values of water.

• A collaborative approach to solving complex challenges, with a focus on practical, sustainable outcomes.

• Experience leading and supporting diverse teams, with a passion for building a positive, high-performing culture.

• The ability to influence and build trust across a wide range of stakeholders, bringing people together to achieve shared goals.

• Clear and confident communication skills—able to translate technical concepts into meaningful insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.

• A commitment to environmental stewardship and best practice in water supply development.

• A continuous improvement mindset—curious, reflective, and always looking for better ways to plan, deliver, and learn.

• A proactive, self-motivated approach, with a desire to grow your expertise and support others in doing the same.

• The ability to provide meaningful context and purpose to your team, connecting their work to broader goals.

• Solid time and resource management skills to support the successful delivery of large-scale drilling programs.

• A coaching style that fosters development, encourages feedback, and celebrates progress.

• A current manual WA Driver’s license 

• A minimum bachelor’s degree in geology, hydrogeology, relevant science or engineering field.

It will be beneficial if you have:

• Post-graduate training in water-related field

• Be highly attuned to the challenges associated hydrogeology, hydrology and water management in mining and the Pilbara

• Understanding of WA regulatory environment applicable to water

If you are excited about the role and think you have what it takes but your experience doesn't align 100% we still want to hear from you. 

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 leave)

• Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more)

• Possible domestic relocation assistance

Where you’ll be working

Based in the Perth CBD, Central Park, this role encourages agile ways of working, on a Monday – Friday roster. Regular travel to the Pilbara is required.

In the Pilbara region of Western Australia, we own an integrated portfolio of iron ore assets: a world-class, integrated network of 17 mines, four independent port terminals, a 1,700 kilometre rail network and related infrastructure – all designed to respond rapidly to changes in demand. 

We are one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of iron ore.

Applications close on 15 August 2025 (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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