Specialist Geotechnical Engineer

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We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where employees feel comfortable being themselves. We also want everyone to feel that their voices matter, that all cultures are respected, and that perspectives, as diverse as they are, are not only welcome, but essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity, regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, age, sexual orientation or any other distinguishing aspect.

At Rio Tinto, we welcome and encourage applications from women, older workers, persons with disabilities and representatives from diverse backgrounds.

Everyone is different, and we believe that these differences are our strength. The diversity of skills, life experiences, and perspectives within our team enhances the way we work and our ability to succeed together.

About the role

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs. 

It’s an exciting time to be joining our team, with the rapid development of our significant greenfield discovery of our Simandou Project to realise value from the world-class Simandou iron ore deposit. The primary purpose of the Specialist Geotechnical Engineer will be to provide and co-ordinate geotechnical engineering design for the Simandou project and operational support for the project as construction phase commences.

As the Specialist Geotechnical Engineer reporting to the Principal Geotechnical Engineer, you are accountable for delivering the geotechnical elements of the project’s feasibility studies, mid-term and short-term mine designs. The successful applicants will be part of a growing and business-critical Geotechnical group aimed to develop, maintain and manage critical inputs into Mine Plan and the Studies projects.

As a valued member of the Geotechnical team, you will have immediate access to a truly global network of industry professionals spanning across a broad range of disciplines. Your career development will also be a primary focus for these positions, and with a presence in almost all corners of the globe, opportunities for international mobility and advancement are frequently realised.

Reporting to the Principal Geotechnical, key activities to be undertaken will include, but not be limited to:

• Active engagement in SimFer safety systems, policies and adherence to Rio Tinto Standards, KRA’s for individual health and safety objectives and Personal Health and Safety Plan. The goal is to contribute toward an incident and injury free workplace and ensure the health and safety of all employees is not compromised.

• Providing Geotechnical Engineering guidance for pit and waste dump designs and foundation engineering for mine infrastructure

• Ensuring that geotechnical aspects of the project are progressed to the required levels with appropriate risk mitigation measures in place

• Working with the ops readiness team on developing and implementing our geotechnical plans including monitoring strategies and tactics

• Support and drive continuous improvement across the project

• Preparing and planning risk assessments with key stakeholders

• Active and on-going engagement and collaboration with Studies representatives, resource and mine geologists, geotechnical engineers and mine engineers to ensure geotechnical inputs are appropriately and timely (as per Mine Plan and Studies schedule) communicated and embedded in terms of risk addressed and opportunities recognised.

• Development of standard systems of work and champion of continuous improvement projects. Maintaining and expanding on workable synergies across other Geoscience and Technical Services groups within SimFer.

• Training/support/mentoring geotechnical and geoscience staff in data collection, validation, geotechnical analysis.

This will be a challenging and fast-paced role, requiring you to confidently navigate through some uncertainties as the project evolves.

 What You’ll Bring

To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:

• A strong focus and commitment to the safety of yourself and your team

• A suitable degree qualification in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, mining or civil engineering, or earth sciences

• A strong technical background with a focus on open cut mining/bulk commodities

• High-level experience in relevant software packages, and advanced in Rocscience, Leapfrog and Vulcan.

• High-level experience in geotechnical data validation and analysis

• You will be a highly motivated individual with extensive surface mining, geotechnical engineering and hard rock projects experience

• Expertise in geotechnical investigations and analysis relating to pit slope and infrastructure design and monitoring

• Demonstrated project studies experience and ability to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team, positive approach to delivering to tight deadlines and strong communication and influencing capability

• Demonstrated communication skills, including an ability to build relationships with both internal stakeholders and external consultancies

• Excellent report writing skills, attention to detail and an ability to problem solve

• If you have a master’s degree or PhD in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering and a relevant professional society membership your application will be highly regarded.

• Capability in French language (written and or spoken) is considered advantageous.

What we offer

Get recognition for your contributions, your ability to think, your hard work, and the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped the world move forward.

• Work environment where safety is always the top priority
• Competitive base salary based on your skills and experience
• Annual cash incentives for eligible employees
• Career development opportunities and training assistance to achieve your aspirations • Access to family-friendly health programs, top-notch retirement and savings plans
• Wellness benefits
• Rio Tinto's generous employee stock ownership plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• One-on-one wellness support (personal and professional matters) for you and your family
• Comprehensive leave policy covering all important life moments (vacation/annual, paid parental leave, etc.)  
   

About the Simandou Project
The Simandou Iron Ore Project is located in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa. It is Africa’s largest infrastructure and mining project and represents one of the largest known reserves of high-grade iron ore in the world.

Rio Tinto holds rights to Simandou Blocks 3 and 4 through SimFer, a joint venture between the Government of the Republic of Guinea, Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings (CIOH). Construction of the mine, together with the associated rail and port infrastructure, is well underway with first production from the SimFer mine expected in 2025.

About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a global leader in the mining and materials companies. We are established in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminum, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and the prosperity of people, communities, and nations. We have been in business for 150 years, drawing on knowledge accumulated over generations and on different continents. Our mission – to find better ways to provide the materials the world needs – guides us in our quest for innovation and continuous improvement, with the goal of making products that are low in emissions and meet the right environmental, social and governance standards. But because we can't do it alone, we focus on creating partnerships that allow us to solve problems, create mutually beneficial situations and seize opportunities.

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