Senior Geotechnical Engineer
Salt Lake, UT - USA
Job Summary
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:
Bachelors 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 Masters 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:
Using slope monitoring systems (radars prisms GPS and downhole instrumentation);
Interpreting structural geology rock mass characterization and slope monitoring data;
Performing rock mass characterization and GSI evaluation;
Rock and soil mechanics laboratory testing for geotechnical data;
Geotechnical data collection (geotechnical mapping and core logging);
Making geotechnical recommendations for slope performance and safety;
Managing geotechnical projects (scope definition planning implementation and budgets);
Applying dewatering or depressurization principles to open pit designs;
Using 3D modeling tools: MineSight or Leapfrog; and
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:
Conducting geotechnical design reviews; and
Conducting slope runout analysis using DAN3D and Fahrböschung.
Must have 2 years of experience in each of the following:
3D stability modeling and failure mechanism analysis using Rocscience and FLAC3D;
Applying orebody knowledge to geotechnical stability modeling; and
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 and search for requisition number R65253. Should you have any difficulty in applying for this position through our website please contact for assistance in the application process.
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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 cant do it on our own so were 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 for more information.
Required Experience:
Senior IC
About Company
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining group that focuses on finding, mining and processing the Earth’s mineral resources. Discover more about Rio Tinto's mining operations today.