Superintendent Geosciences
Salt Lake, UT - USA
Job Summary
- Lead the technical direction of Geosciences across Kennecotts surface and underground portfolio shaping decisions that underpin safe sustainable long-term value.
- Build and develop a multidisciplinary team across geology geotechnical engineering hydrogeology and Resources and Reserves while influencing major growth opportunities.
- Support Kennecott operations next chapter of growth and mine life extension based in Salt Lake City Utah
Were Finding Better Ways to provide 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 Superintendent - Geosciences to lead an integrated Geosciences function for Rio Tinto Kennecott. Reporting to the Manager Integrated Planning this role is accountable for providing the geological geotechnical hydrogeological and Resources and Reserves foundations that enable safe risk-informed and value-focused decision-making across surface and underground operations. The role will strengthen technical assurance governance and capability while supporting future growth opportunities.
What youll be doing
- Lead and develop an integrated Geosciences team creating clear accountabilities technical excellence and an inclusive high-performance culture.
- Govern the quality integration and continuous improvement of geological and resource models used for mine planning studies and operational decision-making.
- Set priorities for ore-body knowledge programs and drilling strategies that reduce uncertainty and support value creation.
- Implement and assure Resources and Reserves standards controls documentation peer review and reporting requirements.
- Establish effective geotechnical design authority and sign-off processes ensuring appropriate technical review assurance and approval.
- Provide strategic leadership on geotechnical and hydrogeological risks long-term water strategy and growth opportunities across the site.
- Integrate geoscience planning environmental project operational and closure inputs to deliver technically robust long-term plans and studies.
- Communicate material risks opportunities and uncertainties while embedding safety environmental and regulatory considerations into all decisions.
About You
To be successfully considered for this role you will demonstrate a commitment to safety and bring the following experience and capabilities:
- Bachelors degree in Geology Geological Engineering Geotechnical Engineering Hydrogeology Mining Engineering or a related technical discipline.
- Extensive progressive experience in mining geosciences technical services studies or operations including leadership of multidisciplinary technical teams.
- Strong expertise in geological interpretation resource modelling uncertainty management and the application of models to planning and operational decisions.
- Knowledge of Resources and Reserves governance assurance reporting requirements controls and peer-review processes.
- Broad understanding of geotechnical engineering hydrogeology risk management and long-term water strategy in a mining environment.
- Ability to influence stakeholders align competing priorities and translate technical complexity into practical business recommendations.
- Strong written presentation and interpersonal communication skills across technical and operational audiences.
- Leadership behaviours aligned with Rio Tinto values of Care Courage and Curiosity.
Desirable
- Experience within integrated mining operations where open-pit and underground activities interact with shared infrastructure and closure requirements.
- Experience supporting major growth projects from studies through execution readiness or operational ramp-up.
- Professional registration Competent Person or Qualified Person credentials or experience supporting formal sign-off processes.
- Experience applying digital modelling monitoring and data-integration technologies across geoscience disciplines.
What we offer
We are committed to providing our employees with a generous benefits package. Be recognized for your contribution your way of thinking your hard work and go home knowing youve helped the world progress we provide:
- A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
- Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees
- 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; Generous 401k matching program
- Generous Rio Tinto employee share program which allows you to purchase Rio Tinto Company shares.
- Comprehensive leave policies which cover all moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off) paid holidays and paid bereavement leave.
- A favorable child-caregiver leave program (Up to 100% salary top-up)
- Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
- Ongoing Employee Assistance Program for you and your family; to help in addressing educational opportunities addiction treatment depression stress domestic issues financial management and legal concerns.
- Our team and industry experts are here to support and work with you to explore your learning potential and career goals
Where Youll 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.
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.
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.