Geochemist – Senior Level (Hybrid)

About the role

Barr is seeking a senior-level geochemist to join our growing geochemical practice across the midwest and western United States and western Canada. This role can be based in any of our current offices on a part-time or full-time basis.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support projects involving tailings and mine waste, coal combustion residuals (CCR), legacy contamination, and other complex, multi-media environments.
• Combine advanced geochemical modeling and material characterization expertise with project leadership and client engagement.
• Provide technical direction on conceptual site models and assessment of geochemical systems, oversee data collection and analysis, lead predictive modeling efforts, and contribute to strategic decision-making related to acid rock drainage, metal leaching, mineral solubility, and water quality.
• Evaluate complex geochemical systems, data sets, and regulatory frameworks to develop practical, science-based solutions.
• Integrate modeling results, field data, and uncertainty analysis to guide strategy development and long-term site management decisions.
• Prepare clear, defensible technical documentation and effectively communicate complex findings and uncertainties to clients, regulators, and project stakeholders.
• Represent the geochemistry discipline in meetings, technical discussions, and professional forums.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to align geochemical strategy with broader project goals.
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients and regulatory agencies while fostering a culture of mentorship, accountability, and technical excellence within the team.
• Provide senior technical review and guidance, mentor developing staff, and contribute to advancing the geochemical practice through knowledge sharing, innovation, and service development.
• Support growth of the geochemical practice by strengthening client relationships, contributing to proposals and presentations, identifying new opportunities, and helping position Barr as a leader in applied environmental geochemistry.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in geochemistry or a closely related discipline.
• 10 or more years of practical experience in environmental or applied geochemistry.
• Strong knowledge of low-temperature aqueous geochemical systems, environmental geochemistry, mineral weathering processes, and equilibrium and kinetically controlled reactions.
• Demonstrated experience developing, calibrating, and interpreting thermodynamic equilibrium geochemical models (e.g., PHREEQC, Geochemist’s Workbench) and integrating modeling results into hydrogeologic or mass balance evaluations with codes such as MIN3P and PHT-USG.
• Experience designing and implementing field and laboratory programs for mineralogical characterization and prediction of acid rock drainage and metal leaching.
• Familiarity with mine waste management practices, mineral processing, and applicable mine and environmental regulations.
• Driver’s license: possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Qualifications

• Strategic and collaborative consultant who combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership and client presence.
• Communicates complex geochemical concepts and modeling results clearly and confidently to clients, regulators, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Provides high-level technical review and mentors developing staff to strengthen team capability.
• Organized and proactive, effectively manages scopes, schedules, and budgets while maintaining technical excellence.
• Relationship-driven and business-minded, builds trust, identifies opportunities, and contributes meaningfully to proposals and service growth.
• Values collaboration, integrity, and delivers practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.

Skills

• Advanced geochemical expertise.
• Project management skills.
• Problem-solving abilities.
• Effective communication skills.
• Leadership and mentoring skills.
• Client service and business development skills.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation range of $100,000–$150,000 annually.
• Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock.
• Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders.
• Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities.
• Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities.