Principal Hydrogeologist (USA)

About The Role

ITASCA North America is seeking a Principal Hydrogeologist to provide technical leadership, grow client relationships, mentor staff, and help strengthen our hydrogeology practice across the U.S. and North America. This role is suited for a senior hydrogeology professional with strong technical credibility, practical judgment, and experience leading complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership on hydrogeology, mine water, and groundwater-related projects.
• Lead and review work involving conceptual hydrogeologic models, field investigations, aquifer testing, groundwater monitoring, dewatering, seepage, water balance, closure planning, permitting support, and impact assessment.
• Guide or critically review numerical and analytical groundwater modeling, including assumptions, uncertainty, limitations, and implications for client decisions.
• Translate complex hydrogeologic data into practical recommendations for mine planning, environmental management, water supply, permitting, operations, and risk management.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and senior client contact.
• Develop client relationships, identify opportunities, and lead proposals, scopes, budgets, schedules, and project strategy.
• Mentor technical staff and support high-quality project delivery through review, coaching, and knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in hydrogeology, geochemistry, environmental engineering, or a related field.
• Approximately 20+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven technical excellence and sound professional judgment in hydrogeology.
• Professional registration by a recognized organization, or ability to obtain registration where required.
• Experience leading, managing, directing, and reviewing complex technical projects.
• Strong experience with conceptual hydrogeologic models, field investigations, hydraulic testing, and hydrogeologic data interpretation.
• Strong client-facing communication skills.
• Experience mentoring staff and contributing to business development.

Skills

• Mining industry experience, particularly in mine water management, pit dewatering, depressurization, seepage, closure, water balance, permitting, and operational hydrogeology.
• Established client relationships in mining, infrastructure, energy, water resources, or environmental sectors.
• Experience developing and winning consulting work.
• Experience with MODFLOW, FEFLOW, MINEDW, GIS, 3-D visualization, or data analysis.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.
• Recognition in the hydrogeology, mining, groundwater, or environmental consulting community.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance bonuses (cash and company stock).
• Health, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family.
• Generous paid time off from day one.
• Paid holidays.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Paid parental leave.
• Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.

Pay

The anticipated salary range is $150,000–$200,000. Final compensation will depend on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

This is a full-time position based in the United States. Preferred locations are Denver/Lakewood, Colorado, or Minneapolis, Minnesota, but other U.S. locations including hybrid/remote work options may be considered for the right candidate.