Senior Geologist

About the role

Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the Geology department, including the direct coaching of personnel involved in the design and execution of resource estimation, resource modeling, development, and mine geology programs. Provide technical analysis and feedback to operating units to enhance the efficient and optimal mining of resources.

• Oversee the geological evaluation and resource modeling estimation studies for the mining and exploration of assigned projects.
• Perform evaluation and analysis of the Model-Mine-Mill processes and reconciliation.
• Assist with the generation of 10K Ore Reserve statements for review by the Senior Management team.
• Communicate resource estimation information regularly to management to keep them informed of progress, problems, and proposed solutions.
• Train and develop staff in procedures to ensure consistent and accurate geological models, resource estimates, and reporting.
• Develop practical procedural manuals for geologic resource estimation so that procedures can be clearly understood by both technical people and clients.
• Perform other duties as required.

Location

Our Bagdad operations in Arizona offer housing at a subsidized rate, a family-friendly atmosphere, and numerous amenities including an aquatic center, golf course, and fitness center. Located 100 miles northwest of Phoenix, Bagdad is home to the world's first commercial-scale concentrate leach processing facility, as well as one of the longest continuously operating solvent extraction/electrowinning plants in the world.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology or related Mining Engineering and five (5) years of Resource Estimation experience, OR Master’s degree in Geology and three (3) years of Resource Estimation experience.
• Ability to meet future qualification as a “Competent Person” for the reporting of Mineral Resources.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of geology and mining.
• Knowledge of the geology of porphyry and skarn-hosted copper and gold systems.
• Fluent in English (written and verbal).
• Skill in the practical application of resource estimation and geostatistics.
• Skill in mineral resource modeling and 3-dimensional geologic problem-solving.
• Advanced user in the operation of at least one of the major 3D Modeling software packages; must be willing and able to learn to use the Vulcan modeling software exclusively.
• Demonstrated ability in the production of technical reports.
• Good problem-solving and judgment skills.
• Ability to work to a deadline.
• Ability to communicate highly technical procedures and results to others, both inside and outside the immediate group.

Preferred Qualifications

• Six (6) to eight (8) years of overall experience in Geology, Exploration, or Mining.
• Experience working at underground and/or open pit mines.
• Ability to correctly identify and accurately estimate relative proportions and textural characteristics of metal-bearing and gangue minerals in a production setting.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of the principles and methods used in complex geological analyses.
• Skill in effective communication, both verbal and written.
• Ability to research and analyze information of considerable difficulty and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards.

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Company-paid life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match.
• Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home, and vehicle.
• Internal progression opportunities.

Pay

The estimated annual pay range for this role is $105,000–$145,000. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits, or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills, and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance.

Schedule & Work Conditions

• Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.
• Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.
• Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.
• Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.