Superintendent - Geosciences

About the role

Lead the technical direction of Geosciences across Kennecott's 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 operation's next chapter of growth and mine life extension based in Salt Lake City, Utah.

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.

Kennecott is a world-class, fully integrated copper mining operation — including a concentrator, smelter, and refinery — located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. The operation produces copper, precious metals (gold and silver), molybdenum, and sulfuric acid, and has been mining the Bingham Canyon ore body since 1903, comprising approximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company operating in 35 countries, producing iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition. With 150 years of mining experience, the company's 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor's 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• 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, allowing purchase of Rio Tinto Company shares
• Comprehensive leave policies covering all moments that matter: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
• Favorable child-caregiver leave program (up to 100% salary top-up)
• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting wellbeing
• Ongoing Employee Assistance Program for you and your family, addressing educational opportunities, addiction treatment, depression, stress, domestic issues, financial management, and legal concerns
• Team and industry experts supporting learning potential and career goals