Sr Spec, Geotechnical

Vale • ,

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

We are currently seeking a Specialist, Geotechnical, to join our Geotechnical Office within the Tailings and Dams Group. This position is based in Toronto, Ontario, with travel to operational sites as required. Reporting to the Global Tailings and Dams Manager, the Specialist, Geotechnical will serve as a recognized technical authority supporting the safe and sustainable management of Vale Base Metals' tailings storage facilities, dams, waste rock facilities, and other critical geotechnical assets across global operations. In this role, you will provide strategic geotechnical leadership through advanced assessments, engineering reviews, risk management initiatives, and technical governance. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, Engineers of Record (EoR), site operations, external consultants, and regulatory stakeholders, you will contribute to ensuring the integrity, reliability, and long-term performance of geotechnical infrastructure throughout its lifecycle.

Requirements

• Minimum 11 years of geotechnical engineering experience.
• Proven experience within the mining industry.
• Significant experience supporting Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) and dam safety programs.
• Experience with waste rock facilities, filtered tailings facilities, and mine infrastructure.
• Demonstrated expertise in geotechnical risk management and geotechnical investigations.
• Experience delivering conceptual, prefeasibility, feasibility, and detailed engineering studies.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and external stakeholders.
• Undergraduate Degree in Civil Engineering with specialization in Geotechnical Engineering or a closely related discipline.
• Strong knowledge of soil mechanics, rock mechanics, geotechnical investigations, and site characterization.
• Expertise in slope stability, seepage analysis, liquefaction assessment, and numerical modelling.
• Knowledge of dam safety management, risk assessment methodologies, and tailings behaviour.
• Familiarity with industry standards and guidelines, including GISTM, CDA, and ICOLD.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical review capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence stakeholders and communicate complex technical concepts effectively.
• Strong ownership, accountability, and risk-based decision-making mindset.

Nice To Haves

• Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation or equivalent recognized professional registration.
• Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or related discipline.
• PhD is considered a strong asset.
• Experience supporting global mining operations and major capital projects.
• Advanced proficiency in English; additional languages are an asset.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced geotechnical assessments related to dam safety, stability, seepage, deformation, and risk management.
• Review and validate geotechnical investigations, engineering designs, stability analyses, liquefaction assessments, and numerical modelling studies.
• Evaluate monitoring, instrumentation, hydrogeological, geodetic, and inspection data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Support dam safety inspections, independent technical reviews, audits, and regulatory assessments.
• Participate in the review and approval of dam projects, facility raises, modifications, and closure plans.
• Act as a technical authority and second line of defense for the management of tailings dams and geotechnical assets.
• Assess geotechnical hazards and support the development of risk mitigation strategies and action plans.
• Contribute to Dam Safety Plans, Emergency Action Plans, risk assessments, and regulatory submissions.
• Support compliance with applicable regulations, industry standards, and global best practices, including GISTM principles.
• Strengthen geotechnical governance and risk management processes across the organization.
• Coordinate and review work completed by specialized geotechnical consultants and engineering service providers.
• Develop and maintain technical standards, procedures, guidelines, and best practices.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering opinions, and presentations for management and governance committees.
• Provide independent engineering judgment to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Share technical knowledge and mentor colleagues to advance geotechnical excellence across the business.
• Manage geotechnical databases and ensure the integrity, accessibility, and quality of critical geotechnical information.
• Prepare technical reports, monitoring summaries, engineering assessments, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Communicate technical findings and recommendations to both operational and technical audiences.
• Mentor and develop junior geotechnical professionals through training, coaching, and technical guidance.
• Promote innovation through advanced modelling approaches, data analytics, AI applications, and emerging technologies.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation including a variable annual incentive plan
• Participation in a competitive Defined Contribution Pension package
• Comprehensive benefits package (company paid core coverage, health and dental coverage, flex accounts, disability plans, and optional insurances)
• Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation, personal, sick, parental)
• Work culture dedicated to safety, diversity & inclusion, and career growth
• Employee Family Assistance Program
• Virtual Healthcare online
• Online training and career development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior