Superintendent - Geosciences

Rio Tinto•Salt Lake City, UT

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Superintendent - Geosciences leads the integrated Geosciences function for Rio Tinto Kennecott, providing geological, geotechnical, hydrogeological, and Resources and Reserves foundations for safe, risk-informed, value-focused decisions across surface and underground operations. Reporting to the Manager, Integrated Planning, the role strengthens technical assurance, governance, and capability while supporting future growth opportunities and mine life extension. The position is based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The role leads a multidisciplinary team spanning geology, geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, and Resources and Reserves. It is responsible for the quality and integration of geological and resource models, ore-body knowledge programs, drilling strategies, Resources and Reserves governance, geotechnical design authority, and strategic management of geotechnical and hydrogeological risks. The Superintendent works across planning, environmental, project, operational, and closure functions to deliver robust plans and studies, while embedding safety, environmental, and regulatory considerations in decisions. Kennecott is a fully integrated copper mining operation near Salt Lake City, including a concentrator, smelter, and refinery. It produces copper, precious metals, molybdenum, and sulfuric acid. Rio Tinto is a global mining and materials company operating in 35 countries.

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 applying 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.
Commitment to safety and leadership behaviours aligned with Rio Tinto's values of Care, Courage, and Curiosity.

Nice To Haves

Experience in 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.

Responsibilities

Lead and develop an integrated Geosciences team, establishing 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 decisions.
Set priorities for ore-body knowledge programs and drilling strategies to reduce uncertainty and support value creation.
Implement and assure Resources and Reserves standards, controls, documentation, peer review, and reporting requirements.
Establish geotechnical design authority and sign-off processes, including appropriate technical review, assurance, and approval.
Provide strategic leadership on geotechnical and hydrogeological risks, long-term water strategy, and site growth opportunities.
Integrate geoscience, planning, environmental, project, operational, and closure inputs to deliver technically robust long-term plans and studies.
Communicate material risks, opportunities, and uncertainties, embedding safety, environmental, and regulatory considerations in decisions.

Benefits

Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees.
Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, plus voluntary benefits.
Retirement plan with up to 6% defined company contribution and a 401(k) matching program.
Employee share program allowing employees to purchase Rio Tinto shares.
Leave policies including paid time off, paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
Child-caregiver leave program with up to 100% salary top-up.
Leisure discount programs and access to Virgin Pulse wellbeing incentives.
Employee Assistance Program for employees and their families.
Support for learning potential and career goals.
Safety-focused and inclusive working environment.