Technical Director - Geotechnical, Tailings

Bring your curiosity and determination to make a positive impact on the future of mining!  Together and with our mining clients, we will create a lasting community benefit making water, energy, and communities sustainable for generations to come.

Join our team of globally connected engineers, scientists, and specialists to help solve complex mining challenges and experience groundbreaking projects from idea to delivery, and beyond.

Join GHD.

Who are we looking for?   

The US Mining Team is looking to bring onboard an experienced Technical Director – Tailings to complement our existing Tailings and Mine Waste global services team as well as strengthen and grow our US mining business. This position will lead and/or support technical delivery on existing tailings and mine waste projects globally, while also participating in business development, including identifying new opportunities, promoting GHD’s capabilities and expertise, and leading technical scope/fee development. GHD has a significant profile across North America in tailings and mine waste expertise and our needs in the US are growing.

GHD is seeking a geotechnical, geological, civil, or environmental engineer with deep expertise in tailings and mine waste management, including acting as an Engineer of Record for tailings dams.The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in tailings dam consulting, client service, and have familiarity with U.S. regulatory frameworks and industry standards. 

This position can be based in any of our offices across the West region (Phoenix, AZ; Tucson, AZ; Sacramento, CA; Roseville, CA; Seattle, WA; Irvine, CA; Eureka, CA; Concord, CA; Bay Area, CA, Redding, CA).

As a technical leader in geotechnical, geological, or civil engineering relating to Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) design and construction, you will be responsible for the direction of small, medium and large project teams, working within the wider GHD global tailings community on projects for TSFs. These projects may be across multiple geographies.

You will also have an opportunity to share your knowledge through GHD’s School of Tailings, our highly regarded global online training course. 

The role requires detailed knowledge of CDA, ANCOLD, GISTM, ICOLD and other local regulations/guidelines and networking across the industry. You will ideally have a broad range of experience in geotechnical investigation and laboratory testing, planning, design and construction services for tailings dams.

Our Hybrid Work Model: Be part of the dynamic culture!  Our workplace thrives on a hybrid model, combining in-office collaboration and flexibility.  Join us in the office three days a week to contribute, connect and excel in our vibrant environment.

While this opportunity is a full-time role, flexible work options are also available.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical leadership, often in multi-disciplinary teams for planning, field investigations, feasibility studies and detailed design activities
• Lead TSF design including deposition planning, water management, foundations, embankment dam stability, hydraulic analyses, liquefaction analyses, seismic deformation analyses, and groundwater analyses
• Scope and lead geotechnical investigations and laboratory testing programs
• Participate in dam safety inspections and dam safety risk assessments
• Develop client and internal relationships, both nationally and internationally 
• Mentor and train other GHD staff.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Engineering (Civil, Geological, or Geotechnical)
• Minimum of 20 years of experience in geotechnical and civil engineering relating to dams and mine waste, ideally in a consulting environment, and relevant postgraduate qualifications are preferred
• Registered Professional Engineer
• Established industry profile through participation in professional and academic associations and scientific publications 
• Detailed knowledge of design of a broad range of dam types, including embankment, tailings and concrete dams
• Ability to grow a team and provide mentoring of junior staff
• Strong knowledge of relevant American and international standards, industry guidelines and current industry practices

As a multicultural organization, we encourage individual achievement and recognize the strength of a diverse workforce. GHD is an equal opportunity employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants without regard to race, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status or veteran status.

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Salary Range: $155,000-$258,000 based on location and experience. 

Benefits: 

• 401K - Employees are eligible to participate on the first day of the month following 3 months of service
• Paid time off – Our PTO benefit is designed to provide eligible employees with a period of rest and relaxation, sick, and personal time throughout the year. PTO starts at 16 days per year and increases with years of service
• Holiday Pay - Holiday pay is provided for eligible employees. GHD observes 9 holidays per year. Holiday pay will be based on the regular set schedule for the employee
• Wellness Benefit- Regular full-term employees are eligible to participate in the wellness reimbursement  program. GHD will reimburse 50% of the cost of the following to maximum of $250.00 reimbursement annually for such items as: Health club membership fees, Home exercise equipment purchases, Bicycles, Race, run & marathon entrance fees, Smoking cessation programs, Weight loss programs (i.e.—Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig), Fitbits and Fitness Tracking devices