Junior Geochemist

INTERA is hiring a Junior Geochemist to support projects within the Mining and Environmental Line of Business. The primary responsibility of this position is to provide support for geochemical characterization projects under the direction of INTERA’s geochemistry project managers, while also working closely with a multidisciplinary team of hydrologists, geologists, environmental scientists, geotechnical engineers, and GIS analysts. Although this is primarily an office-based position, some fieldwork and travel will be required. You will report, either directly or remotely, to the INTERA office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We are looking for a motivated individual who approaches project challenges with curiosity, creativity, and commitment. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Job Description

This position will support geochemical characterization and environmental assessment projects associated with mine development, operations, and closure, as well as groundwater and surface-water quality investigations. Responsibilities will include compiling, organizing, reviewing, and analyzing laboratory and field datasets; conducting data quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC); evaluating water quality and geochemical trends; and preparing clear tables, figures, and summaries for technical deliverables. The position requires a solid understanding of geochemical principles and standard geochemical analytical techniques.

Additional responsibilities may include statistical analysis and visualization of geochemical and water quality data using Excel, R, or similar tools; evaluating monitoring results against applicable criteria; supporting development of conceptual geochemical models and geochemical modeling; and assisting with technical memoranda, work plans, regulatory reports, and client presentations. The role offers opportunities to contribute to a range of mining, groundwater monitoring, environmental compliance, and remediation projects.

About You

We’re looking for a detail-oriented, collaborative problem solver with a strong foundation in geochemistry or chemistry and an interest in applying those skills to real-world mining and environmental challenges. You enjoy working with data, asking thoughtful questions, learning new technical approaches, and following tasks through to completion. You communicate clearly, welcome constructive feedback, and know when to work independently and when to seek guidance.

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in geosciences, geochemistry, chemistry, environmental science, or a closely related field, with coursework in geology for non-geology majors
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and experience with R or comparable data analysis software
• Zero to five years of relevant experience, including academic research, internships, or professional work involving geochemical or environmental data
• Understanding of fundamental geochemical principles and common laboratory analytical methods for rock, soil, sediment, or water
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and a collaborative, proactive approach to problem-solving

Preferred Qualifications

• A master’s degree in geosciences, geochemistry, or a closely related field
• Experience with mine waste geochemistry, acid-base accounting, acid rock drainage, and metal leaching assessments
• Experience with geochemical or water quality laboratory data QA/QC, statistical analysis, trend evaluation, and data visualization
• Familiarity with geochemical modeling software such as PHREEQC or GWB
• Familiarity with environmental data management systems (e.g., Access, EnviroData, EQuIS)
• Programming or scripting skills, particularly in R or Python
• Professional geologist registration or eligibility to pursue registration
• Proficiency in speaking and writing in Spanish

About INTERA & Our Benefits

INTERA is a Top Workplaces USA 2025 award winner!

Founded in 1974, INTERA has grown into an international geosciences and engineering consulting firm that helps clients make informed business decisions, mitigate risk, and drive optimal outcomes in a multitude of industries. Building and sustaining a strong company culture is at the heart of INTERA’s practice of good stewardship. We strive to foster an environment where people love the work that they do and the place that they work because we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. As an employee-owned company, we are committed to investing in our people’s needs for security, health, and well-being with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance that includes a free health plan option for employee-only coverage
• 401(k) plan with employer match and a Student Debt Retirement Savings Program
• Paid parental leave – up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parents
• Group term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term coverage – paid 100% by the company
• Paid holiday, at least 3 weeks of vacation per year, and sick time
• Opportunities for stock ownership
• Performance-based bonuses and award programs for technical paper publication and employee referrals
• Career coaching instead of performance evaluations
• Tuition reimbursement, financial assistance for professional licensure and registration, and one paid membership to a professional society
• Pet insurance, LegalShield, IDShield, and more

These are some of the reasons why many of our employees have spent 10 to 25 years at INTERA. We love what we do, and it shows.