Department: Technical Services
Reports To: Manager, Tailings Management
Location: Coeur d'Alene, ID, must be able to travel (domestic and international) to mine sites 25-50%

Position Summary: 

The Senior Tailings Engineer (STE) serves as a technical specialist within the Corporate Tailings Management Team (CTMT), providing engineering expertise, standards implementation, and technical oversight across all Hecla Mining Company operations. This role is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of tailings and waste rock management standards and procedures, conducting technical reviews of designs, evaluating solutions for technical issues, and coordinating with site teams and Engineers of Record to ensure consistent application of best practices and corporate standards.

The Senior Tailings Engineer will have an opportunity to influence and drive technical decisions pertaining to tailings and waste rock management at all of Hecla's operating sites and will gain experience with both filtered and conventional tailings storage techniques. They will also have the opportunity to work with multiple Engineers of Record, giving them the opportunity to learn from a broad range of technical perspectives.

Essential Functions:

• Provide technical expertise in the design, construction, operation, and closure of tailings and waste rock facilities
• Lead development and implementation of tailings and waste rock management standards across operations
• Coordinate with Engineers of Record (EORs) across sites on technical matters and monitoring data review
• Support risk assessments and critical controls programs for tailings facilities
• Stay current with and implement industry best practices in tailings management

Safety, Health and Environmental Responsibilities

Include, but are not limited to:

• Display due diligence in safety, health, and environmental matters and lead by example to ensure successful implementation of Safety & Health and Environmental Management Systems
• Promote open communication and cooperation across all operations
• Ensure that all personnel are informed of safety, health, and environmental issues related to tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and waste rock storage facilities (WRSFs)
• Participate in safety audits and inspections of TSFs and WRSFs, supporting site personnel in achieving desired outcomes
• Assist in the development of emergency preparedness frameworks for TSFs and WRSFs
• Participate in incident investigations related to tailings and waste rock management and ensure compliance with safety, health, and regulatory requirements
• Verify appropriate qualifications for personnel working on tailings facilities and contribute to environmental reporting

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field required; Master's degree preferred
• 10 years of experience with a Bachelor's degree or 8 years with a Master's degree
• Demonstrated proficiency in geotechnical engineering with experience in water resources engineering preferred
• Experience with tailings facility design, construction, and/or operations (filtered tailings experience a plus)
• Professional Engineer (PE) registration preferred but not required

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of tailings facility design principles and geotechnical stability analysis
• Proficiency with AutoCAD and project management software (MS Project or Primavera P6)
• Working knowledge of geotechnical analysis software and instrumentation data interpretation
• Familiarity with risk assessment methodologies and industry guidelines (GISTM, CDA, MAC)
• Demonstrated ability to quickly adopt and implement new technical software, technologies, and methodologies as industry practices evolve

General Competencies

• Strong analytical skills to evaluate technical data combined with the ability to effectively communicate complex engineering concepts to diverse audiences with varying technical backgrounds
• Demonstrated problem-solving capabilities and collaborative work style
• Excellent time management skills and attention to detail
• Ability to build relationships with site personnel, leadership, and external consultants