Senior Geologist/Geologist

Employee Type: Regular

Job Summary:

The Sawtooth technical team is excited to grow with the addition of a Senior Geologist at the Thacker Pass lithium clay surface mine. This individual will be an integral part of the senior leadership within our growing site-based team as we gear up for the first ore. This individual needs to be flexible and curious about all aspects of the project in order to help the team in a diverse spectrum of projects. There is a great opportunity for the successful candidate to grow with the role and with the mine as the site transitions from greenfield to operating mine.

The role will focus on planning and leading ore control drilling, as well as collecting, analyzing and interpreting the drilling results for integration into the short-range geological, structural and assay block models. The role will also focus on Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) and lead the ore control workflow and reconciliation tracking.

While this role will focus mainly on ore control at the Thacker Pass mine site, it will also collaborate with our crews, environmental teams, and other technical teams as the project continues to develop to an operating mine.

Job Description:

Essential Duties: 

• Interpret geologic data and provide geologic structure and assay information and assessments.
• Monitor state and federal drilling permit requirements and protection of reserves.
• Supervise contractors during geologic drilling and other related projects.
• Collect and analyze geotechnical data.
• Maintain geologic files, QA/QC data, databases and samples.
• Complete special technical studies as assigned.
• Update and maintain the short-range geological, structural and block models for use in short-range mine planning and assist in preparation of mine plans.
• Lead ore control efforts to ensure that ore is being mined efficiently and reconciliation is tracked correctly.
• Perform job duties in accordance with MSHA law and regulations, state and federal regulations, established company policies and procedures, and employment law regulations.

Other Duties:

• Assist with other teams on various mining-related projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Some travel will be required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledgeable in sedimentary and lithium geology, geochemistry and hydrology.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, Geobank Database software, and Maptek’s Vulcan block modeling software.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills are required.
• Strong technical writing and presentation skills are required.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and work in a team environment.
• Strong critical thinking skills are required.
• Candidate should be based in or willing to move to Winnemucca, Nevada.

Education, Training and Experience:

At a minimum, a bachelor’s degree in geology with 10-15 years of experience in exploration drilling, geological block modeling and ore control at a surface mining operation. Preference given to those with a master’s degree in geology, professional geologist designation, and those currently qualified as a Qualified Person under the SEC’s SK-1300 and Canadian 43-101 regulations.

EEO Statement:

EEO/M/F/disability/veteran

You must meet at least the specific minimum requirements listed above to be considered a qualified applicant.