Geotechnical Engineer II

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today!

Where You Will Work

In operation since 2007, Safford operations is a zero-discharge facility and one of the most sustainable mines in the United States. The operation’s commitment to utilizing advanced technologies and sustainable practices strongly emphasizes safety and environmental stewardship. Located in southeastern Arizona, close to more than 4 million acres of national forest, employees and their families can connect with the great outdoors while fishing, rafting, hiking and more. Several educational institutions also are nearby, including a Northern Arizona University satellite campus, Eastern Arizona College, and the Gila Institute for Technology.

What You Will Do

- Lead Geotechnical instrumentation monitoring and data collection.

- Lead the operation Geotechnical data inventory effort.

- Lead regular Geotechnical inspections of active and inactive structures.

- Lead construction Quality Control (QC) and Quality Assurance (QA) activities for construction of tailings embankments, ore leach stockpiles, and/or Engineer-of-Record (EOR)’s QA activities as appropriate

- Lead or supervise drilling and Geotechnical instrumentation installation by contractors and EOR.

- Lead the contract management and coordination with the EOR for ore leach pads, tailings storage facilities, storm water ponds, etc. to ensure regular review, tracking of all action items, and to ensure compliance with recommendations of the EOR.

- Communicate accurate, timely and relevant Geotechnical information to operational management team and staff.

- Liaise with the FCX Corporate Tailings and Crushed Leach Stewardship Team by tracking all recommendations, ensuring compliance with those recommendations, and regular reporting.

- Liaise with the FMMC Corporate Tailings and Water Group to develop scopes of work, as required.

- Proactively seek improvements to the safe and Geotechnically stable construction and operation of ore leach pads, tailings storage facilities, storm water ponds, etc.

- Assist with the development, maintenance, and implementations of strategic plans to enhance the operation’s slope stability program.

- Assist with the preparation of annual sustaining capital, operational budget, and capital funding.

- May represent the site on company sponsored steering teams related to Geotechnical efforts.

- Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring To Freeport

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering from an accredited curriculum, with courses in Soil Mechanics and Foundation Engineering and three (3) years of experience in an applicable field of expertise, OR

- Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering or applicable Engineering discipline and two (2) years of experience in an applicable field of expertise.

- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing to a diversely educated audience.

- Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety for yourself and others.

- Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards.

- Knowledge in the principles and practices of Civil, Geologic, Geotechnical, or Hydrologic Engineering or a related field of Science or Engineering

- Knowledge of appropriate software (MS Office, AutoCAD) and Geotechnical analysis.

Preferred Qualifications

- Master’s degree in a related Engineering discipline and three years’ experience

- Certification of Engineer in Training (EIT) and/or equivalent relevant certification or Professional Engineer (PE) Certification

- Experience with metal mining operations, especially with tailings storage facility (dam), water dams and/or crushed leach stockpile design and operations

- Active tailings deposition experience including planning and execution process and/or earth embankment construction monitoring and quality assurance

- Experience with geotechnical or hydrogeological field investigation programs, lab testing, site characterization, monitoring programs, data management, and analysis - particularly for tailings or crushed leach facilities

- Experience reviewing and editing geotechnical engineering reports and documents for a variety of applications

- Experience managing construction projects or contractor work

- Experience with GIS, InSAR and other geospatial tools

- Experience with MS tools, Power BI, and database management

- Excellent organizational skills

- Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards

- Superior interpersonal as well as written and oral communication skills with diverse teams of technical and non-technical staff

What We Offer You

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $93,000-$127,500. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. .

- Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits

- Company-paid life and disability insurance

- 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match

- Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave

- Tuition assistance

- Employee Assistance Program

- Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle

- Internal progression opportunities

What We Require

- Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.

- Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.

- Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.

Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com .