Senior Geologist
Rio TintoJobsCloseBy Editorial Insights
Rio Tinto is seeking a Senior Geologist to shape the Winu Copper Project by delivering critical resource geology outcomes in the Paterson region of Western Australia. The role offers hands-on field leadership, exposure to integrated resource development, and multi-disciplinary programmes as Winu advances toward mining. FIFO from Perth on an 8 days on, 6 days off roster, with a fixed-term contract through to the end of 2027. You will design and lead drilling and evaluation programmes, manage contractors, QAQC data, and contribute to ArcGIS, Acquire and 3D geological modelling while mentoring others and collaborating with internal teams and external stakeholders. To apply, tailor your CV to demonstrate safety leadership, experience in resource geology and exploration drilling, Australian working rights, and proficiency in GIS and modelling; present concrete examples of stakeholder engagement and fast-paced delivery, and apply via Rio Tinto's careers portal with a tailored cover note addressing how you align with Winu and Rio Tinto values.
Help shape the future of the Winu Copper Project by delivering critical resource geology outcomes that support the evaluation and development of a world-class copper deposit
Gain exposure to integrated resource development, multi-disciplinary technical programmes, contractor leadership and project development as Winu advances towards mining
FIFO from Perth on 8 days on, 6 days off roster, and a fixed-term opportunity through to the end of 2027
We’re Finding Better Ways™ to provide materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values – care, courage and curiosity – guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About the role
We are looking for a Senior Geologist to help the Winu Resource Development team deliver technical and operational outcomes that support the evaluation and development of the Winu Copper Project in the Paterson region of Western Australia. In this role, you will contribute to resource development, exploration assessment and orebody understanding while working with internal operational and technical teams, service providers and external stakeholders.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys hands-on field leadership, working in a fast-moving environment and influencing the development of a major copper project as it progresses towards mining.
What you’ll be doing
Reporting to the Superintendent Resource Geology and working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment within the Winu Resource Development team, you will:
Assist in the design and execution of multi-disciplinary drilling, exploration and evaluation programmes that support resource and reserve risk management
Lead safe and effective field activities, ensuring compliance with geological, environmental, hydrogeological, geotechnical and metallurgical programme requirements
Oversee the collection, quality assurance and interpretation of geological and downhole geophysical data to support orebody knowledge and geological models
Manage exploration and drilling contractors through regular performance reviews, feedback and strong working relationships
Support geological interpretation through ArcGIS, Acquire and 3D geological modelling workflows
Contribute to exploration programme planning, scheduling, budget reconciliation, forecasting and accrual activities
Develop, coach and mentor geologists while promoting teamwork, communication and Rio Tinto values
Provide technical support to the Superintendent Resource Geology, including reporting responsibilities and step-up leadership opportunities
About you
We’re looking for someone whose experience aligns with the key requirements below. You do not need to meet every “helpful for success” item to apply; if you bring relevant experience and are excited by the opportunity, we encourage you to submit an application.
Required for Success
A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
Demonstrated ability to lead field-based exploration and resource development programmes, manage contractors, apply QAQC processes and build effective stakeholder relationships
Demonstrated experience in resource geology, exploration drilling and evaluation programmes within mining or large-scale resource environment
Experience with sediment-hosted copper systems and knowledge of Paterson regional geology is highly desirable
Bachelor of Science in Geology, Geoscience or a related discipline, with full Australian working rights
Hands-on experience using ArcGIS and Acquire, with capability in GIS mapping, geological databases and 3D geological modelling software
Proven ability to mentor and develop others while working effectively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment
Helpful for Success
Experience supporting project development or resource definition programmes progressing from exploration through to mining studies
Planning and scheduling experience across multiple concurrent exploration work programmes
What we offer
Be recognised for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress.
A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
A permanent position working directly for Rio Tinto
A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with annual incentive program
Comprehensive medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family
Attractive share ownership plan
Company provided insurance cover
Extensive salary sacrifice & salary packaging options
Career development & education assistance to further your technical or leadership ambitions
Ongoing access to family-friendly health and medical wellbeing support
Leave for all of life’s reasons (vacation/annual, paid parental, sick & cultural leave)
Exclusive employee discounts (banking, accommodation, cars, retail and more)
Where you’ll be working
Winu is a 100% Rio Tinto owned copper-gold mineralisation project in the Yeneena Basin of the Paterson Province in Western Australia. The project is located approximately 130 km north of the Telfer mine and 350 km southeast of Port Hedland. Teams at Winu are taking an agile approach to greenfield project development and being innovative in the way we bring a mine from exploration to production.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
At Rio Tinto, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, women, the LGBTQ+ community, mature workers, people with disabilities and people from different cultural backgrounds.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel comfortable to be themselves. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard, all cultures respected and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. We treat each other fairly and with dignity regardless of race, gender, nationality, ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation or anything else that makes us different.