Principal Geochemist

Principal Geochemist

ITASCA North America U.S.-based

About the role

ITASCA North America is seeking a Principal Geochemist to provide technical leadership grow client relationships mentor staff and strengthen our geochemistry practice across the U.S. and North America.

This role is suited for a senior geochemistry professional with strong technical credibility practical judgment and experience leading complex mining and environmental projects. Mining experience is strongly preferred particularly in water quality modeling; geochemical characterization of mine waste ore and tailings; acid rock drainage; metal leaching; closure; and environmental support across the mine life cycle.

Why this role matters

Geochemistry plays a critical role in how mining projects are planned permitted operated closed and monitored over the long term.

As a Principal Geochemist you will help clients understand how mined materials water geology and environmental conditions interact and what those interactions mean for water quality risk mine planning waste management permitting operations and closure.

You will also help grow ITASCA North Americas integrated consulting practice by building trusted client relationships mentoring staff guiding technical teams and connecting geochemistry with our hydrogeology geomechanics engineering geology and numerical modeling capabilities.

What youll do

• Provide senior technical leadership on mining geochemistry hydrogeochemistry mine water and environmental projects.
• Lead and review work involving geochemical characterization water quality modeling acid rock drainage metal leaching mine waste tailings pit lake modeling seepage closure planning permitting support and impact assessment.
• Guide conceptual geochemical and hydrogeochemical models that connect source materials water-rock interaction transport pathways and potential receptors.
• Design direct and review field and laboratory programs including static and kinetic testing water sampling material characterization and geochemical data collection.
• Translate complex geochemical information into practical recommendations for mine planning environmental management permitting operations and closure.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and senior client contact.
• Develop client relationships identify opportunities and lead proposals scopes budgets schedules and project strategy.
• Mentor technical staff and support high-quality project delivery through review coaching and knowledge sharing.

What you bring

Required

• Advanced degree in geochemistry hydrogeochemistry environmental engineering chemistry or a related field.
• 20 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven technical excellence and sound professional judgment in geochemistry hydrogeochemistry or environmental geoscience.
• Strong experience with mining-related geochemistry including water quality prediction geochemical characterization acid rock drainage metal leaching mine waste tailings and closure.
• Experience leading managing directing and reviewing complex technical projects.
• Strong client-facing communication skills.
• Experience mentoring staff and contributing to business development.

Strongly valued

• Established client relationships in mining environmental water resources or related sectors.
• Experience developing and winning consulting work.
• Experience with PHREEQC Geochemists Workbench MIN3P and similar geochemical modeling tools.
• Experience with groundwater/surface water quality mine water management pit lake chemistry waste rock tailings heap leach facilities and closure systems.
• Experience integrating geochemistry with hydrogeology geomechanics engineering geology numerical modeling permitting and regulatory engagement.
• Professional registration by a recognized organization or ability to obtain registration where required.
• Recognition in the geochemistry mining mine water or environmental consulting community.

Why ITASCA

For more than 45 years ITASCA has helped clients solve complex geomechanics hydrogeology and engineering geology challenges through technical depth practical judgment and innovation.

At ITASCA you will work on challenging projects where standard approaches are often not enough. Our work combines field experience scientific and engineering interpretation advanced analysis and state-of-the-art ITASCA software to help clients make better decisions.

We are a collaborative collegial employee-owned company where technical excellence curiosity mentorship mutual respect and shared success matter. This is a place for senior professionals who want meaningful influence with clients colleagues and the direction of a growing North American consulting practice.

Location and travel

This is a full-time position based in the United States. The preferred location is Denver/Lakewood Colorado but other U.S. locations including hybrid/remote work options may be considered for the right candidate.

Travel will be expected for client meetings site visits conferences business development and internal collaboration.

ITASCA may provide employment-based visa sponsorship (e.g. H-1B O-1) for this role to candidates already in the U.S. subject to business needs candidate qualifications and applicable immigration regulations.

Compensation and benefits

We value your contributions and offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Performance bonuses including cash and company stock
• Health dental and vision benefits for you and your family
• Generous paid time off from day one
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability long-term disability and life insurance

The anticipated salary range is $150000$200000. Final compensation will depend on experience and qualifications.

Take the next step in your career and become a valued member of our employee-owned company. Join us at ITASCA where innovation meets excellence!

ITASCA is an equal opportunity employer a drug-free workplace and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.