Principal Hydrogeologist

Who We Are

Kinross is a Canadian-based global senior gold mining company with operations and projects in the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile and Canada. Our focus on delivering value is based on our four core values of Putting People First, Outstanding Corporate Citizenship, High Performance Culture, and Rigorous Financial Discipline. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC).

Mining responsibly is a priority for Kinross, and we foster a culture that makes responsible mining and operational success inseparable. In 2021, Kinross committed to a greenhouse gas reduction action plan as part of its Climate Change strategy, reached approximately 1 million beneficiaries through its community programs, and recycled 80% of the water used at our sites. We also achieved record high levels of local employment, with 99% of total workforce from within host countries, and advanced inclusion and diversity targets, including instituting a Global Inclusion and Diversity Leadership Council.

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Purpose of Role

The Principal Hydrogeologist provides technical expertise, leadership, and a strong focus on sustainable water management within mining projects and operations. The Principal Hydrogeologist will focus on assessing and managing groundwater for environmental stewardship and operational efficiency. This involves responsibilities related to seepage control, environmental impact assessment, mine dewatering, and geotechnical design. The Principal Hydrogeologist advises site and corporate management on challenges related to physical hydrogeology, groundwater geochemistry, and interactions with related areas, including surface water hydrology, geotechnical stability of open pit mines, underground mines, heap leach pads, and tailings facilities. Additionally, the role requires contributions to mine closure planning, permitting, remediation, and compliance monitoring, as required.

Job Description

Reports to the Director, Environment but with a dotted line reporting relationship to the Director, Geotechnical. The division of work will vary but is expected to be approximately half in support of environmental stewardship and half in support of mine operations and geotechnical engineering. 

The Principal Hydrogeologist will:

• Provide independent support and guidance to sites and corporate project teams on hydrogeological studies and projects, including both desktop studies and field investigation programs.
• Direct consultants and contractors to ensure the production of technically sound work products that align with Kinross’ business objectives.
• Prepare Terms of Reference and performance evaluation criteria for hydrogeological consultants.
• Support sites and projects during consultant selection processes.
• Assist sites in defining project scopes and review documents related to work conducted by hydrogeological consultants.
• Participate in site visits, inspections, reviews, and audits related to groundwater.
• Support sites in reviewing and analyzing hydrogeological issues, including characterization of groundwater flow and hydraulic properties of soil and rock; analysis of trends in chemical constituents of groundwater, and groundwater modeling work where applicable.
• Assist sites in developing and implementing action plans related to groundwater management.
• Support site water management by contributing to the development and maintenance of water balance models.
• Participate in environmental hydrogeology through assessment of potential contaminant transport; evaluation of seepage; analysis of geochemistry, and robust impact assessment related to groundwater extraction and drawdown.
• Assist geotechnical hydrogeology through analysis of open pit slope stability and underground excavations and troubleshooting dewatering and depressurization issues in both open pit and underground mines.
• Support groundwater assessments in relation to dam and tailings facility stability, and in tailings basin integrity for seepage mitigation.
• Enhance, as needed, the Kinross environmental management program based on groundwater best management practices and industry standards.
• Participate in due diligence reviews with groundwater related scope, as needed.
   

Scope of Responsibility

Works under the direction of the Director, Environmental and the Director, Geotechnical. Work is highly complex and requires hydrogeological and mining industry expertise.  Work is performed with general authority and results are commonly achieved through other managers and professionals. Work significantly impacts the results of the Company. International travel for site visit is essential.

Education and Experience

• A degree directly related to hydrogeology (typically in Geology, Civil, Geotechnical, or Geological Engineering) is required.
• A master’s degree in hydrogeology is preferred.
• Registered as a P.Geo. or P.Eng. (or eligible to do so within one year of starting in the position).
• 12 or more years of hydrogeology experience, with at least 6 years in mining.
• Experience in site investigation, analysis, groundwater modeling, and interfaces with engineering design and construction oversight.
• Familiarity with both environmental and geotechnical applications of hydrogeology. While specialization in one area is acceptable, overall well-rounded experience in hydrogeology, particularly with mining applications, is essential.
• Proficiency with groundwater modeling software.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work internationally.

Skills

• Ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to interface effectively with senior site and consulting company staff.
• Experience in managing people across diverse functional and technical areas.
• Team player with a strong inclination towards developing cooperative solutions.
• Aptitude to effectively manage multiple tasks and changing priorities, often under pressure and within time constraints.
• Ability to speak Spanish, Portuguese, and/or French is an asset.
• Understanding of Kinross processes is a definite asset.