Chief Geotechnical Engineer
Date: Feb 27, 2025
Location: Round Mountain, Nevada, USA
Company: Kinross Gold Corporation
Round Mountain is an open-pit mine located in Nevada, one of the best mining jurisdictions in the world. The mine uses conventional open-pit mining methods and processes ore by mill and heap leach. Kinross began operating the mine in 2003, and it has since become a continuous improvement leader in the Company’s portfolio. Round Mountain poured its 15 millionth ounce in 2018. Round Mountain and the nearby Bald Mountain mine make up Kinross’ Nevada operations.
The Round Mountain mine is an important contributor to the Nye County economy and, working with local stakeholders, has helped achieve significant improvements in healthcare and education in the area.
Job Responsibilities
1. Design, create, manage and ensure implementation of all aspects ground control functions, including but not limited to; mine design (in conjunction with mine engineers), risk management functions, monitoring, incident mitigation, hazard management, data collection and investigation.
2. Oversee the development and implementation of geotechnical design criteria and work with planners to create mine designs to support safe and optimal mine operations both on surface and underground.
3. Own the development and implementation of geotechnical risk management verification systems within the Kinross CRM framework and platform.
4. Assist in the geotechnical aspects of scope development, tendering, and award recommendation of various work packages to support the underground “Phase X” project.
5. Create, compile and ensure compliance with the Ground Control Management Plan (GCMP).
6. Work with all stakeholders to ensure best practice ground control performance through all geotechnical functions.
7. Design and maintain all aspects of the ground control QA/QC program both on surface and underground.
8. Manage consultant work to guarantee quality deliverables for operations and study work.
9. Perform scenario analysis and back analysis using geotechnical software.
10. Support geotechnical aspects of other key infrastructure, including but not limited to:
a. The UG development and raisebore program;
b. Surface subsidence impacts and UG mine interaction with the Open Pit
11. Proactively perform site inspections, prepare operational mitigation plans, and manage geotechnical issues.
12. Maintain and update the Ground Control Management.
13. Plan the collection, analysis and interpretation of geotechnical data.
14. Effectively communicate anticipated geotechnical outcomes.
15. Provide comprehensive and timely contributions to the daily, weekly, monthly and annual plans.
16. Coordinate with auditors and consultants to constantly improve the geotechnical practices on site.
17. Coordinate with Geology Team and contractors to implement geotechnical data collection campaigns.
18. Train and mentor junior engineers, geologists and technicians in all aspects of geotechnical engineering.
19. Plan and manage the mine-wide monitoring systems.
20. Compliance with all company policies and procedures including, but not limited to safety, environmental, confidentiality, and code of conduct.
21. Work proactively to ensure continuous improvement in all aspects of geotechnical functions.
22. Punctuality and regular attendance required. Some weekend on-call duties (rotating schedule shared with other team members).
23. Perform other related functions as required by management.
24. Challenge assumptions and foster innovative thinking, to deliver the best outcomes for RMGC and Kinross.
Education and Experience
1. Bachelor’s degree in geological engineering, geotechnical engineering, geology, mining or civil engineering or equivalent is required.
2. 8 – 12 years’ experience in mining operations in relevant functions.
3. Strong background in practical on-site underground and surface operations geotechnical support.
4. Expertise at geotechnical design and rock characterization.
5. Working knowledge of Vulcan or Deswik preferable and Rocscience and Map3D software desirable.
6. Excellent understanding of surface and underground mining operations.
7. Working knowledge and skill with computers utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, database, and presentation software. Deswik software knowledge is advantageous but not required.
8. Strong verbal, written, analytical and persuasive skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management.
9. Ability to work independently and as a member of the Technical Services team.
10. Demonstrates strong administrative, organizational and technical writing skills.
11. Must be presently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
12. Requires valid driver’s license.
Legislative Requirements
Language Requirements
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 core principles of responsible mining, operational excellence, disciplined growth and balance sheet strength. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC).