Principal Geochemist

ITASCA Minneapolis

. Provide senior technical leadership on mining geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, mine water, and environmental projects .

Posted 10/6/2026full-timeDenver • Colorado • United StatesLead💰 $150,000 - $200,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates advanced expertise in geochemistry and hydrogeochemistry, with a strong focus on mining-related projects, environmental management, and client relationship development. Proven ability to lead complex technical projects, mentor staff, and translate geochemical data into actionable recommendations.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Geochemical CharacterizationWater Quality ModelingAcid Rock DrainageClient Relationship DevelopmentPHREEQC

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

GeochemistryHydrogeochemistryEnvironmental EngineeringWater Quality PredictionGeochemical ModelingMine Waste ManagementTailings ManagementClosure PlanningImpact AssessmentMaterial Characterization

Soft Skills

Client-Facing CommunicationMentoringBusiness Development

Tools & Technologies

PHREEQCGeochemist’s WorkbenchMIN3P

Certifications & Qualifications

Professional Registration

Industry Keywords

MiningEnvironmental ConsultingWater ResourcesGeoscienceRegulatory Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

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 connecting 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 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
Travel for client meetings, site visits, conferences, business development, and internal collaboration

Requirements

What you’ll need

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
Established client relationships in mining, environmental, water resources, or related sectors strongly valued
Experience developing and winning consulting work strongly valued
Experience with PHREEQC, Geochemist’s Workbench, MIN3P, and similar geochemical modeling tools strongly valued
Experience with groundwater/surface water quality, mine water management, pit lake chemistry, waste rock, tailings, heap leach facilities, and closure systems strongly valued
Experience integrating geochemistry with hydrogeology, geomechanics, engineering geology, numerical modeling, permitting, and regulatory engagement strongly valued
Professional registration by a recognized organization, or ability to obtain registration where required, strongly valued
Recognition in the geochemistry, mining, mine water, or environmental consulting community strongly valued
Based in the United States
Ability to qualify for applicable employment-based visa sponsorship requirements if needed

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Employee-owned company