Principal Hydrogeologist

About the role

Rio Tinto is looking for a Principal Hydrogeologist to lead technical direction, governance and capability development for water resource planning and management across its West Pilbara portfolio. Reporting to the Manager Hydrogeology, you will be part of the Hydrogeology leadership team and a trusted partner to operational, technical and business leaders. The role combines work in the Perth office with close connection to the Pilbara sites and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a technical delivery team for regional hydrogeological and water management planning, setting priorities, accountabilities and performance expectations.
• Align competing priorities so that regional insights shape portfolio and business decisions.
• Build team capability, capacity and succession through coaching, development pathways and effective allocation of work.
• Apply scientific and technical excellence to investigations, assessments, decision-making and risk management.
• Act as accountable technical leader for groundwater risks: set assurance expectations, test work for fitness for purpose, surface issues early and escalate recommendations.
• Govern compliance and assurance against regulatory obligations, environmental commitments and technical standards.
• Translate hydrogeological constraints and insights into mine planning, studies, operations and closure.
• Drive annual water resource and management planning routines and maintain an integrated view of risk, value, capacity and dependencies.
• Build external partnerships to resolve shared water risks and accelerate adoption of improving practices and technologies.

Required profile

• Demonstrated technical expertise in hydrogeology and groundwater management in mining, resources or another large-scale, safety-critical industry.
• Experience leading technical delivery, assurance or governance across a complex portfolio, including groundwater risk and compliance.
• Experience interpreting hydrogeological data, modelling outputs and uncertainty into decision-ready options and recommendations.
• Experience coaching technical professionals and building team capability and succession.
• Ability to build trust and influence with operational, technical, regulatory, joint venture and Traditional Owner stakeholders.

Helpful for success

• Tertiary qualification in hydrogeology, geology, geoscience, environmental science or a related discipline.
• Experience in strategic water planning, integrated portfolio leadership, mine closure, hydrogeological modelling or emerging groundwater technologies.
• Experience managing work plans, budgets or schedules for a technical team or portfolio.

What we offer

• A permanent position with a competitive base salary and annual incentive program.
• Medical benefits including subsidised private health insurance for employees and immediate family, and company-provided insurance cover.
• An attractive share ownership plan and extensive salary sacrifice and packaging options.
• Career development and education assistance, and ongoing wellbeing support.
• Annual, paid parental, personal and cultural leave, plus employee discounts.
• Possible domestic relocation assistance.