Environmental Geochemist (3-6 Month Fixed Term)

About the role

ERM is seeking an Environmental Geochemist on a 3-6 month fixed-term contract to support complex mining, mine closure and environmental projects across Australia and internationally. The role focuses on predictive geochemical modelling, geochemical characterisation, mine water chemistry, acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD) and assessment of mine waste materials. You will work alongside geochemists, hydrogeologists, water specialists and mine closure practitioners to turn modelling outcomes into practical advice for clients.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and apply predictive geochemical models using PHREEQC, Geochemist's Workbench or equivalent software
• Build conceptual models of interactions between water, minerals, mine wastes and geological materials
• Undertake aqueous speciation, mineral saturation, equilibrium and kinetic reaction modelling
• Predict mine water and seepage chemistry for waste rock dumps, tailings, pits and underground workings
• Assess AMD, including acid generation, neutralisation and metal and metalloid mobilisation and attenuation
• Interpret testwork such as acid-base accounting, net acid generation, leaching and humidity cell/column tests
• Calibrate and validate models with laboratory, field and monitoring data, and integrate them with water balance and hydrogeological assessments
• Support geochemical characterisation and sampling strategies for waste rock, tailings, soils, sediments and water
• Evaluate uncertainty and sensitivity, and prepare technical reports, proposals and presentations
• Work with multidisciplinary teams across Australia and internationally, and occasionally travel to sites

Required profile

• Bachelor's or postgraduate degree in Environmental Geochemistry, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Hydrogeology or a related discipline
• Minimum 5+ years of consulting, mining, research or industry experience in environmental or mining geochemistry
• Demonstrated understanding of aqueous geochemistry and water-rock interactions
• Previous environmental consulting or mining industry experience highly regarded

Required skills

• Predictive geochemical modelling, ideally with PHREEQC or Geochemist's Workbench
• Interpreting geochemical characterisation datasets and laboratory testwork
• Knowledge of AMD and the geochemical behaviour of mine wastes
• Advantageous: Python or R, integrating geochemical models with hydrological data, technical writing and communication