Geologist Jobs in Arizona

INTRODUCTION

Excellent opportunity to build deep underground geology experience on one of the most significant copper deposits in North America. Hands-on exposure across the full resource evaluation workflow, from drilling and logging through modeling and interpretation. Long-term career opportunity on a major underground project near Superior, Arizona, backed by a global mining leader.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Geologist, you are part of the team building the foundation of orebody knowledge that underpins all future mining decisions. You will work across surface and underground environments, collecting, validating, and interpreting high quality data in collaboration with drilling, core handling, and modeling teams. This is a rare opportunity to develop well rounded technical capability within a large, complex underground deposit. We are currently hiring two Geologists to support this growing work.

You will be guided and supported by the Resource Evaluation leadership team and work closely with core handling, drilling operations, geotechnical, modeling, and contractor teams. You will be part of a collaborative technical environment where data quality, safety, and learning are shared responsibilities as you carry out the work below.

• Always work safely and actively promote a strong safety culture during field, drilling, and underground activities
• Collect and manage high-quality geologic, geotechnical, and drilling data, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and timely delivery
• Oversee daily core handling activities including logging, photography, scanning preparation, and QA/QC processes
• Support and supervise drilling operations, collaborating with teams to ensure safe and efficient execution
• Interpret core, geophysical data, and scanning outputs to support geologic understanding and model updates
• Conduct underground mapping, sampling, and scanning activities, and communicate findings through reports, databases, and technical updates

ABOUT YOU

• A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Earth Science, Geologic Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with diverse backgrounds
• Proficient in digital tools (e.g., Excel, Word) and geoscientific databases such as acQuire
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic project environment
• Willingness to work in underground environments, including rotating or night shifts as required
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet site access requirements

ASSET

• Experience in exploration or mining geology, including drilling programs and field activity coordination
• Knowledge of geotechnical or geomechanical applications in underground mining and porphyry copper systems
• Experience supporting data analysis and management using tools such as SQL, Python, or similar
• Familiarity with geoscientific databases and 3D modeling software (e.g., Deswik, Leapfrog, Vulcan)

Even if your profile does not fully meet all qualifications, we encourage you to apply; transferable skills and the right attitude are highly valued.

WHAT WE OFFER

We are committed to providing our employees with a generous benefits package. Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking, your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress, we provide:

• A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
• Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees
• Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits
• Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
• Generous Rio Tinto employee share program, which allows you to purchase Rio Tinto Company shares
• Comprehensive leave policies which cover all moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
• A favorable child-caregiver leave program (Up to 100% salary top-up)
• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
• Ongoing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family; to help in addressing educational opportunities, addiction treatment, depression, stress, domestic issues, financial management, and legal concerns
• Our team and industry experts are here to support and work with you to explore your learning potential and career goals

WHERE YOU WILL BE WORKING

You will be joining Resolution Copper at a pivotal moment in the project’s history. With the Resolution Copper Land Exchange now complete, the project is advancing its next phase of technical work, community engagement, and state permitting activities.

Resolution Copper has the potential to supply nearly 25% of total U.S. copper demand and generate several thousand direct and indirect jobs in the Pioneer Mining District of Arizona, delivering an economic value of several billion dollars over the life of the mine. The project will rely on block caving, a proven underground mining method that uses gravity to extract ore from a deposit located more than 2,000 meters below the surface. This technique is the most viable way to safely and efficiently recover the resource.

As development continues, Resolution Copper will expand its underground operations, conduct extensive drilling and orebody characterization, and maintain both the permitting process and ongoing public engagement with Native American tribes, local communities, and stakeholders.

The Resolution Copper project is vital to securing America’s energy future, infrastructure needs, and national defense by providing a domestic supply of copper and other critical minerals. Once operational, it has the potential to become one of the largest copper mines in the United States, contribute approximately $1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy, and create thousands of local jobs in a region with more than a century-long mining heritage.

ABOUT RIO TINTO

Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.

We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

RESPECT AND INCLUSION

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.