ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Chief Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ASARCO LLC

Chief Geologist

Sahuarita, AZ · On-site

The Chief Geologist leads all mine-site geological activities for a high-tonnage open-pit, Cu-porphyry-skarn, processing sulfide ore by flotation. Emphasis is on short-range grade control and ore ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Chief Geologist

Elko, NV · On-site

Job Summary The Chief Geologist is responsible for providing leadership in Geology to technical service group, the mining department and mining contractors to ensure that the mine functions ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Chief Geologist

Elko, NV · On-site

Job Summary The Chief Geologist is responsible for providing leadership in Geology to technical service group, the mining department and mining contractors to ensure that the mine functions ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Chief Geologist

Elko, NV · On-site

Job Summary The Chief Geologist is responsible for providing leadership in Geology to technical service group, the mining department and mining contractors to ensure that the mine functions ...

KGHM, International Ltd

Senior Geologist

Ruth, NV · On-site

Chief Geologist ROTATING SHIFT: No EXEMPTPurpose & Scope of The Position: The Senior Geologist will oversee the detailed geologic mapping of the highwalls in all the active pits. The Senior Geologist ...

KGHM, International Ltd

Senior Geologist

Ruth, NV · On-site

Chief Geologist ROTATING SHIFT: No EXEMPT Purpose & Scope of The Position: The Senior Geologist will oversee the detailed geologic mapping of the highwalls in all the active pits. The Senior ...

McEwen Mining Inc

Geology Technician

Eureka, NV · On-site

... Chief Geologist and geology team in ore control, geological data collection, sampling, quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC), ore accounting, and reconciliation activities. This position ...

KGHM, International Ltd

Geologist

Miami, AZ

Geologist DEPARTMENT:Engineering LOCATION: Carlota Copper Company - Miami AZ POSITION REPORTS TO ... Chief Engineer EXEMPT NONEXEMPT Carlota Copper Company (CCC) is located between Miami and Superior ...

ASARCO LLC

Mine Geologist

Sahuarita, AZ · On-site

Reporting to the Chief Mine Geologist, this position ensures that ore control decisions are informed by field observations and geological data, and that ore routing supports Mine-to-Mill optimization ...

KGHM, International Ltd

Geologist

Miami, AZ · On-site

Geologist DEPARTMENT: Engineering LOCATION: Carlota Copper Company - Miami AZ POSITION REPORTS TO ... Chief Engineer EXEMPT ◼ NONEXEMPT ◻ Carlota Copper Company (CCC) is located between Miami and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsScience JobsGeology JobsGeologist JobsChief Geologist Jobs

Chief Geologist information

See salary details

$36K

$77K

$124.5K

How much do chief geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief geologist in the United States is $77,030.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,000.00 and $93,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief geologist do?

A Chief Geologist leads geological exploration and analysis for mining, oil and gas, or environmental projects. They oversee geological surveys, interpret data, manage teams of geologists, and ensure compliance with regulations. Their role involves assessing resource potential, guiding drilling and extraction processes, and advising on project feasibility. Strong leadership, technical expertise, and knowledge of geoscience principles are essential for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief geologist?

To thrive as a Chief Geologist, you need advanced geological knowledge, extensive field experience, and typically an advanced degree in geology or earth sciences. Familiarity with GIS software, geological modeling tools, and relevant professional certifications (such as PG or CPG) are usually required. Strong leadership, effective communication, and critical decision-making skills are highly valued in this position. These competencies are crucial for guiding teams, managing complex projects, and ensuring accurate and responsible exploration or resource management.

How much does a chief geologist make?

A chief geologist's salary typically ranges from $100,000 to $180,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. They often oversee geological teams, analyze data, and require strong technical skills and industry certifications.
More about Chief Geologist jobs

What states have the most Chief Geologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chief Geologist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Chief Geologist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Geologist jobs are:

Chief Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Geologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,030 per year, or $37 per hour.

Chief Geologist

ASARCO LLC

Sahuarita, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

ASARCO rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 41 rated mining

Job description

The Chief Geologist leads all mine-site geological activities for a high-tonnage open-pit, Cu-porphyry-skarn, processing sulfide ore by flotation. Emphasis is on short-range grade control and ore routing, geometallurgical domaining, resource growth, rigorous data collection/QAQC, and timely geological inputs to mine planning. The role reports to the Technical Services Manager and collaborates closely with the Corporate Technical Team and Corporate Resource Manager. The position operates with minimal supervision, exercises sound professional judgment, and demonstrates visible leadership in safety, environmental stewardship, and cross-functional teamwork with Operations, Planning, Geotechnical, Hydrogeology, and Metallurgy.
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Lead and supervise the Mine Geology and Ore Control teams (geologists, technicians, samplers); ensure contemporary training, competency, and an inclusive, high-performance culture
  • Oversee daily geological mapping, sampling, and logging- capturing lithology, structure, alteration, and mineralization at appropriate scales for ore control and reconciliation.
  • Own short-range ore control: manage blasthole sampling and assay QAQC (CRMs, blanks, duplicates), blast-movement correction, and generation of clean dig polygons and grade control models; differentiate mill (sulfide) vs. blend vs. waste as required.
  • Integrate pit mapping, drilling, and survey data into the Leapfrog Geo 3-D model (with Seequent Central or equivalent) to maintain current, auditable interpretations for dispatch, short-range, and mid/long-range plans.
  • Collaborate with Mine Engineering (Hexagon MinePlan/MineSight) to deliver reliable geological constraints for short-, mid-, and life-of-mine plans; steward density models and dilution/loss assumptions.
  • Lead grade reconciliation (daily/weekly/monthly): ore control vs. plant vs. resource model (tonnage, grade, metal, spatial); diagnose variances and adjust domaining, parameters, or practices accordingly.
  • Coordinate drill programs-infill, metallurgical, condemnation, and exploration-including design, supervision, sampling, chain-of-custody, laboratory interfaces, and full QAQC adherence.
  • Partner with Metallurgy to define geometallurgical domains controlling throughput, recovery, reagent consumption, and concentrate quality and support blending and Mine-to-Mill strategies.
  • Direct field geology and structural mapping (including UAV/LiDAR); provide structural models and rock-type controls to Geotechnical and Hydrogeology for slope design inputs and pore-pressure management.
  • Develop and evaluate resource expansion opportunities; plan and interpret RC/diamond drilling; advance concepts efficiently from target to decision.
  • Maintain a single-source-of-truth geoscience database (e.g., acQuire or equivalent); enforce data governance, coding standards, and version control; automate dashboards and reporting (GIS/Power BI).
  • Ensure all technical records, block models, and geological disclosures are SEC S-K 1300 compliant and aligned with international best practice standards, and contribute to QP-level documentation for Technical Reports.
  • Provide timely geological input to waste characterization, permitting, and environmental management.
  • Manage contractors and budgets (drilling, labs, consultants); track cost, quality, schedule, and HSE performance.
  • Promote a strong safety culture and regulatory compliance; lead field risk assessments, task observations, and continuous improvement.
  • Prepare technical memos, presentations, and training materials; clearly translate geologic complexity into actionable guidance for operations.
  • Other duties as assigned that advance orebody knowledge, safe production, and value generation.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Geology or Geological Engineering required; M.S. in Economic Geology preferred.
  • Minimum 8 years in open-pit mine geology for copper operations (grade control, modeling, reconciliation); 10+ years and prior team leadership preferred.
  • Deep understanding of porphyry-skarn copper systems, including hypogene/supergene processes, oxide-transition-sulfide behavior, and geometallurgical implications for flotation.
  • Proficiency in Leapfrog Geo and geological modeling best practices; experience integrating mapping and drill data; competency with acQuire, Hexagon MinePlan/MineSight or similar, and ArcGIS/QGIS; familiarity with analytics/visualization.
  • Demonstrated success in QAQC program design and execution, resource classification, and compliance reporting standards.
  • Proven leadership, team development, contractor management, and cross-functional collaboration with Operations, Planning, Metallurgy, Geotechnical, and Hydrogeology.
  • Excellent technical writing and presentation skills; ability to prioritize, manage multiple workstreams, and deliver to deadlines.
  • Valid driver's license; ability to work safely in pit conditions and lead by example in the field.

ASARCO LLC provides equal opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, actual or perceived disability, military status, veteran status, marital status, familial status, or any other characteristic(s) protected by local, state, or federal law(s).

What ASARCO employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply