Coal Laboratory Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The role - what you'll do
Barr is seeking a senior-level geochemist to join our growing geochemical practice across the midwest and western United States and western Canada. This role can be based in any of our current offices on a part-time or full-time basis. In this role, you will lead and support projects involving tailings and mine waste, coal combustion residuals (CCR), legacy contamination, and other complex, multi-media environments. This role combines advanced geochemical modeling and material characterization expertise with project leadership and client engagement.
You will provide technical direction on conceptual site models and assessment of geochemical systems, oversee data collection and analysis, lead predictive modeling efforts, and contribute to strategic decision-making related to acid rock drainage, metal leaching, mineral solubility, and water quality. In addition to technical leadership, this position includes mentoring staff, collaborating with clients and regulators, and supporting the continued growth of Barr's geochemical practice.
This role also includes a strong client service and business development component, including relationship development, proposal support, and identifying new project opportunities.
This role offers the opportunity to shape the direction of Barr's geochemical services and contribute to high-visibility projects across North America.
The ideal candidate for this position is a strategic and collaborative consultant who combines deep technical expertise with strong leadership and client presence. They communicate complex geochemical concepts and modeling results clearly and confidently to clients, regulators, and multidisciplinary teams. They demonstrate sound professional judgment, provide high-level technical review, and mentor developing staff to strengthen team capability. Organized and proactive, they effectively manage scopes, schedules, and budgets while maintaining technical excellence. This individual is relationship-driven and business-minded, with the ability to build trust, identify opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to proposals and service growth. They are energized by advancing the practice through knowledge sharing, innovation, and creative problem solving. Above all, they value collaboration, integrity, and delivering practical solutions to complex environmental challenges.
Your impact - key responsibilities

• Technical knowledge: apply advanced geochemical expertise to lead investigations and prediction of future conditions involving mine waste, tailings, pit lakes, coal combustion residuals (CCR), and legacy contamination. Develop and interpret thermodynamic equilibrium and kinetic-controlled reaction models using PHREEQC; collaborate with hydrology and hydrogeologic models to simulate reactive transport; design and oversee material characterization and field and laboratory testing programs; and evaluate acid rock drainage, metal leaching, mineral solubility, and water chemistry to support predictive and defensible decision-making.
• Project management: develop discipline-specific scopes of work, schedules, and budgets, and provide oversight of geochemical work packages within multidisciplinary projects. Help ensure technical quality, risk management, and alignment with project objectives while supporting overall project execution and client expectations.
• Problem solving: evaluate complex geochemical systems, data sets, and regulatory frameworks to develop practical, science-based solutions. Integrate modeling results, field data, and uncertainty analysis to guide strategy development and long-term site management decisions.
• Communication: prepare clear, defensible technical documentation and effectively communicate complex findings and uncertainties to clients, regulators, and project stakeholders. Represent the geochemistry discipline in meetings, technical discussions, and professional forums.
• Interpersonal savvy: collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to align geochemical strategy with broader project goals. Build strong, trust-based relationships with clients and regulatory agencies while fostering a culture of mentorship, accountability, and technical excellence within the team.
• Leadership and practice development: provide senior technical review and guidance, mentor developing staff, and contribute to advancing the geochemical practice through knowledge sharing, innovation, and service development.
• Business development: support growth of the geochemical practice by strengthening client relationships, contributing to proposals and presentations, identifying new opportunities, and helping position Barr as a leader in applied environmental geochemistry.

About the opportunity

• Hybrid: a hybrid work arrangement may be considered for this position. A hybrid work arrangement refers to splitting time worked between a Barr office and a home office. This position can be based out of Barr's Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids, Michigan; Duluth, Hibbing, or Minneapolis, Minnesota; Reno, Nevada; Denver, Colorado; or Salt Lake City, Utah, offices.
• Travel expectation: willingness to travel and periodically adjust personal schedule to meet project needs.

About you - required core competencies

• Education: master's degree in geochemistry or a closely related discipline.
• Experience: 10 or more years of practical experience in environmental or applied geochemistry.
• Strong knowledge of low-temperature aqueous geochemical systems, environmental geochemistry, mineral weathering processes, and equilibrium and kinetically controlled reactions.
• Demonstrated experience developing, calibrating, and interpreting thermodynamic equilibrium geochemical models (e.g., PHREEQC, Geochemist's Workbench) and integrating modeling results into hydrogeologic or mass balance evaluations with codes such as MIN3P and PHT-USG.
• Experience designing and implementing field and laboratory programs for mineralogical characterization and prediction of acid rock drainage and metal leaching.
• Familiarity with mine waste management practices, mineral processing, and applicable mine and environmental regulations.
• Driver's license: possession of a current, valid driver's license and acceptable driving record.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Helpful additional experience (not required)

• PhD in geochemistry or related discipline.
• Education in both geology and chemistry.
• 5 or more years of consulting experience.
• Experience in geostatistical analysis, block modeling, and economic geology.
• Network of clients in the mining, power, or related industry.
• PG or PE licensure or ability to obtain licensure within one year.
• Knowledge and specific experience working on diverse mineral deposit types including copper/nickel, gold/silver, other precious metals, lead/zinc, uranium, lithium, rare earth elements, coal, and evaporites.
• Knowledge and specific experience in mine pit lake models.
• Experience relevant to the subject matter of mineral project and NI43-101 and S-K 1300 technical reports.
• Active participation and leadership in professional geochemistry societies and/or technical working groups.

Compensation: anticipated range of $100,000-$150,000 annually. Compensation will vary based on relevant experience, education, skill level, and other compensable factors. Employees in this position may also be eligible for a discretionary cash bonus based on team and individual performance. This position is classified as exempt (salaried) under the Fair Labor Standards Act
#LI-Hybrid
Benefits - what we offer
We are committed to providing an employee experience that attracts and retains top talent. That's why we offer a competitive package of employee benefits - including some unique offerings not found at other companies. At Barr, we also believe that learning doesn't stop when you get your degree, which is why we provide coaching, mentoring, and support for ongoing educational opportunities to foster professional development at every stage of your career.

• Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
• Retirement benefits: 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
• Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
• Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
• Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
• Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

Please note that benefits eligibility is determined and may change based on part-time, reduced-time, or full-time status.
About us - why choose Barr
At Barr, you'll join a community of engineers, scientists, and professionals who will help you achieve your ambitions and build a meaningful, rewarding career. You'll serve as a trusted advisor to clients who value Barr's tailored solutions and commitment to exceptional service.
As part of our employee-owned firm, you'll contribute to a culture of commitment and camaraderie where staff can thrive as professionals. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and believe an inclusive workplace is critical to our success.
To learn more about Barr's culture and values, visit: https://www.barr.com/Careers/Our-culture
Open positions at Barr Engineering Co. do not have application deadlines. Barr Engineering Co. is an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.