Independent Contractor Geologist Jobs in Tennessee

Rogers Group, Inc., headquartered in Nashville, is a privately held aggregates and asphalt highway construction company operating in 13 states with over 3,500 employees. RGI, established in 1908, has the distinction of being recognized as the largest privately held aggregate producer in the United States. 

Rogers Group is currently seeking a Division Mine Planner to join our Operations Service and Support team based in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. This position plays a critical role in supporting safe, efficient, and sustainable aggregate operations through mine planning, geological evaluation, reserve management, and operational support. This role is ideal for a motivated professional who enjoys balancing office-based planning and analysis with field work at active quarry operations.

The Division Mine Planner will work closely with operations leadership, geology, environmental, land management, and engineering teams to develop short term and long term mine plans that align with production goals, regulatory requirements, and company objectives. This position combines technical expertise, field work, strategic planning, and cross functional collaboration to support the continued growth and success of our operations.

Job Responsibilities:

Mine Planning and Resource Management

• Develop and maintain short term and long term mine plans for aggregate operations.

• Create pit designs, stripping plans, reclamation plans, reserve estimates, and phased mine development schedules.
• Perform reserve analysis, geological interpretation, and resource evaluations to support operational and strategic planning.
• Utilize mine planning and mapping software such as Carlson, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and similar systems.
• Analyze operational data and mine performance metrics to identify opportunities for improved efficiency, reserve recovery, and cost reduction.

• Collaborate with operations leadership to align mine plans with production targets, processing requirements, and site-specific constraints.

Geological and Field Support

• Manage investigative drilling projects including diamond core, auger, and rotary hammer drilling.
• Create and maintain detailed geological core logs and associated documentation.
• Coordinate quality control testing and communication with third party laboratories.
• Collect and maintain geological, survey, and mapping data to support planning and operational decisions.
• Perform field data collection using surveying equipment, GPS systems, drones, and related technology.

• Conduct field visits to active quarry sites to support planning, investigation, and operational needs.

Land, Permitting, and Compliance Support

• Gather, review, and document property boundaries, setbacks, easements, zoning requirements, agreements, and other land use information relevant to mine planning.
• Assist with the preparation of mine plans and documentation required for regulatory agencies and permitting processes.

• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders on mine planning and permitting related projects.

Business and Strategic Support

• Assist with feasibility studies, operational improvement projects, and capital planning initiatives.
• Prepare reports, presentations, maps, and supporting documentation for leadership and operational teams.
• Identify opportunities to improve safety, operational efficiency, reserve utilization, and long term mine development strategies.

• Stay current on industry trends, technologies, and best practices within the aggregate and mining industries.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering, Geology, Geological Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in mine planning, geology, aggregate operations, or a related technical field preferred.
• Experience with aggregate mining operations, drilling programs, reserve modeling, GIS, or QA/QC processes is preferred.

• Professional Geologist (PG), Fundamentals of Geology (FG), or Professional Engineer (PE) certifications are a plus, but not required.

Technical Skills

• Working knowledge of surface mining methods, mine planning principles, and aggregate operations.
• Experience with Carlson, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, GIS software, drone mapping, or similar mine planning and mapping systems preferred but not required.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to interpret geological data, topographic information, and operational performance metrics.

Professional Skills

• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to communicate technical information clearly to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with external partners.

• Uncompromising commitment to safety excellence and ability to complete MSHA safety training.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

• Combination of office-based work and field work at active quarry operations.
• Frequent travel to operating locations within the division, including occasional overnight travel estimated at less than 10%.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and site conditions.

• Ability to safely lift and move geological core boxes and field equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Rogers Group provides extensive benefits, strong compensation, and a safe, drug-free working environment. 

As a Rogers Group employee, you will have access to our competitive company perks, including: 

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance plus Health Savings Account with annual company contribution. 
• Company provided Group Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance. 
• Retirement 401(k) with company contribution and match at one year of service. 
• Company provided Short- and Long-Term Disability. 
• Paid Holiday's including Christmas shutdown between Christmas and New Years Day. 
• Paid vacation available after 180-day probationary period and accrued based on years of service. 
• Annual performance-based merit increases. 

• Career growth/advancement opportunities. 

RGI EEO Statement 

It is the policy of Rogers Group, Inc. to recruit, hire, and promote individuals based on demonstrated merit and qualifications. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation as protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. 

All applications are accepted online at www.rogersgroupinc.com.