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Rockfall Mitigation Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Senior Engineer, Geotechnical

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Review slope conformance and recommend rockfall mitigation strategies and controls. * Present geotechnical designs, monitoring information, and risk assessments to stakeholders, senior leaders, and ...

Rockfall Mitigation information

See Utah salary details

$14

$21

$30

How much do rockfall mitigation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for rockfall mitigation in Utah is $21.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $24.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are common challenges in rockfall mitigation?

Professionals in Rockfall Mitigation often encounter challenging terrain, unpredictable weather conditions, and the need to operate specialized equipment in remote or steep locations. The role requires careful assessment of geological risks and the ability to implement effective safety measures for both the crew and surrounding infrastructure. Collaboration with engineers, construction teams, and government agencies is common, as projects often require multidisciplinary input. Successfully navigating these challenges requires adaptability, technical savvy, and a commitment to maintaining high safety standards at all times.

What skills and qualifications are needed for rockfall mitigation?

To thrive in Rockfall Mitigation, you need expertise in geology or civil engineering, a solid understanding of slope stability, and experience with hazard assessments and mitigation design. Proficiency with geotechnical analysis software, safety certifications (such as OSHA), and familiarity with rockfall protection systems are essential. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work in challenging outdoor environments set top candidates apart. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and successful management of rockfall hazards, protecting infrastructure and lives.

What is rockfall mitigation?

A Rockfall Mitigation job involves assessing, preventing, and controlling rockfalls to protect infrastructure, roads, and populated areas. Professionals in this field use techniques such as rock scaling, installation of barriers or netting, and slope stabilization to reduce hazards. The work often requires physical labor, specialized equipment, and knowledge of geology and engineering principles. Rockfall mitigation is essential for maintaining safety in mountainous or high-risk areas prone to falling rocks.

Infographic showing various Rockfall Mitigation job openings in Utah as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,992 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Senior Engineer, Geotechnical

SF Demo - Rio Tinto

Salt Lake City, UT

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

  • Lead geotechnical engineering for one of the world's largest open pit mining operations, helping manage safety-critical slope performance and geohazard controls.
  • Grow your leadership capability by mentoring engineers, influencing technical decisions, and partnering with operational leaders across the mine.
  • Enjoy arosteredMonday to Friday schedule with a mix of office and field-based work near Salt Lake City, Utah.
At Rio Tinto, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone feels safe, respected, and able to succeed. We actively encourage applications from women and from people with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We know that great technical capability comes in many forms, andwe'refocused on building teams that reflect the communities weoperatein and support each other to do their best work.
We'reFinding Better Ways to provide the materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values - care,courageand curiosity - guide how we work and how we treat each other.
About the role
We are looking for a Senior Engineer,Geotechnicalto lead the Operational Geotechnicalengineeringteam supporting theKennecott CopperMine. Reporting to the Principal Advisor, Geotechnical, on a Monday to Friday (5/2 or 5/2/4/3) roster and working collaboratively with operational and functional teams, you willbe responsible for:
  • Lead and develop a team of geotechnical engineers, supporting technical excellence and safe operational outcomes.
  • Provide recommendations on open pit slope design, implementation of mine plans, and geohazard controls.
  • Monitorslope performance, interpret movement data, and support risk-based decision making in partnership with the Geotechnical Monitoring Center.
  • Develop and implement Geotechnical Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs).
  • Review slope conformance and recommend rockfall mitigation strategies and controls.
  • Present geotechnical designs,monitoringinformation, and risk assessments to stakeholders, senior leaders, and external reviewers.
  • Collaborate with operations, planning, engineering teams, and external vendors to support mine performance and safety.
  • Analysemonitoring and geotechnical data toidentifytrends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
About you
  • A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team.
  • Bachelor's degree in Mining, Geological, Geotechnical, Civil Engineering, or Geology and/or
  • Technical experience in open pit mining environments.
  • Experience using ground-based radar systems and monitoring data software applicable to open pit mining.
  • Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively across technical and operational teams.
  • Proficiencywith geotechnical software such asRocscienceSuite (Rocfall, Slide 2D/3D, RS2/3, and Dips).
  • Experience usingMinesight,PointStudio, and/or Leapfrog.
  • Valid U.S. driver's license and ability to drive in open pit environments.
Itwill also be beneficialif you have:
  • Experience in slope stability assessment and open pit slope design.
  • Master's degree in a related field
  • Experience managing interactions between underground voids and open pit mining activities.
  • Familiarity with avalanche hazard assessment and management.
  • Ability to evaluate slope movementbehaviourand estimate rockfall runout potential.
  • Knowledge of blast vibration analysis, wall control techniques, subsurface slope movement detection technologies, and GIS or ArcGIS field mapping.
What we offer
  • A work environment where safety is always the number one priority.
  • Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus.
  • 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.
  • Attractive share ownership plan.
  • Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
  • A generous parental leave policy, which ensuresyou'reable to spend quality time with your new family.
  • Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing.
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get throughlife'schallenges.
Whereyou'llbe working
Our Kennecott mine is a world-class, fully integrated copper mining operation, including a concentrator, smelter, and refinery,locatedjust outside Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903 and is one of the top producing mines in the world,comprisingapproximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.


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.