Tailings Water Engineer

Responsible Tailings and Water Operations Engineer

ASARCO is seeking a Responsible Tailings and Water Operations Engineer (RTWOE) to oversee mine tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and related water management systems at the Ray and Hayden operations. This role is accountable for the integrity of all active, inactive, and closed facilities; while ensuring safety, compliance, and long-term risk management. The position will oversee the design, construction, operation, and monitoring of TSFs and water systems to meet ICMM, GISTM, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 standards. This is a field-intensive role requiring significant on-site presence to support safe operations.

The RTWOE will report to the corporate technical services group with direct communication to the Accountable Executive (AE), ensuring governance, independent risk management, and adherence to ASARCO's tailings policies and commitments. Close working relationships will be maintained with the Engineer-of-Record (EoR), Regional Geotechnical Manager, Tailings Superintendent, and the Corporate Water Management Team.

Key Responsibilities

Tailings and Water Management

• Serve as the Responsible Tailings Facility Engineer for Ray and Hayden operations, ensuring the stability and integrity of TSFs.
• Oversee tailings deposition and water management plans, including strategies for water removal, storage, and reclamation.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure proper hazard identification, mitigation strategies, and safety controls for TSFs and water systems.
• Challenge and review recommendations from the Engineer of Record (EoR) and ensure alignment with GISTM and ICMM governance best practices.
• Develop and maintain Emergency Response Plans and Operations, Maintenance, and Surveillance (OMS) Manuals and ensure site adherence.
• Oversee the monitoring, instrumentation planning, data interpretation, QA/QC procedures for tailings and water management.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure strict compliance with ICMM, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ADEQ BADCT regulations.
• Maintain direct reporting to ASARCO's technical governance group while ensuring close collaboration with site management.
• Coordinate and participate in inspections and meetings by third parties such as Independent Tailings Review Board (ITRB), Engineer-of-Record, State agencies, and water regulatory bodies and provide technical leadership and ensuring third-party recommendations are implemented.
• Oversee crisis response planning and emergency preparedness for tailings and water-related risks.
• Track and report Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to both tailings and water management. Collaborate with the Tailings Superintendents and the corporate Water Management Team to develop and implement action plans for resolving issues.

Technical Oversight and Review

• Provide technical review and oversight on TSF and water system projects conducted internally or by external consultants and contractors.
• Ensure long-term risk management strategies are in place, extending beyond day-to-day operations to include climate change resilience and closure planning.
• Use advanced water modeling tools to analyze current and future water storage conditions, optimizing TSF performance.

Training and Capacity Building

• Develop and implement structured training programs for TSF operators and engineers, ensuring alignment with GISTM training requirements.
• Contribute to succession planning by mentoring junior engineers and ensuring long-term technical capability in tailings and water management.
• Maintain a strong presence in industry forums and internal workshops, continuously improving best practices.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum of five years of experience in tailings and/or water management engineering in a mining environment.
• Technical expertise in TSF stability analysis, soil/rock mechanics, hydrology, and geotechnical engineering.
• Strong leadership and governance understanding, with experience in regulatory compliance and third-party audits.

Computer Software Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• AutoCAD Civil3D
• Water modeling software (e.g., GoldSim, HEC-RAS) preferred
• Minebridge Muk3D preferred

Education & Certifications

• B.S. Degree in Mining, Civil, Geotechnical, or Environmental Engineering (or a related field).
• EIT required, with PE certification, to be obtained within a 5 year period.