Principal Geotechnical and Tailings Engineer

Located approximately 26 miles from the City of Fairbanks, Fort Knox is a centre of excellence for the Company as one of the few cold weather heap leach facilities in the world. Fort Knox celebrated its 25-year anniversary in 2021, and has produced over 8.5 million ounces since it began operation. In 2020, Kinross acquired Manh Choh – a project expected to commence production in 2024 and process ore at Fort Knox.

Fort Knox prioritizes being a strong contributor to the State and local communities, and since 2001, has helped support more than 300 community partners and has contributed more than US$25 million to the Alaska Mental Health Trust.

Job Summary

Responsible for providing geotechnical and tailings engineering support to the department to ensure that the mine functions effectively and safely with minimal impacts to the business.  Implement and improve tailings management and site geotechnical programs to meet or exceed industry standards.  Responsible for a wide range of functions ranging from very simple to very complex, including, but not limited to: deposition planning, water inventory tracking, management of consultants/budgets, reviewing technical reports, coordinating facility inspections, quarterly reporting, development of Trigger Action Response Plans (TARPs). 

To be familiar with and understand the principles of the environment policy and also to maintain and support procedures and work practices aimed at preventing accidents or injuries.

Essential Functions

• Implementation of the tailings management system for both the Valley Fill and Pit Bottom Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs).  Including deposition and water management planning. 
• Work in conjunction with the Ore Processing, Water Treatment, and Mine Engineering teams to develop action plans to execute the deposition plan and resolve plan variances. 
• Liaise with the Engineer of Record (EOR) on all projects and review technical documentation from EOR and other consultants. 
• Plan, budget, and manage site investigation programs to support studies for new and/or expanded tailings and heap leach facilities. 
• Project management duties, including, but not limited to: contract review, bid award, cost estimation, schedule tracking, and reporting. 
• Lead tailings steering committee meetings and present KPIs to foster visibility and accountability between departments and senior leadership. 
• Prepare reports summarizing tailings facility and heap leach facility performance and complete reconciliation tasks to ensure continuity of assumptions used in planning. 
• Plan, manage, and interpret data from the installation of geotechnical monitoring systems. 
• Verify that data collection and management procedures are being appropriately applied. 
• Review performance and make recommendations for operational changes to ensure the Valley Fill seepage collection system is effective. 
• Ensure that all reporting requirements and licensing conditions by regulatory bodies are met. 
• Lead and/or participate in facility inspections. 
• Keep current on new developments in the tailings and mine waste management fields that might improve operational performance. 
• Text Box 1271544483, TextboxSupervise and train other department personnel to perform duties listed above. 
• Fill in for Chief Geotechnical Engineer as needed. 
• Maintain accurate records and files. 
• Consistent exercise of discretion and judgment in job performance. 
• Punctuality and regular attendance is required. 
• Meet or exceed established performance expectations set by management. 
• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the state. 
• Perform other duties as required. 

Qualifications and Skill Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in either Civil, Mining, Geological Engineering, or related field is required. 
• Candidates should have 7 to 12 years of industry experience working or consulting on the management and operations of tailings storage facilities.  Experience also working with heap leach facilities and large scale open-pit metal mines is preferred. 
• Must have current working knowledge of all applicable regulations: Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM), ICMM, MAC, CDA, etc.  Experience with Alaska Department of Natural Resources Dam Safety (ADNR-DS) preferred. 
• Practical experience with advanced geotechnical monitoring instruments and techniques 
• Experience with related engineering software (AutoCAD/Civil 3D, ArcGIS, GoldSim, MineSight, Pipeflow etc.) is preferred. 
• Strong verbal, written, analytical and persuasive skills and the ability to interact effectively with all levels of employees and management. 
• Must have a thorough working knowledge and skill using a P.C. utilizing word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation programs. 
• Must be a self-starter with the ability to work with others in a team environment. 
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving skills. 
• Strong administrative and organizational skills desired. 
• Ability to function within the qualifications outlined in the attached physical demands sheets. 

Health, Safety and Environmental Requirements

• Adheres to all safety and environmental considerations. 
• Have a strong commitment to safe working practices.  
• Wears Personal Protective Equipment at all times while in the production environment.  
• Is alert and observes, corrects, and reports unsafe conditions.  
• Follows operating procedures and complies with all regulatory requirements.

Kinross is a Canadian-based global senior gold mining company with operations and projects in the United States, Brazil, Mauritania, Chile, and Canada. Our focus on delivering value is based on our core principles of responsible mining, operational excellence, disciplined growth and balance sheet strength. Kinross maintains listings on the Toronto Stock Exchange (symbol:K) and the New York Stock Exchange (symbol:KGC).