Lead Mine Reclamation Soil Scientist

Role Description

WSP is seeking a Lead Mine Reclamation Soil Scientist to join our Mine Closure team. The preferred location is in our Albuquerque, New Mexico office; however, other WSP office locations or a remote position may be considered for the right candidate.

You will lead and contribute to multiple mine reclamation soil science programs in our southwest US service area with an opportunity to contribute to international projects. You will be responsible for delivering consulting services in soil science data collection and analysis, reporting, and permitting in support of internal and external clients. The position focuses on hard-rock mine reclamation projects with opportunities in coal reclamation and habitat restoration.

Your Impact

• Lead the development of mine closure plans, soil cover designs, and revegetation protocols to close mine facilities working with other physical scientists and engineers.
• Oversee borrow material investigations and soil inventories to identify suitable reclamation materials and determine soil characteristics.
• Direct quantitative seepage, vegetation, and erosion monitoring studies to ensure compliance with state and federal permit requirements.
• Navigate complex regulatory frameworks to secure approvals for mine operations and closure activities.
• Manage a variety of soil science projects on reclaimed mine lands including field logistics, staffing, budgets and scheduling, data collection, and report generation.
• Coordinate with unsaturated flow modelers to develop inputs for and analyze outputs from long-term cover stability and net percolation modeling efforts.
• Develop study designs, quantitative monitoring plans, and implement field programs that may include test pitting, material characterization sampling and chemical analysis, test plot construction and monitoring, vadose zone sensor installations, and reclamation cover design and grading for closure planning.
• Lead multidisciplinary field programs with teams up to 10 soil scientists, geologists, ecologists, engineers, and technicians.
• Provide health and safety leadership in the field and in the office.
• Collect and manage quantitative soil data including data quality assurance, compilation, analysis, and interpretation.
• Nurture client relationships and actively pursue opportunities related to mining and mine closure. Identify, lead, and contribute to proposals and business development activities.
• Work collaboratively with other senior members of the Mine Environment team on mine closure and reclamation projects and pursuits. Establish links with other environmental and engineering business units to support and enhance service delivery.
• Create detailed reclamation plans and specialized technical reports for mine closure projects.
• Effectively interact with clients, local and regional team professionals, and regulatory officials.
• Potential for travel domestically and internationally. Candidates not located in Albuquerque can expect to travel to New Mexico and project sites regularly.
• Guide and mentor junior staff.
• Oversee and work with cross-functional teams in executing project work and collaborate in response to requests for proposals.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP’s Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Qualifications

• Master of Science in Soil Science, Environmental Science, Range Science, Geology, or closely related field. Candidates with a Bachelor of Science having specific relevant experience in lieu of an advanced degree are also accepted.
• 10 to 15 years of progressive experience in environmental consulting with a primary focus in mining and/or land restoration.
• Strong practical experience in soil science, mine waste chemical/hydraulic characterization, soil cover design and laboratory/field testing (USDA, USCS).
• Demonstrated experience with field protocols to describe and sample soils, laboratory testing protocols (USDA and USCS), and vadose zone and meteorological monitoring sensors.
• Proven ability to manage and mentor junior staff in the field and office.
• Experience navigating local, regional, and federal mining regulations.
• Ability to manage complex programs involving the collection and analysis of large amounts of data.
• Strong commitment to scientific integrity, QA/QC, workplace safety, and ethical conduct.
• Manage multiple project assignments while maintaining flexibility to meet cost and schedule objectives.
• Excellent technical communication skills, including preparation of high-quality reports; peer-reviewed publications are an asset.
• Proficiency with GIS-based field data collection and data analysis/visualization tools (e.g., ArcGIS platforms, R, Python, Excel, Power BI).
• Experience with unsaturated soil atmospheric modeling software (i.e., HYDRUS, SEEP/W, UNSAT-H, etc.).
• Willingness to travel and perform physically demanding field work for environmental sampling including flexible work schedules as required.
• Highly capable self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently and provide guidance and leadership to junior team members, with strict adherence to QA/QC.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree is preferred.
• Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) certification.
• 24-Hour MSHA Part 48 Certification.
• 40-Hour OSHA Health & Safety Training (HAZWOPER) (29 CFR 1910.120) preferred.
• Basic First Aid and Adult CPR training desired.