Principal Geochemist

ITASCA North America | U.S.-based

About the role

ITASCA North America is seeking a Principal Geochemist to provide technical leadership, grow client relationships, mentor staff, and strengthen our geochemistry practice across the U.S. and North America.

This role is suited for a senior geochemistry professional with strong technical credibility, practical judgment, and experience leading complex mining and environmental projects. Mining experience is strongly preferred, particularly in water quality modeling; geochemical characterization of mine waste, ore, and tailings; acid rock drainage; metal leaching; closure; and environmental support across the mine life cycle.

What you'll do

• Provide senior technical leadership on mining geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, mine water, and environmental projects.
• Lead and review work involving geochemical characterization, water quality modeling, acid rock drainage, metal leaching, mine waste, tailings, pit lake modeling, seepage, closure planning, permitting support, and impact assessment.
• Guide conceptual geochemical and hydrogeochemical models that connect source materials, water-rock interaction, transport pathways, and potential receptors.
• Design, direct, and review field and laboratory programs, including static and kinetic testing, water sampling, material characterization, and geochemical data collection.
• Translate complex geochemical information into practical recommendations for mine planning, environmental management, permitting, operations, and closure.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and senior client contact.
• Develop client relationships, identify opportunities, and lead proposals, scopes, budgets, schedules, and project strategy.
• Mentor technical staff and support high-quality project delivery through review, coaching, and knowledge sharing.

What you bring

Required

• Advanced degree in geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, environmental engineering, chemistry, or a related field.
• 20+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven technical excellence and sound professional judgment in geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, or environmental geoscience.
• Strong experience with mining-related geochemistry, including water quality prediction, geochemical characterization, acid rock drainage, metal leaching, mine waste, tailings, and closure.
• Experience leading, managing, directing, and reviewing complex technical projects.
• Strong client-facing communication skills.
• Experience mentoring staff and contributing to business development.

Strongly valued

• Established client relationships in mining, environmental, water resources, or related sectors.
• Experience developing and winning consulting work.
• Experience with PHREEQC, Geochemist's Workbench, MIN3P, and similar geochemical modeling tools.
• Experience with groundwater/surface water quality, mine water management, pit lake chemistry, waste rock, tailings, heap leach facilities, and closure systems.
• Experience integrating geochemistry with hydrogeology, geomechanics, engineering geology, numerical modeling, permitting, and regulatory engagement.
• Professional registration by a recognized organization, or ability to obtain registration where required.
• Recognition in the geochemistry, mining, mine water, or environmental consulting community.

Location and travel

This is a full-time position based in the United States. The preferred location is Denver/Lakewood, Colorado, but other U.S. locations, including hybrid/remote work options, may be considered for the right candidate.

Travel will be expected for client meetings, site visits, conferences, business development, and internal collaboration.

ITASCA may provide employment-based visa sponsorship (e.g. H1-B, L-1, TN, etc.) for this role, subject to business needs, candidate qualifications, and immigration regulations.

Compensation and benefits

We value your contributions and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Performance bonuses, including cash and company stock
• Health, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family
• Generous paid time off from day one
• Paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance

The anticipated salary range is $150,000-$200,000. Final compensation will depend on experience and qualifications.

Take the next step in your career and become a valued member of our employee-owned company. Join us at ITASCA, where innovation meets excellence!