Job Description
Company: Sawtooth Mining / North American Mining
Location: Winnemucca/Orovada, Nevada, United States
Category: Geology and Exploration
Job Type: Full-time
Work Arrangement: On-site
Experience Level: Senior-Level
Job Summary
Sawtooth Mining / North American Mining is seeking a Geologist to support the Thacker Pass Lithium Clay Surface Mine in Orovada, Nevada.
This role supports the transition from a greenfield project to an operating mine by leading ore-control drilling, interpreting drilling results, maintaining geological and block models, supporting QA/QC processes, and tracking ore control and reconciliation workflows for one of North America’s significant lithium projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Interpret geological data and provide geological structure and assay information
- Plan and lead ore-control drilling activities
- Collect, analyze, and interpret drilling results for short-range geological, structural, and assay block models
- Monitor state and federal drilling permit requirements and support reserve protection
- Supervise contractors during geological drilling and related projects
- Collect and analyze geotechnical data
- Maintain geological files, QA/QC data, databases, and samples
- Complete special technical studies as assigned
- Update and maintain short-range geological, structural, and block models for mine planning
- Lead and support ore control efforts to ensure efficient ore mining and accurate reconciliation tracking
- Collaborate with mining operations, environmental teams, contractors, and technical personnel
- Perform duties in accordance with MSHA regulations, state and federal requirements, and company policies
- Promote and maintain a strong safety-first culture
- Support environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance initiatives
- Assist other teams on mining-related projects as needed
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Geology required
- 5-10 years of experience in exploration drilling, geological block modeling, and ore control at a surface mining operation required
- Master’s degree in Geology preferred
- Professional Geologist designation preferred
- Qualified Person status under SEC SK-1300 and Canadian NI 43-101 regulations preferred
- Knowledge of sedimentary and lithium geology, geochemistry, and hydrology
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office, Geobank Database software, and Maptek Vulcan block modeling software
- Knowledge of Fleet Management System reporting considered a plus
- Strong written and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong technical writing and presentation skills
- Strong critical thinking skills
- Ability to collaborate and work in a team environment
- Candidate should be based in or willing to relocate to Winnemucca, Nevada
Physical Requirements
- Occasionally kneel, crouch, push, pull, reach, bend, stoop, climb, stand, and work at elevations or heights
- Occasionally lift up to 30-40 pounds, including core boxes, tools, and sampling gear
- Occasionally carry PPE kits, survey gear, laptops, and related field equipment
- Occasionally ride in or enter and exit heavy equipment using three-point contact
- Frequently navigate active mining areas, pit floors, waste dumps, benches, slopes, and uneven or rocky terrain
- Frequently drive light vehicles across the mine site, including long distances of at least 10 miles per day
- Frequently sit for engineering design, scheduling, reporting, AutoCAD, Vulcan, and Microsoft Office work
- Constantly use fine motor skills for typing, instruments, engineering software, GPS, and survey tools
- Use vision, hearing, communication, depth perception, and situational awareness in an MSHA-regulated mine environment
Why This Role Matters
This role supports the development and operational readiness of the Thacker Pass Lithium Clay Surface Mine by leading ore control, maintaining geological models, improving reconciliation tracking, and providing the technical geological data needed for safe, efficient, and responsible critical mineral production.
Apply
👉 Apply online: https://nacoal.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/sawtoothmining/job/Winnemucca-NV/Geologist_R-00777
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