Lead Geotechnical Engineer in Anchorage, Alaska at Donlin Gold LLC
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Job Description
Lead Geotechnical Engineer
Location: Anchorage, AK, with travel to the Donlin Gold Project site and other project locations as required
Donlin Gold is seeking an experienced Lead Geotechnical Engineer to support geotechnical engineering and dam safety activities for the Donlin Gold Project. This position plays a critical role in the design, evaluation, and management of dams, water retention structures, tailings facilities, foundations, and other key infrastructure associated with one of the world's largest undeveloped gold deposits.
Working closely with Engineering, Environmental, Water Resources, Construction, Project Controls, regulatory agencies, and external engineering consultants, the Geotechnical Engineer will provide technical expertise and support project development activities from permitting and detailed engineering through construction, commissioning, and operations readiness.
What You'll Do
- Support geotechnical engineering activities related to dams, water management structures, tailings facilities, foundations, and associated infrastructure.
- Prepare, review, and contribute to geotechnical reports, engineering calculations, designs, and technical evaluations.
- Assist with dam safety evaluations, slope stability analyses, seepage assessments, foundation investigations, and geotechnical risk assessments.
- Support regulatory permitting activities through preparation of technical documentation and responses to agency requests.
- Coordinate geotechnical requirements with civil, hydrology, environmental, construction, and operations teams.
- Review consultant studies, engineering reports, and technical deliverables to ensure quality, completeness, and compliance with project requirements.
- Participate in dam safety reviews, risk assessments, and technical review processes.
- Support development and implementation of geotechnical monitoring, instrumentation, inspection, and surveillance programs.
- Identify geotechnical risks and recommend practical mitigation measures that promote safe and cost-effective project execution.
- Provide construction support, including field observations, site investigations, quality reviews, and resolution of technical issues.
- Support development of geotechnical engineering standards, procedures, and best practices.
- Assist in evaluating contractor performance, engineering alternatives, and project execution strategies.
- Collaborate with project teams to ensure geotechnical considerations are incorporated into project schedules, budgets, and planning activities.
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor's degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline required.
- Master's degree in Geotechnical Engineering preferred.
- Professional Engineer (PE) designation or eligibility for professional registration in Alaska preferred.
- Minimum of 7 to 12 years of progressively responsible geotechnical engineering experience.
- Experience supporting dam safety programs, tailings facilities, water retention structures, or major civil infrastructure projects.
- Experience supporting large mining, infrastructure, energy, or industrial development projects preferred.
- Working knowledge of geotechnical engineering principles, including slope stability, seepage analysis, foundation engineering, and earth structures.
- Familiarity with dam safety regulations, permitting requirements, and engineering standards.
- Experience with geotechnical analysis software such as GeoStudio or similar tools.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex engineering challenges and develop practical solutions.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical report preparation and presentation of engineering findings.
- Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic project environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and engineering document management systems.
- Experience working in remote, northern, or cold-climate environments is considered an asset.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Why Donlin Gold?
The Donlin Gold Project offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the world's largest undeveloped gold deposits while working alongside experienced professionals in engineering, environmental management, construction, project controls, and project development. This role provides the opportunity to support the development of critical infrastructure, including dams and water management facilities, while helping advance a world-class mining project through engineering, permitting, construction, and operational readiness. The position is based in Anchorage, Alaska, with periodic travel to the Donlin Gold Project site, consultant offices, regulatory meetings, and other project locations as required.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Donlin Gold LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Donlin Gold is committed to hiring and advancing qualified local and shareholder candidates from Calista Corporation and The Kuskokwim Corporation.
Ready to Make an Impact?
If you're passionate about workforce development, community engagement, relationship building, and creating opportunities for Alaska's future workforce, we encourage you to apply and join the Donlin Gold team.