Principal Hydrogeologist - Almaty

Principal Hydrogeologist – Almaty, Kazakhstan

We are looking for experienced mine water professionals to join our busy Mine Water Team and support an expanding pipeline of work in the mining sector. The role would be based in SLR’s office in Almaty, Kazakhstan which was established by Wardell Armstrong International in 2010 prior to joining SLR. You would be our in-country lead for water services to the mining sector. You will support and/or lead integrated mine water management projects, working closely alongside hydrogeologists, geochemists, hydrologists, tailings engineers and pumps/pipelines engineers. You will also have opportunities to work with a wider team of mining consultants based in Kazakhstan and Europe which includes mining engineers, geologists, tailings engineers, geotechnical engineers, ESG practitioners and water specialists.

The role 

• Provide specialist input to local and international mining studies including; Early stage projects including MREs and PEAs, Pre-Feasibility & Feasibility Studies (PFS / FS); Environmental & Social Impact Assessments (ESIA); Closure Planning and Independent Technical Review.
• Lead business development for the mine water group in Kazakhstan and Central Asia, promoting the team’s capabilities, growing client relations, and proactively developing the pipeline of work for yourself and others. BD activities would secure work orders of x2-3 salary per annum.
• Target a utilisation rate of 65% contribution to project delivery (chargeable time > x2.3 salary per annum). 35% for non-chargeable inc. L&D, BD/proposals, strategic objectives.
• Have involvement in all aspects of successful project delivery including proposals writing, risk identification, project set-up, track progress against budgets, and ensure the issue of a suitably high quality of deliverables to strengthen client relationships.
• Contribute to team resource planning and project execution plans, helping to ensure successful project delivery whilst meeting commercial targets for the team.
• Have input into the strategic direction, planning and development of the team, identify growth areas, training needs, and recruitment plans to support SLR’s growth ambitions within the mining sector.
• Keep abreast of technical innovation and contribute to ensuring we provide high value advice which complies with recognised best practice, technical guidance and legislation impacting water management in the mining and minerals sector, both nationally and internationally and ensuring SLR is well placed to take advantage of change.
• Add value to the business through Technical, Project Management, Business Development and Leadership activities aligned to SLR’s Careers Framework.
• Coach and mentor junior staff, supporting their professional development and progression through SLR’s Careers Framework.
• Your project work is likely to involve travel across the Central Asia and Europe.

About us

SLR are global leaders in environmental and advisory solutions helping our clients achieve their sustainability goals. We are a consultancy with over 4,500 employees across 6 regions. SLR’s ‘one team’ culture is at the heart of our business; providing a collaborative and supportive environment for professional development.

Along with competitive salaries, our staff enjoy a comprehensive benefits package with a company pension plus excellent healthcare offering, travel and life insurance, critical illness cover and a structured career framework with regular reviews offering outstanding opportunities for progression. Alongside 25 days’ annual leave, SLR offer the option of buying or selling up to 5 days additional leave, and a host of flexible, agile and hybrid working policies which enables staff to tailor hours worked around core hours, and our family friendly policies help balance the needs of professional and family life.

About you 
You will have:

• Relevant academic qualification(s), and be working toward or already registered as a Chartered specialist through international and/or Kazakhstani organisations.
• An extensive network of potential clients and peers within Kazakhstan to support business development and recruitment ambitions.
• Demonstrable experience in contributing to the delivery of a range of technical studies through any of the various phases of the mine life cycle from feasibility and design, environmental impact assessment, operational and closure.
• Demonstrable knowledge of the regulatory framework within Kazakhstan and Central Asia experience in contributing to the delivery of a range of technical studies through any of the various phases of the mine life cycle from feasibility and design, environmental impact assessment, operational and closure.
• Strong technical experience and understanding of best practices for mine water management gained from industry and/or consultancy roles.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills with experience supporting the ongoing professional development of staff, enabling them to realise their potential within an organisation.
• Strong communication skills alongside experience in reporting and communicating technical studies and findings, both on-line and in-person settings.

Your knowledge will include:

• Conceptual site model development for mining projects
• Groundwater flow and contaminant transport modelling
• Hydrogeological characterisation
• Mine water management
• Environmental & Social Impact Assessments

It would also be advantageous to have knowledge of the following:

• Dewatering and depressurisation
• Water quality and geochemical assessment and modelling
• GoldSim probabilistic scenario modelling
• Code and script development
• Data management
• GIS and/or CAD skills

Due to the nature of the work, you will have a full current driving licence valid in Kazakhstan.