Geoscientist II

Location
Climax
Workplace
On-site
Compensation
$88k – $120k

About this role

At Climax Molybdenum, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. 

 

In order to be considered for this position, please apply by 9/18/2026.

 

 

Where You Will Work  

Climax Molybdenum is the world’s leading producer of molybdenum and has a long, successful history of doing business safely, efficiently and responsibly. We have operated in Colorado for more than 100 years, with mining and milling operations near Leadville, Kremmling and Empire. Our Climax Mine is located between Frisco and Leadville – the seat of Lake County and the highest incorporated city in the United States.

 

Employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $1,450 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines.  

 

At an elevation of over 10,000 feet, the rich historic town of Leadville is surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Our employees and their families can enjoy hiking, camping, ultramarathon activities, skiing, and boating in the area. Some attractions in Leadville include the National Mining Hall of Fame and Museum, Ski Cooper, Tennessee Pass Cookhouse, Tabor Opera House and the Leadville National Fish Hatchery. With the abundant outdoor recreation and numerous schools and amenities in the area, take a chance to advance your career with Climax Molybdenum and live life at the top! Visit Welcome to Leadville, Colorado to learn more.  

Description

Under general supervision, maintain performance of tailings impoundments, crushed leach pads, water dams, and related facilities through inspection, measurement, interpretation, coordination, and reporting and serve as a resource for technical information and analysis. 

  • Lead data collection, information gathering and interpretation, reconciliation, sensitivity assessments, and data management
  • Assist with the development, maintenance and implementation of plans to enhance tailings, crushed leach and/or water dam management programs.
  • Participate in regular inspections of active and inactive structures
  • Proactively seek improvements to the safe and stable construction and operation of ore leach pads, tailings storage facilities, storm water ponds, etc.
  • Collaborate with Site TCLW Engineers, Operations and Maintenance departments to troubleshoot, resolve and report on operational issues
  • Communicate and document accurate, timely and relevant data and information as needed to corporate and operational management team and staff
  • Lead engineering and project management efforts on small projects or portions of larger projects 
  • Evaluate, select, and apply standard techniques, engineering tools, procedures, and guidelines to perform a task or sequence of tasks 
  • Assist with the preparation of annual sustaining capital, operational budget and capital funding 
  • Liaise with teammates in the FMMC Corporate TCLW Group to develop scopes of work, as required. Understand impact versus benefit
  • May represent the site on company sponsored steering teams related to tailings, crushed leach and/or water efforts 
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in a relevant Scientific discipline and three (3) years of experience in applicable field of expertise, OR
  • Master’s degree in a relevant Scientific discipline and two (2) years of experience in related scientific field
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing to a diversely educated audience 
  • Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety for yourself and others 
  • Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards 
  • Knowledge of principles and practice of geology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, or a related field of science or engineering 
  • Knowledge of appropriate software (MS Office, AutoCAD)

 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in a relevant Scientific discipline 
  • Certification of Geoscientist or Engineer in Training and/or equivalent relevant certification or licensure
  • Experience with metal mining operations, especially with tailings storage facility (dam), water dams and/or crushed leach stockpile design and operations
  • Experience with geotechnical or hydrogeological field investigation programs, lab testing, site characterization, monitoring programs, data management, and analysis - particularly for tailings or crushed leach facilities
  • Experience reviewing and editing technical reports and documents for a variety of applications 
  • Experience managing construction projects or contractor work 
  • Experience with GIS, InSAR and other geospatial tools
  • Experience with MS tools, Power BI and database management
  • Excellent organizational skills
  • Superior interpersonal as well as written and oral communication skills with diverse teams of technical and non-technical staff

 

Criteria/Conditions:

  • Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures given in English 
  • Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards 
  • Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in a mine, outdoor, manufacturing or plant environment, including hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and as needed, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves and any other protective equipment as required.
  • Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going random drug testing as allowed by applicable state laws

What We Offer You 

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $87,500-$120,000. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.

  • Employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $1,450 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines 
  • Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits  
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance  
  • 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match  
  • Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave  
  • Tuition assistance  
  • Employee Assistance Program  
  • Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle  
  • Internal progression opportunities  
  • Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!  

 

What We Require  

  • Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.  
  • Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.  
  • Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.  
  • Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.  

 

Equal Opportunity Employer  

 

Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com

 

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Top Benefits

  • Medical insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • 401(k) plan
  • Paid time off
  • Paid sick time
  • Holiday pay
  • Parental leave
  • Tuition assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Housing allowance