SRK Canada's geochemistry and groundwater groups support clients across the full mining lifecycle - from exploration and PEA through operations, expansion, and closure - with characterization, prediction, and management of water quality in surface and subsurface environments.
We are looking for an Intermediate to Senior Hydrogeochemist to join our growing Canadian hydrogeochemistry team. You will work alongside hydrogeologists, geochemists, water management engineers, and mine waste specialists on multidisciplinary teams supporting projects across Canada and internationally.
The ideal candidate will:
- Contribute to the design and execution of hydrogeochemical characterization programs, including water quality monitoring, isotope and tracer studies, redox chemistry, and metal leaching/acid rock drainage (ML/ARD) assessments (both static and kinetic testing).
- Develop hydrogeochemical conceptual site models that describe water–rock interactions, contaminant sources and pathways, attenuation processes, and the geochemical evolution of groundwater and surface water along flow paths.
- Undertake water quality predictions for mine components (waste rock, tailings, pit lakes, underground workings) using geochemical and reactive transport modelling tools such as PHREEQC, MINTEQ, Geochemist's Workbench, and equivalent codes.
- Plan and supervise laboratory-, pilot-, and field-scale testing programs to evaluate water quality controls, treatment options, and in-situ attenuation processes.
- Interpret large datasets, including quality control, statistical evaluation, and integration with site water balance and groundwater flow information.
- Conduct geochemical/hydrogeologic and environmental fieldwork including water, rock, soil, and seepage sampling; coordinate with field crews, drillers, and laboratories.
- Interpret hydrogeological data (e.g., hydraulic conductivity, groundwater flowpaths, porosity, etc.) in the context of understanding constituent transport and attenuation.
- Produce high-quality technical reports, memoranda, and presentations that communicate detailed hydrogeochemical findings clearly to mining clients, regulators, Indigenous communities, and non-specialist audiences.
- Support project management activities including scoping, budgeting, scheduling, and client communication on small-to-medium tasks and assist senior consultants on larger programs.
- Mentor junior staff and contribute to internal knowledge sharing within SRK's Canadian and global geochemistry/hydrogeology networks.
- A degree in geochemistry, geology, environmental science, hydrogeology, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, or a related discipline, with significant coursework in aqueous geochemistry, hydrogeochemistry, and/or hydrogeology. A graduate degree (i.e., Master's or Doctoral) with research focus in aqueous/environmental geochemistry is preferred.
- Current registration as a Professional Geoscientist (P.Geo.) or Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) with a Canadian provincial or territorial association, or eligibility to register.
- A minimum of five years of relevant post-graduate experience, ideally including consulting work for the mining industry.
- Demonstrated experience applying geochemical modelling software (PHREEQC, MINTEQ, Geochemist's Workbench, or equivalent) to mining or water-quality problems.
- Working knowledge of ML/ARD characterization methods, including static testing (ABA, NAG), humidity cell and field kinetic testing, mineralogy, and the interpretation of resulting datasets.
- Familiarity with mining-related environmental issues, applicable Canadian regulations and guidelines (e.g., MMER, CCME, provincial water quality objectives), and the role of hydrogeochemistry in permitting and closure planning.
- Strong skills in data handling and analysis using Microsoft Excel; working proficiency with Word and PowerPoint. Experience with Python, R, or other scripting environments for data analysis and visualization is an asset.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare technical reports and deliver presentations to clients and regulators.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks, work independently, and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams.
- Willingness to travel and undertake fieldwork at mine sites, including remote locations across Canada and occasionally internationally.
Additional Desirable Experience:
- Reactive transport modelling and/or pit lake water quality modelling.
- Stable and radiogenic isotope geochemistry applied to water source, flow path, or attenuation studies.
- Source-term development for waste rock, tailings, and pit lake closure scenarios.
- Metal speciation and mobility, or experience with other constituents of regulatory concern in Canadian mining.
- Integration of hydrogeochemistry with site water balance and groundwater flow models.
- Experience working with Indigenous communities and supporting environmental assessment processes.
SRK uses Artificial Intelligence to support certain aspects of the recruitment process, however all selection and hiring decisions are made exclusively by the relevant hiring team
The estimated base pay range for this position is $90,000–$140,000. In accordance with Ontario pay transparency requirements, the posted range reflects the maximum allowable range width.
Remote work opportunities will be considered for the right candidate on a case-by-case basis. If not based in Vancouver, periodic travel to work from the Vancouver office will be required (with flights and accommodation covered by SRK). Duration and frequency will be determined based on experience.
