- Join a safety-led, people-first team that invests in your growth, values your ideas, and creates real pathways for long-term career progression
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Gain multi-trade, hands-on experience across mechanical, piping, structural, and civil construction in a technically advanced underground environment
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Be part of a once-in-a-generation underground project that will help shape the future of U.S. copper production right here near Superior, Arizona
About the role
Build your career underground with one of Arizona’s most advanced mining projects. As an Underground Construction Technician, you will play a hands-on role installing the critical infrastructure that keeps operations moving safely and efficiently. This is an opportunity to expand your skills across mechanical, piping, structural, and civil work, all while working alongside experienced professionals who are invested in your development and long-term growth in the Copper Triangle.
A strong shift starts with clear direction and well-coordinated crews. Materials are staged and ready, communication across teams is aligned, and installations move forward without delays. You and your team install piping and ventilation systems efficiently, complete equipment alignment and testing with confidence, and close out the shift knowing your work met quality standards and supports safe, reliable operations.
Not every shift goes to plan. At times, you may encounter incomplete deliveries, tight underground conditions, or discrepancies between drawings and field reality. You adapt by coordinating closely with engineering, re-sequencing tasks, and maintaining a strong focus on safety. Even when progress requires extra effort, your ability to communicate, solve problems and stay flexible ensures the work continues moving forward without compromising standards.
You will be guided by an experienced Underground Operations Supervisor and supported by a collaborative team of construction, maintenance, engineering, and contractor partners who work together to help you succeed and grow, including in the following responsibilities:
Key Responsibilities
Construction & Installation
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Prioritize safety every shift by following underground safety standards, completing pre-start checks, and actively identifying and addressing hazards
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Install and modify underground piping systems including service water, compressed air, glycol, and dewatering lines
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Install, align, and support commissioning of pumps, cooling systems, and mechanical equipment
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Assemble and install ventilation systems including fans, ducting, and regulators
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Build and install structural steel, platforms, and equipment supports to specification
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Support concrete, civil, and grouting activities including formwork and equipment setting
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Perform testing and commissioning activities such as hydrotesting, flushing, and functional verification
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Safely operate tools, rigging systems, and light equipment while supporting underground material movement
Project Support
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Support a safe and coordinated work environment by collaborating daily with engineering, maintenance, and contractor teams
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Read and interpret engineering drawings, P&IDs, fabrication drawings, and isometrics with confidence
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Verify field conditions and communicate discrepancies to maintain construction accuracy
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Coordinate underground material staging and deliveries to keep work progressing efficiently
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Track daily progress and provide clear updates to supervisors and team members
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Maintain accurate construction documentation including redlines and as-built markups
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Contribute to project planning, sequencing, and scheduling discussions
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Work collaboratively across teams to meet project timelines and quality expectations
About You
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You put safety first and are comfortable working in underground environments while following PPE and safety requirements
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You bring hands-on experience in underground mining, tunneling, or heavy construction
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You can read and interpret technical drawings and translate them into quality field work
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You are physically capable of performing manual tasks including lifting, carrying, and sustained work underground
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You are a strong team player who communicates clearly and supports others to get the job done
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You approach challenges with a problem-solving mindset and adapt quickly to changing conditions
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You hold a high school diploma or equivalent
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You have a valid driver’s license and can travel to and from sites
What we offer
We are committed to providing our employees with a generous benefits package. Be recognized for your contribution, your way of thinking, your hard work, and go home knowing you’ve helped the world progress, we provide:
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A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
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Advantageous salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees
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Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits
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Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program
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Generous Rio Tinto employee share program, which allows you to purchase Rio Tinto Company shares.
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Comprehensive leave policies which cover all moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave
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A favorable child-caregiver leave program (Up to 100% salary top-up)
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Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing
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Ongoing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family; to help in addressing educational opportunities, addiction treatment, depression, stress, domestic issues, financial management, and legal concerns
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Our team and industry experts are here to support and work with you to explore your learning potential and career goals
Where you will be working
You will be joining Resolution Copper at a pivotal moment in the project’s history. With the Resolution Copper Land Exchange now complete, the project is advancing its next phase of technical work, community engagement, and state permitting activities.
Resolution Copper has the potential to supply nearly 25% of total U.S. copper demand and generate several thousand direct and indirect jobs in the Pioneer Mining District of Arizona, delivering an economic value of several billion dollars over the life of the mine. The project will rely on block caving, a proven underground mining method that uses gravity to extract ore from a deposit located more than 2,000 meters below the surface. This technique is the most viable way to safely and efficiently recover the resource.
As development continues, Resolution Copper will expand its underground operations, conduct extensive drilling and orebody characterization, and maintain both the permitting process and ongoing public engagement with Native American tribes, local communities, and stakeholders.
The Resolution Copper project is vital to securing America’s energy future, infrastructure needs, and national defense by providing a domestic supply of copper and other critical minerals. Once operational, it has the potential to become one of the largest copper mines in the United States, contribute approximately $1 billion annually to Arizona’s economy, and create thousands of local jobs in a region with more than a century‑long mining heritage.
About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can’t do it on our own, so we’re focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.
Respect and Inclusion
Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.
Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.
