For over a decade, Rangefront Mining Services has been a trusted partner to the mining industry, delivering staffing, geological expertise, advanced technology, and vehicle support. We combine deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge solutions to help our clients succeed.
Position Overview: We are seeking an experienced Chief Geologist to lead exploration, resource development, and geological programs for a highly prospective mining project.This role provides technical leadership and strategic direction for exploration, resource definition, geological modeling, and mine geology programs while ensuring geological data, interpretations, and reporting meet the highest industry and regulatory standards.
The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary teams, oversee geological programs from target generation through resource conversion, and work closely with executive leadership to advance project value through technical excellence, innovation, safety, and responsible resource development. This position serves as a key technical advisor to management and contributes directly to the Company's growth strategy and operational success.
The selected candidate should be willing to relocate to the Elko, Nevada area within 6 months to support the long-term needs of the project.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership & Exploration
- Develop and execute the Company's geological and exploration strategy to support resource growth, reserve replacement, and new discoveries.
- Lead district-scale and near-mine exploration targeting through integration of geological, geochemical, geophysical, structural, geotechnical, and drilling datasets.
- Identify and evaluate geological opportunities, risks, uncertainties, and data gaps that influence project advancement.
- Drive exploration program design and prioritization to maximize return on exploration investment.
- Provide technical guidance for new project evaluations, acquisitions, and development opportunities.
- Support long-term mine planning through geological interpretation and resource development initiatives.
Resource Development & Geological Modeling
- Direct resource definition and expansion drilling programs to support mineral resource and reserve growth.
- Oversee geological interpretations involving stratigraphy, structure, alteration systems, mineralization controls, and deposit models.
- Ensure development and maintenance of accurate three-dimensional geological models using industry-standard software.
- Support resource estimation, model refinement, resource conversion, and reconciliation programs.
- Integrate geological data into mine planning, engineering, and operational workflows.
- Review and approve geological interpretations, models, and technical recommendations.
Drilling Program Management
- Design, plan, and oversee reverse circulation (RC), diamond core, metallurgical, geotechnical, and exploration drilling programs.
- Manage contractor selection, drilling logistics, field execution, budgets, and performance metrics.
- Ensure safe and efficient execution of drilling, mapping, sampling, and geophysical programs.
- Interpret results and adjust exploration and resource development strategies as required.
- Oversee construction and maintenance of drill pads, access roads, and field infrastructure supporting exploration activities.
Geological Data Management & QA/QC
- Ensure geological databases, sampling protocols, QA/QC systems, chain-of-custody procedures, and documentation meet industry best practices.
- Maintain data integrity and compliance standards for exploration and resource development activities.
- Validate geological, assay, and survey datasets used for reporting and resource estimation.
- Establish and continuously improve geological workflows, standards, and procedures.
Leadership & Team Development
- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing geology team focused on safety, accountability, collaboration, and technical excellence.
- Mentor geologists, technicians, samplers, consultants, and contractors while fostering professional development.
- Provide technical review and approval of geological logs, maps, interpretations, and reports.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge sharing throughout the organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Collaborate closely with Exploration, Mine Operations, Engineering, Metallurgy, Survey, Environmental, Land, Permitting, and Finance teams.
- Support operational decision-making through geological guidance and technical recommendations.
- Coordinate with regulatory agencies, consultants, and stakeholders to facilitate project advancement and compliance requirements.
- Contribute geological expertise to corporate development and strategic planning initiatives.
Reporting & Communication
- Prepare and oversee internal and external technical reports, mineral resource disclosures, and regulatory filings.
- Present exploration results, resource growth opportunities, geological risks, and strategic recommendations to Executive Leadership and the Board of Directors.
- Support public disclosures and technical reporting requirements in accordance with applicable regulations and industry standards.
- Communicate complex geological information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
Budgeting, Safety & Compliance
- Develop and manage annual geology and exploration budgets.
- Monitor contractor performance, project schedules, and cost controls.
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with MSHA, environmental regulations, and company policies.
- Identify, mitigate, and report safety and environmental risks associated with geological activities.
- Demonstrate leadership in environmental stewardship and responsible resource development.
Qualifications:
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, Earth Sciences, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in mineral exploration, resource development, and mine geology.
- Minimum 5 years of leadership experience managing multidisciplinary geology teams.
- Proven success in exploration targeting, resource growth, and drilling program management.
- Strong understanding of structural geology, stratigraphy, alteration systems, and mineralization controls.
- Experience managing RC and diamond drilling programs from concept through execution.
- Demonstrated expertise in geological data management, QA/QC systems, and resource development workflows.
- Proficiency with industry-standard software including:
- Leapfrog Geo
- ArcGIS
- Vulcan, Datamine, or equivalent mining platforms
- Strong project management, budgeting, contractor oversight, and organizational skills.
- Excellent technical writing, communication, and presentation abilities.
- Valid driver's license and ability to work in demanding field environments.
Preferred
- Master's degree in Geology or related discipline.
- Professional Geologist (PG), Registered Member, Qualified Person, or equivalent professional designation, or ability to obtain Qualified Person status within two years.
- Experience with resource estimation and mineral resource reporting.
- Experience in Nevada and western U.S. exploration environments.
- Experience with low-sulfidation epithermal gold systems, porphyry-related mineralization, and/or skarn deposits.
- Surface MSHA certification.
Key Competencies:
- Strategic geological leadership
- Exploration targeting and discovery
- Resource development and reserve growth
- Geological modeling and interpretation
- Team leadership and mentorship
- Budget and contractor management
- Data integrity and QA/QC oversight
- Technical communication and executive presentation
- Safety leadership and environmental stewardship
- Cross-functional collaboration and problem solving
What We Offer
- Competitive pay (DOE) and per diem.
- PPE allowance.
- Paid travel and expenses (if applicable).
- 401(k) with employer matching.
- Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance.
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
- Work with industry leaders in a thriving, expanding company.
About Rangefront Mining Services
Rangefront Mining Services is a US-based company with headquarters in Elko, Nevada and regional offices throughout North America. We specialize in providing contract labor services for the mining and geology industries at locations all over the United States and Canada. With decades of experience and deep relationships in both fields, we have expertise in being able to recognize and qualify the best candidates.
Rangefront strives to re-employ our top-quality candidates after each contract position has ended. We have great relationships with these candidates because of our competitive benefits, exceptional communication, and our commitment to keeping our outstanding laborers employed in great contract positions. This means they are loyal, hardworking, and qualified to take on the next mining or geology project.
Along with many life-goal centered benefits, our company offers many exciting and rewarding opportunities in geology, exploration, and mining. We believe your career with us will be highly fulfilling.
Thank you for your application, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Rangefront Mining Services is an equal opportunity employer.
To be considered, candidate must be legally able to work in the United States.