Water Resources Engineer I

Job Description

Job Description

WHAT WE OFFER

Your journey with Capstone Copper starts here. At Capstone, our people are the heart of our organization. We are focused on growth and are committed to unlocking the full potential of ourselves, our teams and our resources. We invest in our people to develop a skilled and engaged workforce, not only for today, but for the future. If you are looking for a purposeful, performance-driven and dynamic work environment, join us! Pinto Valley is an open-pit copper mine located at the west end of the historic Globe-Miami mining district of central Arizona, approximately 80 miles east of Phoenix. Pinto Valley has been in operation since 1972 and has produced more than four billion pounds of copper. Acquired by Capstone from BHP in 2013, the mine is fully permitted through 2039 and a study is underway to potentially extend the mine life through 2050.Our proximity to the Greater Phoenix metro area provides prospective employees with the option to live in communities such as Mesa, Apache Junction, Gilbert, Chandler, San Tan Valley, or Florence. Our location offers a unique work-life balance, blending the rewarding opportunities of the mining industry with easy access to the vibrant energy of Downtown Phoenix, making it an ideal choice for both individuals and their families.

Capstone employees are eligible for an extensive total rewards package, designed to support your physical, mental, financial, and emotional well-being. This package includes, but is not limited to:

• 401(k) Savings Plan – Eligible from day one, contribute up to 30% of your salary with a dollar-for-dollar company match up to 6%, fully vested immediately.
• Retirement Boost – The company contributes 8.5% of your salary, increasing to 14.2% after reaching the Social Security wage base, with 100% immediate vesting.
• Employee Share Purchase Plan – After three months, contribute 2% to 7% of your salary (max $5,000/year) to buy company shares, with a 50% company match, fully vested upon grant.
• Annual Short Term Incentive Bonus – Up to 15%
• 4-day, 10-hour work schedule (shifts may vary depending on position)
• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits (effective on start date), including Telehealth options and additional supplemental insurances
• Disability and Life Insurance (effective on start date)
• Paid time-off, including vacation, holidays, sick leave, and parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program
• Internal progression opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Discounted insurance plans for pets, automobiles and homes

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Water Resources Engineer I provides technical support for Pinto Valley’s Tailings and Water Management programs under the direction of the Water Resources Engineer II. This role assists with water supply, distribution, dewatering, tailings water recovery, monitoring systems, and short- and long-term water planning. The position supports the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of water management strategies through data analysis, field investigations, monitoring programs, engineering evaluations, and technical reporting.

The Water Resources Engineer I utilizes engineering principles, GIS, CAD, databases, and business systems to support operational and strategic water management objectives while ensuring compliance with company standards, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform all work in accordance with Pinto Valley Mine safety policies, procedures, and environmental requirements.
• Ensure consultants, contractors, and vendors comply with site standards, procedures, and applicable regulations.
• Assist with short- and long-term water management planning, including water supply, distribution, storage, recovery, and dewatering systems.
• Support tailings and water balance development, tracking, forecasting, and performance evaluations.
• Assist in the collection, validation, analysis, and interpretation of operational and monitoring data.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics and KPIs for water and tailings systems.
• Support operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and optimization of water monitoring systems, including piezometers, vibrating wire instruments, transducers, flow meters, and telemetry systems.
• Assist with monitoring system upgrades, infrastructure improvement projects, and implementation of new technologies.
• Conduct field inspections of water infrastructure, pipelines, pumping systems, storage facilities, and monitoring installations.
• Support QA/QC programs for water monitoring, instrumentation, and data management.
• Assist with technical evaluations, engineering studies, and preparation of recommendations to improve system performance and reliability.
• Support implementation and continuous improvement of Capstone’s Tailings Management System and Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM) requirements.
• Assist with tracking recommendations and action items from internal audits, inspections, and third-party reviews.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, engineering summaries, and documentation for operational and regulatory purposes.
• Support agency reporting requirements by coordinating data collection, validation, and documentation.
• Utilize GIS, CAD, database systems, and data visualization tools to support engineering analyses and decision-making.
• Support cross-functional teams, including Operations, Environmental, Geotechnical, Maintenance, and Permitting departments.
• Demonstrate Capstone’s Values: Always Accountable, Execute with Excellence, Deliver Results, and Work Responsibly.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Hydrology, Geological Engineering, or a related discipline.

Experience

• 0–3 years of professional engineering experience.
• Previous mining, consulting, water resources, hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental, or civil engineering experience is preferred.
• Internship or co-op experience in mining or water resources is considered an asset.

Key Competencies / Skills

• Understanding of hydrologic, hydraulic, hydrogeologic, and water management principles.
• Knowledge of soil mechanics, groundwater systems, fluid mechanics, and engineering fundamentals.
• Familiarity with monitoring instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Experience with AutoCAD, ArcGIS, Civil 3D, Power BI, SQL databases, or similar software is preferred.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret technical data and develop practical recommendations.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic mining environment.
• Valid Arizona driver’s license.
• Proficiency in English.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Combination of office-based engineering work (40%) and field activities (60%).
• Frequent travel throughout site to water infrastructure, pumping systems, pipelines, monitoring locations, and tailings facilities.
• Walking on uneven terrain, loose rock, wet surfaces, and active mining areas.
• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and access remote monitoring locations.
• Exposure to desert conditions including heat, sun, dust, wind, and seasonal storms.
• Work near operating heavy equipment, processing facilities, and active mining operations.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and wear required PPE in all operational areas.

All candidates will be required to complete a pre-employment medical exam, drug and alcohol test, and background check. All positions require a pre-placement physical examination to ensure candidates are 'fit for duty’. Additional training and/or testing may be required. Capstone maintains a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

CAPSTONE COPPER IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.