Job Summary

ERM is seeking an Environmental Geochemist on a 3-6 month FTC to join our team and support the delivery of complex mining, mine closure and environmental projects across Australia and internationally. This role will have a particular focus on predictive geochemical modelling, geochemical characterisation, mine water chemistry, acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD) and assessment of mine waste materials.

The ideal candidate will combine a strong understanding of aqueous and environmental geochemistry with practical experience developing and interpreting geochemical models using software such as PHREEQC, Geochemist’s Workbench (GWB) or equivalent platforms. You will work alongside ERM’s geochemists, hydrogeologists, water specialists, mine closure practitioners and other technical specialists to understand complex geochemical systems and translate modelling outcomes into practical advice for our clients.

Why This Role Matters
Applying Geochemistry to Some of Mining’s Most Complex Environmental Challenges

Understanding how mine wastes, water and geological materials will behave over decades and potentially centuries is fundamental to responsible mine development and closure. Geochemical modelling provides a critical link between laboratory and field observations and predictions of long-term environmental performance.

ERM supports mining companies across Australia and internationally to understand and manage these challenges. From predicting mine water quality and assessing AMD risks to designing waste management strategies and informing closure planning, environmental assessments and residual risk evaluations, our geochemistry work helps clients make better decisions throughout the mining lifecycle.

In this role, you will apply your geochemical expertise to technically challenging projects and work with multidisciplinary teams to turn complex geochemical processes into defensible predictions and practical management strategies.

What Your Impact Is

You will help strengthen ERM’s environmental geochemistry and predictive modelling capability while delivering high-quality technical work for major mining and resource projects. You will work closely with specialists across geochemistry, hydrogeology, surface water, mine waste and mine closure to develop robust conceptual and numerical representations of geochemical systems.

Your work will help clients understand environmental risks, evaluate management and closure options, and make better-informed decisions about the long-term performance of mining operations and rehabilitated landscapes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and apply predictive geochemical models for mining and environmental applications using PHREEQC, Geochemist’s Workbench or equivalent geochemical modelling software.
• Develop geochemical conceptual models to represent interactions between water, minerals, mine wastes and geological materials.
• Undertake aqueous speciation, mineral saturation, equilibrium and kinetic reaction modelling.
• Predict mine water and seepage chemistry associated with waste rock dumps, tailings storage facilities, pits, underground workings and other mine infrastructure.
• Assess acid and metalliferous drainage (AMD), including acid generation, neutralisation, metal and metalloid mobilisation and attenuation processes.
• Interpret static and kinetic geochemical testwork, including acid-base accounting, net acid generation testing, elemental and mineralogical data, leach testing and humidity cell or column test results.
• Use laboratory, field and monitoring data to calibrate, validate and refine predictive geochemical models.
• Integrate geochemical predictions with water balance, hydrogeological and surface water assessments where required.
• Support geochemical characterisation programs and development of sampling and analytical strategies for waste rock, tailings, soils, sediments and water.
• Undertake geochemical assessments to support mine planning, waste management, environmental impact assessment, operational management, mine closure planning and rehabilitation.
• Evaluate uncertainty and sensitivity within geochemical predictions and clearly communicate limitations and assumptions.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports, proposals and presentations that translate complex geochemical processes and modelling results into clear conclusions and practical recommendations.
• Work collaboratively with ERM technical specialists and project teams across Australia and internationally.
• Support the continued development of ERM’s environmental geochemistry and predictive modelling capability.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or postgraduate degree in Environmental Geochemistry, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Hydrogeology or a related discipline.
• Minimum 5+ years of relevant consulting, mining, research or industry experience in environmental or mining geochemistry.
• Demonstrated understanding of aqueous geochemistry and water-rock interactions, including mineral dissolution and precipitation, speciation, sorption, redox processes and geochemical controls on water quality.
• Practical experience undertaking predictive geochemical modelling, ideally using PHREEQC, Geochemist’s Workbench or comparable modelling software.
• Experience interpreting geochemical characterisation datasets and laboratory testwork.
• Knowledge of AMD processes and the geochemical behaviour of mine wastes such as waste rock and tailings.
• An understanding of mine water quality, mine waste management and/or mine closure applications would be highly regarded.
• Experience integrating geochemical models with hydrological, hydrogeological or water balance information would be advantageous.
• Experience with data analysis, scripting or scientific computing tools such as Python or R would be advantageous.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to critically evaluate model assumptions, uncertainty and limitations.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex geochemical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Previous environmental consulting or mining industry experience would be highly regarded.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary and geographically dispersed project teams.
• Willingness to undertake occasional travel and site-based work.

APAC Ready to Lead Way

At ERM, your work creates impact that matters, helping global organisations tackle the most pressing sustainability challenges while shaping a better future for communities and the environment. Our vision is to empower you to grow, lead, and innovate alongside world-class clients on transformative projects.

You will have the opportunity to work with experienced geochemists, hydrogeologists, water specialists and mine closure practitioners on challenging projects across Australia and globally, while continuing to develop your technical expertise in environmental geochemistry and predictive modelling.

We prioritise wellbeing, continuous learning, and an inclusive culture where collaboration, expertise, and purpose drive meaningful impact. At ERM, diverse perspectives are celebrated, and innovation thrives. If you are ready to use your geochemical expertise to solve complex environmental challenges and build a career that creates lasting change, your journey starts here.

You can apply for this role through ERM Careers or through the internal careers portal if you are a current employee.

Discover Life at ERM
Curious about our culture and what makes ERM a great place to grow your career? Explore these resources to learn more about our people, values, and the impact we create:

Talent Brochure: TM - Candidate brochure

Life at ERM: Life at ERM