Day: October 9, 2025

Scholarship: GRFP Fellowship

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXIADiXw6rtH1ql6kIYSBjQtJDL_Pf4e-TVnTdB0dWgyaZxg/viewform

Planning the Application Workshop

Please register to attend the GRFP Planning the Application Workshop on October 15, 2025 from 4-5pm. At this workshop, you will work on starting your application in the NSF system, enlisting your letter writers, and outlining your statements. College of Engineering faculty will be available to work with you in small groups. 

After completing this form, you’ll receive a calendar invite with session details and location. Snacks will be provided.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd2msfEGbIWuqZ1lLknOXSX3GiAcuRiVKua9cSIIpdidbrWMg/viewform

Writing the Statements Workshop

Please register to attend the GRFP Writing the Statements Workshop on November 3, 2025 from 5-6pm.  At this workshop, you will work in small groups with faculty and writing center staff to review and revise your statements. 

After completing this form, you’ll receive a calendar invite with session details and location. Snacks will be provided.

Internship: Geotechnical Engineer – Rio Tinto

https://jobs.riotinto.com/job/22521293/intern-geotechnical-engineer/#gtm-jobdetail-desc

We are offering a 3-month Geotechnical Engineer Summer internship at our mine and refinery based in Boron, California.

We are an open, connected international team of technical specialists using some of the most exciting data and tools on the planet. We are the world leader in automation and smart mining.  We have technical development programs that are industry-leading and recognize the unique nature of your role. These provide opportunities to grow your career through a dedicated technical path while being rewarded for your unique skills.

Working in a challenging and exciting environment, within the RTM Borates Department, you will:

  • Perform engineering duties connected to rock mechanics, geotechnical monitoring systems such as radars, total stations and seismographs or working with our hydrogeology systems.

What you’ll bring

  • At least one year completed in Geotechnical engineering, Hydrogeology or other related field
  • Slope stability software such as Rocfall, Slide or SlopeW would be considered an asset
  • Leadership skills, eagerness to learn and ready for the challenge ahead
  • Flexibility and autonomy
  • Good communication skills and ability to work in a team
  • Valid driving licence

*To be eligible, you must be a registered student at a recognized American university and have the right to work full-time in the United States.

What we offer

  • A work environment where safety is always the number one priority
  • A competitive salary
  • A relocation lump-sum offered for students (for eligible students)
  • Reimburse 1-time travel to and from your work site (for eligible students)
  • Ambitious, exciting and rewarding experience
  • Opportunity to build relationships with the Rio Tinto team and community
  • A great chance to prepare yourself to join our Graduate Development Program 

Where will you be working

Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We supply approximately 25% of the world’s demand for refined borates, minerals essential to life and modern living. We seek to create mutual value by working closely with our investment partners and host communities. Our 20 Mule Team Borax brand pays tribute to our first borates mining operation in Death Valley in 1872.

Job: Drill & Blast Engineer – Rio Tinto

https://jobs.riotinto.com/job/22467442/drill-blast-engineer/#gtm-jobdetail-desc

Location: Boron, CA

About The Role

The Drill and Blast Engineer is responsible for the design, planning, execution, and optimization of drilling and blasting operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective mineral extraction. Reporting to the Senior Engineer, this role involves close collaboration with technical and operational staff to develop and implement blast strategies that align with operational goals and regulatory standards. The D&B engineer will be responsible for mitigating risks, optimizing wall control, and ensuring safe, compliant, and cost-effective mining.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design drill patterns and blast plans based on geological and geotechnical data.
  • Select appropriate explosives and detonation systems for each project.
  • Monitor drilling accuracy and adjust plans to minimize dilution and overbreak.
  • Conduct post-blast analysis and maintain detailed documentation.
  • Lead implementation of advanced blast design, analysis, and modeling tools (e.g., JKSimBlast, BlastIQ) to simulate wall response.
  • Drive continuous improvement through fragmentation analysis, vibration monitoring, and blast audits.
  • Align short-term blast execution with long-term pit design, ensuring wall angles and catch-bench configurations are preserved.
  • Collaborates with geotechnical teams to:
  • Incorporate prism, radar, and other monitoring data into blast designs.
  • Adjust charge weights and initiation sequences near zones of known movement or historical instability.
  • Support back-analysis of blast-induced wall deformation, improving predictive models and future designs.
  • Ensure compliance with safety, health, and environmental regulations.
  • Provide technical support and training to drill and blast crews.
  • Maintain and analyze stope metrics (e.g., powder factor, recovery rates).
  • Participate in safety meetings and conduct regular inspections of work areas.

What You’ll Bring (Minimum Qualifications)

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Explosive Engineering, or related field.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience in drill and blast engineering, preferably in open-pit mining.
  • Proficiency in blast design software and 3D mine planning tools.
  • Strong understanding of explosives, drilling equipment, and blasting techniques.
  • Knowledge of regulatory standards (e.g., MSHA, Explosives Act).
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Valid driver’s license
  • Familiarity with Boron’s unique mineralogy and operational environment is a plus.

It will also be beneficial if you have:

  • Experience with borates or similar industrial minerals.
  • Knowledge of vibration monitoring and environmental impact mitigation.
  • Exposure to lean mining practices and operational efficiency programs.

Work Environment

Primarily field-based at the Boron mine site with some office-based planning.

Exposure to desert climate and rugged terrain.

PPE and safety protocols strictly enforced.

What we offer

Here is just a glimpse of our industry leading rewards package:

  • A safety-focused and inclusive working environment
  • A competitive salary package with annual cash incentive awards (STIP) for eligible employees
  • Career development & education assistance to further your ambitions
  • Access to top tier family-friendly health and medical programs
  • Excellent retirement plan
  • A comprehensive leave policy that covers all moments that matter in life (vacation/annual, paid parental leave, short term sick leave, paid holidays)
  • Ongoing individual wellbeing support for you and your family for personal and professional matters
  • Generous Rio Tinto employee share program

Where you will be working

This role is located in Boron; CA. Rio Tinto Borates is a global leader in industrial mineral supply and science. We provide 30 per cent of the world’s supply of refined borates; remarkable minerals that are essential to life and to modern living.

Also known for its 20 Mule Team Borax brand, Rio Tinto Borates traces its roots to California’s Death Valley, where borate deposits were discovered in 1872.

The twenty-mule teams Borax used to haul ore out of the remote desert live on as a symbol of our commitment to innovation. Rio Tinto Borates distinguishes itself through world-class safety, environmental and community practices, and a commitment to constant innovation and improvement.

Job: Geophysicist – Ormat

https://careers.ormat.com/OrmatGlobal/job/Reno-Geophysicist-NV-89511/1328876557

Location:  

Reno, NV, US, 89511

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for geophysical evaluations to support world-class exploration, development and operations of geothermal resources globally.  An individual in this role will work in a world-class collaborative and multi-disciplinary environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Maintains a safe work place and takes responsibility for safety with the goal of zero incidents
  • Performs a variety of tasks with a capability to work independently or within a team environment.  Completes work assignments with limited levels of supervision.
  • Acts in a dependable manner and uses sound judgement in all activities. 
  • Possesses a high willingness to receive coaching, mentoring and training to continually improve.  Conducts training of others as-required in areas of responsibility or specialized knowledge.
  • Prepares technical insights in a suitable communication method such as reports and presentations with accurate use of company tools, templates and standards
  • Manages data and information in a manner that is consistent with company systems and processes
  • Works independently on Projects and leads activities to achieve timely, measurable and relevant outcomes for the company
  • Actively contributes to team discussions and cultivates a positive team environment in all situations
  • Develops conceptual models of geothermal systems in collaboration with geologists, geochemists, and reservoir engineers to support company goals for exploration, development, and operations.
  • Responsible for geophysical recommendations aligned with department goals, contributing to the evaluation of geothermal prospects for acquisition, exploration, and operating asset optimization.
  • Maintains knowledge of the latest technology and best practices in geothermal exploration and operations, with a focus on geophysical techniques.
  • Work closely with geologists, reservoir engineers, and other disciplines to recommend subsurface targets for drilling campaigns based on world-class interpretations.
  • Designs geophysical surveys, including but not limited to magnetotellurics (MT), gravity, and magnetics, ensuring fit-for-purpose designs based on working hypotheses.
  • Manages geophysical acquisition through contractor and project management, working with procurement to secure the best services and ensure cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality.
  • Responsible for pre-survey planning, including survey design, scouting, permitting, generation of maps, and organizing geospatial data sets.
  • Conducts fieldwork as necessary for geophysical oversight, including performing in-house surveys periodically.
  • Processes MT time series data, analyzes data quality, identifies noise sources, and maintains organized databases for efficient data handling.
  • Performs numerous modeling techniques of geophysical datasets including: 2D MT modeling, inversions, gravity modeling, and integrated models of various geophysical datasets
  • Conducts data mining, QA/QC of geophysical data, and performs equipment calibration and maintenance to ensure the accuracy and reliability of data.
  • Prepares maps, cross sections, and other figures to represent geophysical interpretations and support the development of conceptual models.
  • Interprets both 2D and 3D seismic data, correlating wireline logs and other geological information to seismic data for integrated analysis.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Other duties and projects as assigned by management

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED

  • Must possess Master of Science or Engineering in a relevant subject. A Doctorate degree in a relevant subject is advantageous.
  • Must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in the industry or related fields, generally with 2 – 10 years of experience.
  • Experience in Project Management is preferred.  Experience under the PMI project management framework is preferred, ideally holding either CAPM or PMP qualification
  • Must be able to use and acquire knowledge of a variety of computer software applications in word processing, spreadsheets, database and presentation. Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, Power Point and use of the Internet.
  • Experience in geophysical surveys and analysis is required.  Experience in geologic mapping and/or geochemical surveys and analysis is advantageous.
  • Proficiency in technical specialist applications including, but not limited to, Kingdom, Oasis Montaj, Landmark, CAD, ArcGIS, ENVI, Global Mapper and Leapfrog
  • Must have strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Must be able to read, write and speak English at a level which will permit the employee to accurately understand and communicate information to safely and efficiently perform the job duties.  Proficiency in other languages is advantageous, especially in Spanish and Bahasa (Indonesia).
  • Ability to prioritize and plan work activities so time is used efficiently and effectively
  • Must demonstrate accuracy and thoroughness to ensure quality performance
  • Ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
  • Must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to Ormat’s auto insurance carrier

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • The ability to work in an office environment and to work at a computer, and computer monitor, and use repetitive motion for long periods of time
  • The ability to work in a power plant and wellfield near hot pipes, drilling rigs and heavy equipment
  • The ability to navigate and work in remote field locations and work outdoors in difficult weather conditions
  • The ability to walk, hike, and work on steep, rough terrain for extended periods of time
  • The ability to safely operate 4WD light vehicles on highways and off-road safely
  • The ability to wear appropriate personal protective equipment
  • The ability to frequently lift up to 25 lbs
  • The ability to travel up to 30% of the time, including internationally