Lead Resource Geologist
Mariana Minerals - Houston, TX
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About Mariana MineralsMariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We're reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.The RoleMariana Minerals is seeking a Lead Resource Geologist to support resource development, mine geology, and technical studies across open pit and underground mining projects. This role will contribute directly to geological interpretation, resource modeling, and grade control inputs that underpin mine planning, engineering, and economic evaluation.In this role, you will work closely with mine planning, mining engineering, and operations teams to ensure geological models are technically sound, practical, and aligned with mining realities. You will apply hands-on experience in nickel and copper systems to support resource growth, model refinement, and operational decision-making across multiple stages of project development.This role is ideal for a geologist with solid field, modeling, and operational experience who wants to demonstrate technical excellence and impact in a fast-moving, project-driven environment.What You'll DoGeological Modeling & InterpretationOwn geological and mineral resource model governance, including assumptions, documentation, uncertainty, and technical defensibilityBuild, update, and maintain geological and resource models supporting open pit and underground mine designs and economic evaluationInterpret lithology, structure, alteration, and mineralization using drilling, mapping, and sampling dataDefine and apply domain-based modeling approaches and geostatistical methods appropriate for Ni and Cu deposit typesResource Development & Mine Geology SupportProvide geological inputs to mine planning and scheduling, including ore/waste boundaries, grade trends, and structural controlsSupport grade control strategies and short-term geological models in both open pit and underground environmentsDrive near-mine resource growth through targeting, drill prioritization, and model-driven explorationProvide geological inputs to reserve conversion, including modifying factors, dilution assumptions, and model validationCross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with mine planners, mining engineers, and geotechnical teams to ensure geological models are fit-for-purposeTranslate geological uncertainty and risk into clear inputs for planning and engineering trade-off decisionsSupport technical study work across conceptual, PEA, PFS, and FS stagesData Quality & Technical RigorEnsure high standards for geological data quality, QA/QC, and documentationReview and validate drilling, sampling, and assay data prior to model incorporationMaintain clear assumptions and traceability in all geological deliverablesEnsure geological and resource work complies with applicable reporting codes (e.g. JORC, NI 43-101, CRIRSCO-aligned standards)Operational & Field SupportDefine geological objectives, data requirements, and standards for drilling, logging, and sampling, and provide geological oversight of field executionUndertake or review field mapping, underground mapping, and face mapping as requiredSupport or lead reconciliation of geological and resource models against production dataDesired QualificationsBachelor's degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred)10+ years of progressive experience in mine and/or resource geologyDemonstrated experience supporting both open pit and underground mining operationsDirect experience with nickel and copper mineral systemsStrong applied geostatistical and mineral resource estimation experience, including domaining, variography, classification, and reportingProficiency with geological modeling and estimation software (e.g., Leapfrog, Datamine, Vulcan, Micromine)Strong understanding of geological controls on mineralization and their implications for miningAbility to communicate geological concepts clearly to non-geologistsWillingness to work across office and site environments as neededProfessional Geologist (P.Geo or equivalent), or eligibilityDemonstrated leadership of mineral resource estimates under reporting codes (e.g. NI43-101, JORC)Experience in greenfield or brownfield exploration programs tied to active minesWhy Join Us?At Mariana Minerals, you'll be part of a mission-driven team reshaping the way critical minerals are sourced and supplied globally. You'll have the autonomy to make big decisions, the tools to innovate, and a culture that values ownership, smart automation, and collaboration.Our culture is built on three principles:Extreme Ownership - We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate - We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.Share Your Legos - We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.Mariana is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Created: 2026-04-02