Principal Structural Geologist – Mining & Exploration (Experienced Level)

🎯 Principal Structural Geologist – Mining & Exploration (Experienced Level)

Location: Dammam, Saudi Arabia

Job Type: Full-Time, Employee

Seniority: Principal / Senior Technical Leadership

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🎯 Position Overview

We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Principal Structural Geologist to join our expanding mining and exploration practice in Saudi Arabia. This is a high-impact leadership position dedicated to advancing structural geology excellence across major mining, mineral exploration, and infrastructure programs within the rapidly growing Arabian mining sector.

The successful candidate will be entrusted with strategic technical leadership, advanced structural interpretation, 3D geological modeling, geohazard analysis, and business development responsibilities that support Saudi Arabia’s ongoing transformation into a global mining hub.

This role goes beyond technical execution. It requires an expert capable of influencing project direction, shaping exploration strategies, strengthening operational safety, and delivering future-ready geological insights that increase confidence across all stages of project development—from greenfield targeting to mine feasibility, development, and closure.

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🎯 Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Technical Leadership & Project Oversight

This role combines hands-on project delivery with senior-level leadership responsibilities. You will:

Lead structural geology components across major mining programs, from conceptual studies to advanced mine design and closure planning.

Serve as the organization’s principal authority on structural geology, ensuring technical excellence, compliance with best practices, and strategic alignment with project objectives.

Develop, refine, and implement structural geology methodologies, ensuring consistent standards across all teams and project sites.

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2. Advanced Structural Geology Interpretation & Modeling

You will oversee and deliver complex geological analyses, including:

Fault and shear zone characterization

Lineament mapping using satellite and geophysical datasets

Kinematic and geometric structural analysis

3D geological modeling and interpretation of ore body controls

Integration of geophysical, geochemical, and geotechnical datasets to produce predictive structural frameworks

Your work will directly influence exploration drilling strategies, mine planning, structural risk evaluation, and resource estimation.

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3. Structural Data Quality Management & SOP Development

You will establish and enforce technical standards for:

Structural logging and orientation data collection

Core orientation quality assurance

Underground and open-pit mapping methods

Digital mapping and geospatial data workflows

Structural model validation and uncertainty analysis

This includes developing internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aligned with international best-practice methods.

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4. Geohazard Assessment & Slope Stability Analysis

You will play a critical role in evaluating and mitigating geological risks for mining and infrastructure projects, including:

Pit wall stability assessment

Structural control of slope failure mechanisms

Rock mass characterization

Geomechanical interpretation for mine design

You will work closely with engineering geology and geotechnical teams to support safe, efficient, and compliant project delivery.

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5. Business Development & Strategic Growth

As a senior leader, you will:

Identify new project opportunities and shape proposals

Represent the company in technical presentations, workshops, and client meetings

Influence the direction of major bids through authoritative geological insight

Support regional growth strategies through innovation and technical differentiation

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6. Mentorship & Capability Development

This role includes leadership in developing the skills of junior and mid-level geoscientists:

Provide hands-on coaching in structural geology, mapping, modeling, and interpretation

Lead internal technical training programs

Promote scientific rigor, safe work practices, and a culture of continuous improvement

Support the development of future leaders through structured mentorship and project exposure

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🎯 Qualifications & Experience

🎯 Core Educational Requirements

MSc or PhD in Geology, ideally with specialization in Structural Geology, Tectonics, or Geological Modeling.

Advanced postgraduate credentials are strongly valued due to the complexity and seniority of the role.

🎯 Professional Competency Requirements

Minimum 15 years of professional experience in structural geology within mining and/or mineral exploration.

At least 5 years in a Principal or Senior Consulting capacity, leading multidisciplinary teams and overseeing major geological programs.

Proven experience in multiple geological terranes is highly desirable, including orogenic systems, arc terranes, shear-zone hosted deposits, intrusive-related systems, or rift basins.

🎯 Technical Software Expertise

You must demonstrate expert-level capability in:

Leapfrog Geo – Advanced 3D modeling, structural trend modeling, and implicit modeling workflows

Surpac, GOCAD, MOVE – Structural modeling, geotechnical integration, and cross-sectional analysis

ArcGIS / QGIS – Geospatial analysis, lineament mapping, and spatial data management

🎯 Leadership & Communication Skills

Strong project management capability with experience leading large or complex exploration and mining programs.

Demonstrated ability to communicate structural interpretations, risk assessments, and strategic recommendations to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including experience interacting with government entities, mining clients, joint-venture partners, and regulatory agencies.

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🎯 Why This Role Matters

Saudi Arabia is undergoing a major transformation in its mining sector under Vision 2030. As a Principal Structural Geologist, you will contribute directly to:

• National resource development objectives
• Safer and more efficient mine design
• Advanced exploration strategies in underexplored terranes
• The expansion of one of the world’s fastest-growing mineral sectors

• Your leadership will help shape high-value decisions, improve long-term project outcomes, and support world-class geological understanding across major mining assets.

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🎯 Apply Here:

https://www.fugro.com/careers/jobs/R0029660-principal-structural-geologist-mining-and-exploration

🎯 Disclaimer for Recruitment Agencies

Fugro does not accept unsolicited applications from recruitment agencies. Any acquisition, outreach, or candidate submission to Fugro Recruitment or any Fugro employee is not appreciated and will not be considered.