GIS Specialist – Exploration and Site Support

Conda Phosphate Operations

Soda Springs, Idaho

The GIS Specialist, reporting to the Director of Exploration, Permitting and Reclamation, will provide support for geology, mine and exploration activities, environmental permitting and compliance, and reclamation activities. The GIS Specialist will be responsible for developing, maintaining, distributing and analyzing geospatial datasets critical to active exploration and mine development projects. This position will focus on development of accurate spatial file and data management, generating and continuously updating field map projects, developing accurate high-quality maps and models, and integrating GIS workflows into exploration, permitting, and long-term mine production and planning.

Specific Responsibilities

• Geospatial Data Management
  • Maintain enterprise GIS databases, geologic models, land ownership layers, drill-hole locations, topography, haul roads, utilities, and infrastructure.
  • Develop standardized geodatabases and schema for mine planning, permitting, and engineering.
  • Ensure QA/QC of spatial data received from contractors, surveyors, drill crews, and consultants.
  • Manage spatial data for multi-year mine plans, reclamation plans, and disturbance tracking.
• GIS Analysis & Modeling
  • Conduct spatial analysis for ore boundary delineation, overburden/stripping ratio calculations, haul-distance modeling, and pit optimization support.
  • Create and update disturbance polygons for permitting and compliance.
  • Perform terrain analysis, viewshed modeling, watershed delineation, and hydrology mapping for environmental teams.
  • Support geologists with drill hole visualization, geophysical data integration, and geologic interpretation.
• Cartography & Reporting
  • Produce high-quality maps for internal use, regulatory submissions, stakeholder meetings, and technical reports.
  • Prepare map books, interactive web maps, dashboards, and PDF map packets in support of geology and exploration activities.
  • Maintain consistent cartographic standards including symbology, coordinate systems, metadata, and layout templates.
  • Update daily, weekly, monthly geology and exploration operations maps with drilling and road construction progress, bird survey polygons and active exploration changes.
  • Work closely with exploration and environmental teams to conduct field surveys and to integrate drone imagery, LiDAR, and Trimble® GPS survey data into project workflow.
• Technology Integration
  • Integrate satellite imaging, drone photogrammetry, and LiDAR into exploration and environmental workflows.
  • Maintain GIS-to-mine-planning workflows (e.g., Surpac, Leapfrog®, Carlson/AutoCAD).
  • Support remote-sensing analysis for rock separation, vegetation mapping, and reclamation monitoring.
• Compliance & Environmental Support
  • Maintain accurate spatial data for NEPA, reclamation, water management, wildlife monitoring, and permit compliance.
  • Track historical and future disturbance totals for regulatory reports.
  • Produce maps and spatial datasets required for Federal/State filings.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Work directly with geology, mine engineering, environmental, survey, and operations personnel.
  • Communicate complex spatial information in simple, actionable formats for decision-making.
• Assist with long term exploration programs.
• Coordinate and manage 3rd party consultants/contractors.
• Perform basic survey duties in support of exploration activities and be able to import collected data into current validated models.
• Lead safety in a way that supports the Company’s 3 Key Principles and 10 Tenants of Operation, with a firm belief that all incidents are preventable.
• Review, develop, and improve site level documentation (standards, procedures, policies, etc.).
• May be required to work altered work schedules to meet site goals (especially during drilling season).
• Assist in developing initial short and long-term budgets and schedules for GIS activities, including integration into Exploration, Permitting and Reclamation activities.
• Support in strategizing exploration development activities with key stakeholders (agencies, contractors, other mining companies, etc.).
• Work in support of and integration with the Permitting group to provide input and strategy in future permitting efforts associated with long term mine development and progression.
• Work in support of and integration with the Reclamation group to provide input and strategy on aspects of current mine closure requirements and planning, exploration reclamation and long term mine closure activities.
• Provide support to other departments as available and needed.

Preferred skills and experience of the position include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Geomorphology, Cartography, Geology, or related field.
• Possess a minimum of three years of directly related GIS experience and/or demonstrated professional experience supporting technical teams in a Geomorphology, Cartography, or Geologic environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn and take directions from others and work as part of a team environment.
• Possess analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Possess a high level of oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to perform in high-pressure/time-sensitive situations and meet deadlines.
• Ability to develop trust and a working relationship with local, state, and federal regulatory agency personnel.
• Must be a highly motivated self-starter.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and can work well in a team environment.
• Ability to work in an office environment (60%) and field environment (40%) in all types of weather.

Work Schedule & Environment:

• 4-day x 10-hour work week, typically Monday through Thursday.
• May be required to work altered work schedules to meet site goals (especially during drilling season).
• Requirement to be responsive to Mine needs, including production upsets, during normal and off shift hours.
• Performing work in a combination of office/indoor and mining/outdoor settings (50% each).
• Typical mining environment working near moving equipment and mechanical parts, varying levels of noise, and near fumes or airborne particles.
• Performing work outdoors in a variety of environmental conditions including elevated temperatures, cold, rain, snow, etc.
• Performing work from elevated heights, platforms, and/or ladders.
• Performing work using a variety of types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses/goggles, gloves, hearing protection, fall protection, etc.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, and ascending/descending stairs.
• Requires full-time, on-site physical presence at our Mine location (Soda Springs, Idaho).

Employment Conditions:

• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States of America.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background screen, a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen, and a pre-placement fitness for duty evaluation.

** Itafos is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.**