Head of Resource Characterization en Careers at USA Rare Earth

Role Overview

The Head of Resource Characterization will lead the geological and resource modeling efforts for the Round Top rare earth elements project, ensuring the geological foundation required for a robust Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) and future development. This includes managing drilling programs, updating and validating the block model, interfacing with metallurgy and mine planning, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The role also provides technical support to corporate growth initiatives, including due diligence on property acquisitions.

Key Responsibilities

Resource Model & Database

·      Audit and update the current block model; define domains and morphology of the Round Top deposit.

·      Oversee geoscience database management, ensuring data integrity, security, and auditability.

·      Implement and enforce QA/QC protocols across drilling, sampling, assays, and data entry.

Exploration & Drilling

·      Design and manage drilling campaigns to close gaps in confidence and continuity.

·      Integrate downhole geophysics, wireline logs, and core data into the geological model, as appropriate.

Mine Development Integration

·      Provide geologic inputs for early mine design and sequencing studies.

·      Interface and foster collaborative relationships with mine engineering to ensure domains and ore variability are incorporated into mine development planning.

Metallurgy & Flowsheet Support

·      Lead mineralogical analyses to inform metallurgical test work and flowsheet design.

·      Interface and foster collaborative relationships with processing and EPC partners to align geology with metallurgy.

Team Leadership

·      Advocates and demonstrates a safety culture for employees and contractors, enforcing compliance with all regulatory and industry safety and environmental standards.

·      Build, manage, and mentor the geology team as the company scales.

·      Set technical standards, work processes, and training programs.

Acquisition & Growth Support

·      Conduct geological due diligence for potential acquisitions (domestic and international).

·      Provide resource/reserve assessments for investment decisions.

Compliance & Standards

·      Deliver all work to SK-1300 and NI 43-101 standards.

·      Prepare technical reports, PFS inputs, and board/executive briefings.

Qualifications

·      Minimum BSc in geology, MSc/PhD in geology preferred.

·      8+ years in resource modeling, geologic analysis, and drilling programs; experience with PEA/PFS/FS deposits.

·      Strong expertise with modeling software (Leapfrog, Minescape, Vulcan, etc.). 

·      Proven leadership experience managing geology teams.

·      Knowledge of mineralogy/metallurgy integration.

·      Critical mineral experience, particularly with rare earth elements, is an asset.

·      Due diligence and acquisition evaluation experience is an asset.

·      Effective communication skills with diverse stakeholders.