About the role#
This summer internship provides hands-on exposure to geotechnical and water resources engineering within a mining environment. You will work under supervision to apply principles of soil mechanics, hydrology, hydrogeology, hydraulics, and slope stability analysis. The role supports the safe and efficient operation of tailings storage facilities, heap leach pads, and water dams. This is a full-time, paid position based on-site in Phoenix, Arizona.
What you'll do#
- Assist with geotechnical and water management projects related to tailings storage, heap leach pads, and water dams.
- Support geotechnical monitoring programs by collecting, organizing, and analyzing data.
- Participate in field investigation programs, including drilling, Cone Penetrometer Testing (CPT), test pits, and sampling.
- Generate cross sections, profiles, maps, and engineering figures.
- Conduct field inspections of slopes, embankments, beaches, drainage systems, and ponds.
- Support beach profiling, bathymetric surveys, and drone surveys.
- Assist with water balance modeling and field data verification.
- Prepare technical inspection reports, summaries, and presentation materials.
- Collaborate with site operations, engineering, environmental, and water resources teams.
- Perform data validation and trend reviews to support engineering decisions.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment in a full-time bachelor’s or graduate program in Civil Engineering (or a closely related field) at an accredited university, or graduation within 12 months of the internship start date.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D, MineSight, Power BI, or GIS software.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and under pressure.
- Commitment to following all health, safety, and environmental procedures.
- Preference is given to students pursuing a Master’s degree in Geotechnical or Civil Engineering, as well as those who have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam or hold EIT status.
- Preferred experience includes knowledge of geotechnical instrumentation, soil characterization, water resources modeling (HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, MIKE-11), GoldSim, and ArcGIS.
Location & details#
- Location: Phoenix, AZ
- Term: Summer 2027
- Modality: On-site
- Sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates
- Physical requirements: Ability to work in office and field settings, including exposure to varied weather conditions and industrial environments. Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds and wear required personal protective equipment.
About Freeport-McMoRan
Freeport-McMoRan is a mining company based in Phoenix, Arizona. Founded in 1834, it focuses on the production of copper, gold, and molybdenum. The company operates assets in North America, South America, and Indonesia. It employs over 10,001 people.
How to get in at Freeport-McMoRan
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