Principal Geologist Exploration

Position Summary

The Principal Geologist – Exploration is a senior consulting geologist responsible for providing high-level technical leadership, project oversight and client-facing exploration support across Dahrouge’s Australian project portfolio. The role supports clients from generative targeting through drilling and resource-definition programs, with responsibility for technical quality, program design, geological interpretation, QA/QC, reporting and delivery of assigned consulting engagements. The Principal Geologist mentors technical teams, works closely with clients, contractors, Traditional Owners and regulators, and provides Competent Person and JORC-related support where appropriately qualified and appointed. The position combines hands-on technical work with project leadership, client service and business development, without assuming ownership-side responsibility for a client’s corporate exploration strategy or tenement portfolio unless specifically engaged to do so.

Key AccountabilitiesJob TitleImportant Tasks / Activities / OutcomesLeadership & Team Development:

• Provide senior technical leadership across assigned client exploration programs, from generative targeting through resource-definition drilling.

• Lead, mentor and review the work of geologists, geo-technicians and field staff, building technical capability and consistent consulting standards.

• Support project teams in delivering safe, practical and technically defensible exploration outcomes aligned with client objectives and Dahrouge standards.

Stakeholder Relations & Business Development:

• Develop and maintain trusted technical relationships with clients, joint venture partners, landholders, Traditional Owner groups/native title parties and regulators as required by individual engagements.

• Represent Dahrouge during client meetings, technical reviews, site visits and industry conferences, translating geological results and recommendations clearly for technical and non-technical audiences.

• Support business development by identifying follow-on work, new client opportunities and technically appropriate service solutions across exploration, project evaluation and due diligence.

Technical Leadership & Compliance:

• Act as a Competent Person under the JORC Code (2012), or provide technical support to an appointed Competent Person, where qualifications, experience and scope of engagement permit.

• Lead and review interpretation of geological, geochemical and geophysical data; develop and prioritise exploration targets; and review and develop geological models, resource inputs and technical reports.

• Independently lead and generate technical reports (JORC and NI 43-101), while managing study advancement and client objectives

• Prepare or review client technical disclosure, JORC Table 1 inputs and ASX-related technical content for accuracy, consistency and compliance within the agreed consulting scope.

Project & Program Management:

• Scope, plan, budget and oversee exploration work programs for clients, including drilling, mapping, geochemical/geophysical surveys, sampling and assay programs.

• Monitor project schedules, budgets, deliverables and technical risks, providing clear recommendations and regular progress reporting to clients and Dahrouge management.

• Coordinate contractors, drilling providers, laboratories, procurement and logistics for remote/FIFO programs, while working with clients on tenement, permitting and statutory obligations as required by scope.

Safety, Environment & Governance:

• Statutory Appointments & WHS Responsibilities

• Represent the client and/or Dahrouge in the statutory capacity defined by the written appointment, maintaining a clear understanding of the legal scope, decision authority, reporting lines and interfaces between the client operator, Dahrouge personnel, contractors and project stakeholders.

• Confirm that statutory appointments and alternates are documented, accepted, recorded and notified to the relevant regulator where required, and maintain evidence of applicable competencies, examinations, certificates and professional standing.

• Exercise the duties attached to an accepted statutory appointment personally and diligently, including appropriate oversight of hazard identification, risk management, supervision, safety systems, contractor interfaces, incident response and compliance with applicable site procedures and legislation.

• Champion a strong safety culture in line with applicable Work Health and Safety legislation, client requirements and Dahrouge HSE systems.

• Support clients and project teams in confirming that environmental approvals, heritage clearances and land-access requirements are in place before field activities commence.

• Identify and communicate material technical, operational, safety and schedule risks through Dahrouge and client reporting channels.

Training & Innovation:

• Develop and apply consistent technical standards, QA/QC protocols, data-management practices and peer-review processes across consulting assignments.

• Evaluate and implement fit-for-purpose exploration technologies and methodologies, including data analytics, remote sensing and advanced geophysics, where they improve project outcomes.

• Promote knowledge-sharing, technical review and continued professional development across the Dahrouge geology team.

Position RequirementsRequirementsRequiredEducation

• Bachelor’s degree (Honours preferred) in Geology, Earth Sciences or a related field.

• Postgraduate qualification (Master’s) advantageous.

Experience

• 15+ years’ experience in mineral exploration and/or mining, including strong experience within the Australian geological and regulatory environment.

• Demonstrated technical leadership across generative exploration, target development, drilling and resource-definition programs.

• Experience scoping and managing consulting or exploration programs, budgets, contractors, technical deliverables and multidisciplinary teams.

• Strong client-facing experience, including technical presentations, proposal/scoping input, stakeholder engagement and delivery of practical exploration recommendations.

• Experience engaging with Traditional Owners/native title parties, regulators and other project stakeholders is highly regarded.

Designations & Certifications

• Chartered Professional (CP) with AusIMM or Registered Professional Geoscientist (RPGeo) with AIG (or other Recognised Professional Organisation), in good standing, preferred for senior technical and public-reporting responsibilities.

• Eligible to act as a Competent Person under the JORC Code (2012) for relevant commodities and disclosure types where required by the engagement.

• Current unrestricted driver’s licence; 4WD/off-road driving competency highly regarded.

• Remote/Senior First Aid and CPR certification, and site safety induction (e.g., White Card), as required by project site.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced knowledge of geological principles, exploration targeting methodologies and industry-standard software (e.g., Leapfrog, Micromine, Vulcan, GIS/ArcGIS).

• Strong working knowledge of the JORC Code (2012), ASX technical disclosure requirements and relevant state Mining Act obligations as they affect client programs.

• Strong technical leadership, peer-review and mentoring capability, with the ability to guide project teams without requiring permanent line-management responsibility.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple client assignments, contractors, budgets, timelines and deliverables in office and remote/FIFO environments.

• Strong consulting and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear recommendations for clients and non-technical audiences.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving and commercial judgement, with the ability to adapt scope and technical approach as project conditions evolve.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication, including technical report writing, proposals, client presentations and public-disclosure support.

Working ConditionsFieldwork

• Regular travel to remote and regional project sites, often on a FIFO/DIDO roster; exposure to extreme heat, cyclonic weather (northern Australia) and remote, off-grid conditions.

• Exposure to challenging terrain and wildlife hazards (e.g., snakes) and biosecurity/quarantine requirements; core inspection and field logging may require lifting up to 25 kg and sustained concentration.

Office Work

• Generally controlled office/site-office environment, with periods of increased workload around drilling campaigns, client deliverables, technical reporting and public-disclosure deadlines.

• Minimal physical hazards; discomfort may arise from extended computer use and travel schedules.

Overall

• Strong personal commitment to safety leadership and adherence to site HSE protocols and PPE requirements.

• Hazard exposure varies by project, season and location (tropical, arid or alpine terrains across Australia), requiring adaptability.

• Clear, confident communication is essential for safe field execution, technical leadership, client service and stakeholder engagement.