Senior Environmental Specialist

The Senior Environmental Specialist is responsible for providing advanced technical leadership and environmental compliance oversight for the Project. This role ensures compliance with all applicable environmental permits, regulations, company standards, and sustainability commitments while supporting project development, construction, and operational activities. The role partners with operations, construction, technical services, and management teams to proactively identify and mitigate environmental risks, support sustainable operations, and maintain positive relationships with regulatory agencies and stakeholders. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations, permits, and company standards, including requirements related to AZPDES, APP, RCRA, SPCC, CAA, and CWA.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on environmental compliance, permitting, risk management, and environmental stewardship initiatives across the Project.
• Implement and support environmental programs in alignment with the company’s Sustainability Policy, Environment & Climate Change Standard, Environmental Management System (EMS), and other corporate requirements.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, environmental responsibility, and continuous improvement while meeting all company and MSHA safety requirements.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, regulatory agencies, government entities, consultants, contractors, and industry organizations.
• Monitor regulatory developments and emerging environmental trends, assess impacts to operations, and recommend necessary changes to compliance programs, procedures, and management systems.
• Support environmental risk identification, assessment, and mitigation efforts, and provide timely communication of environmental concerns and compliance risks to site leadership.
• Develop, implement, and maintain environmental procedures, plans, and programs necessary to support permit compliance, operational requirements, and company standards.
• Lead and participate in environmental audits, inspections, and compliance assessments of company operations and contractors, including development and tracking of corrective actions.
• Support environmental aspects of operational and project change management processes, including BMP implementation, Environmental Permit to Work reviews, new chemical evaluations, and project planning activities.
• Oversee environmental monitoring, data collection, studies, and consultant activities to ensure quality, regulatory compliance, and achievement of project objectives.
• Manage and support environmental data systems, including EarthSoft EQuIS, to ensure accurate data management, compliance tracking, analysis, and reporting.
• Prepare, review, and coordinate environmental reports, regulatory submissions, permit applications, and compliance documentation.
• Contribute to departmental and company objectives through strategic planning, budget planning, continuous improvement initiatives, and long-range environmental program development.
• Mentor and provide guidance to environmental staff and cross-functional teams to strengthen environmental awareness, compliance, and operational performance.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPEREINCE:

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• 6+years of progressively responsible environmental compliance experience in mining, industrial operations, energy, infrastructure, or related industries.
• Demonstrated experience managing environmental compliance programs and regulatory requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company vehicle insurance requirements.
• Ability to pass required background checks and drug screening.
• Willingness and ability to work underground, at construction sites, and in remote outdoor environments, including rough terrain.

Technical/Specialist Skills Required

• Advanced knowledge of environmental regulations and permitting requirements applicable to mining and industrial operations.
• Strong understanding of air quality, water quality, waste management, hazardous materials, reclamation, and environmental management systems.
• Experience interpreting permit conditions and developing compliance strategies.
• Proficiency with environmental data management and reporting systems.
• Experience with EarthSoft EQuIS or comparable environmental databases.
• Working knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS and spatial data management.
• Strong project management and contractor management capabilities.
• Advanced technical report writing and regulatory communication skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Experience Required

• Demonstrated experience managing complex environmental programs and regulatory requirements.
• Experience supporting environmental audits, inspections, and incident investigations.
• Experience in preparing compliance reports, and technical regulatory submissions.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary projects and managing consultants.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and providing technical leadership.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and continuous improvement.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of the organization.