Critical Minerals Policy Advisor

State of Utah Office of the Governor•Salt Lake City, UT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Critical Minerals Policy Advisor has a deep understanding of the full critical minerals value chain, including exploration, extraction, processing, manufacturing, use, and recycling of critical minerals. The Critical Minerals Policy Advisor has experience with mining policy, and understands the challenges and opportunities facing critical mineral production in Utah and the United States. The Critical Minerals Policy Advisory will serve as the primary staffer for Utah’s Critical Minerals Council, created under S.B. 254 during the 2026 Utah Legislative Session. The Critical Minerals Policy Advisor will provide expertise and knowledge while assisting the members of the Critical Minerals Council. The Policy Advisor will conduct or lead research on behalf of the Critical Minerals Council, and reports to the Co-Chairs and other members of the Critical Minerals Council regarding their activities. The Critical Minerals Policy Advisor will make complex decisions to translate the Critical Minerals Council’s vision into program implementation. Ensures quality results and implements program alignment through internal and external collaboration. Coordinates meetings, agendas, and schedules to ensure productive communication between Critical Minerals Council members and compliance with Utah's Open and Public Meetings Act. Provides primary staff support for large-scale projects under the Critical Minerals Council's expansive portfolio.

Requirements

Comprehensive understanding of the full critical minerals lifecycle: exploration, extraction, processing, manufacturing, use, and recycling.
Proven experience navigating mining-sector regulations and general mining policy frameworks.
Deep knowledge of the challenges facing U.S. mineral development, including permitting hurdles, global competition, supply chain constraints, and safety requirements.
Practical experience with Utah’s specific legislative cycles and procedures.
Experience staffing government boards/commissions or working directly with elected officials and executive branch agencies.
Familiarity with government transparency laws, including the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act and the Government Records Access and Management Act.
Ability to handle complex, high-stakes decision-making processes.
Skill in translating technical mineral data into policy language for diverse stakeholders.
Ability to manage multi-faceted portfolios and drive collaboration across different governmental levels.
Must successfully pass a criminal history check.
Must pass a drug test.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary staffer for the newly created Utah Critical Minerals Council (S.B. 254), providing expert guidance and technical knowledge to members.
Translate the Council’s high-level vision into actionable programs and make complex decisions regarding program implementation.
Lead and conduct in-depth research on the critical minerals value chain to inform Council activities and policy recommendations.
Coordinate meetings, develop agendas, and manage schedules while ensuring strict compliance with Utah’s Open and Public Meetings Act.
Provide primary staff support and oversight for large-scale projects within the Council’s expansive portfolio.
Foster alignment between state agencies, executive branch offices, and external stakeholders to ensure quality results.
Regularly brief the Council Co-Chairs and members on activities, research findings, and project milestones.