Environmental & Permitting Principal
About The Position
NewRange Copper Nickel is seeking a highly motivated and committed individual for the Environmental & Permitting Principal position for the NorthMet project. This role reports to the Environmental and Permitting Manager and is responsible for the daily management of environmental leads, specialists, contractors, and vendors. The Principal directs site departments on environmental compliance, provides permitting direction for new or modified permits, manages compliance with existing permits, and conducts routine environmental reviews and audits. The position also tracks the department budget, cost allocations, purchasing, and service agreements related to compliance. This role serves as the subject matter expert on air permitting and regulations and is accountable for staff development and training. The successful candidate will work out of the NewRange office in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. All roles at NewRange are expected to be courageous safety leaders, fostering a proactive safety and sustainability culture based on health, safety, environment, and communities.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in environmental permitting and compliance, preferably within mining or large, complex project development environments.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in air related permitting and compliance, preferably within mining or large, complex project development environments.
- Demonstrated expertise in federal, state, and local environmental permitting frameworks and regulatory processes.
- Comprehensive understanding of environmental science, technical and engineering design concepts, and their integration into project development and operational planning.
- Proven experience leading multidisciplinary environmental programs and interfacing with regulatory agencies and senior leadership.
- Valid driver’s license with good driving record.
- Strategic ability to interpret and apply environmental permitting requirements to advance major projects while managing regulatory risk.
- Advanced written and oral communication skills, with the ability to deliver executive-level briefings and technical presentations in public and regulatory forums.
- Strong leadership capabilities, including direct supervision of internal staff and oversight of external consultants and contractors.
- Ability to mentor and develop environmental professionals, fostering technical excellence and regulatory competency.
- Expertise in developing compliance tracking systems and governance processes to ensure continual adherence to permit conditions and reporting obligations.
- Advanced organizational planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and firm deadlines.
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with regulators, community leaders, Tribal governments, and cross-functional project teams.
- Vendor and consultant management expertise, including development of scopes of work, establishment of performance metrics, tracking deliverables, and ensuring alignment with project objectives.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety leadership and environmental stewardship principles within a mining or industrial setting.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree preferred.
- Professional engineering license or equivalent professional designation preferred.
Responsibilities
- Promote environmental awareness and responsible practices across project activities.
- Collaborate with all departments to ensure alignment of required permits and regulatory compliance for all NorthMet site and construction activities at the local, state, and federal levels.
- Support leadership with future permitting evaluations that support project development and operational timelines and assist with preparation and review of new and revised permit applications and environmental studies.
- Develop internal guidelines and standard operating procedures aligned with environmental compliance and permitting requirements.
- Conduct environmental audits and department reviews to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Support regulatory inspections and audits, including documentation and response coordination. Lead compliance efforts regarding agency actions such as enforcement actions, consent decrees, stipulations or similar, including coordination and development of responses and mitigations.
- Prepare and deliver monthly environmental compliance reports to leadership.
- Maintain knowledge of applicable environmental regulatory requirements.
- Oversee work schedules and assignments for environmental staff and supporting contractors.
- Manage talent within the department, including hiring, performance evaluations, coaching, and disciplinary actions.
- Oversee staff development, continuing education, and skills advancement to ensure awareness of regulatory updates and best practices.
- Manage external consultants and contractors, including development of scopes of work and service agreements.
- Ensure vendor compliance with environmental regulations and applicable worksite requirements.
- Perform additional duties and responsibilities as assigned to meet operational needs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
