Program Manager Environmental Permitting and Regulatory

Cleveland-Cliffs•Forbes, ND

6d•$110,000 - $140,000

About The Position

Cleveland-Cliffs is seeking a highly experienced Program Manager Environmental Permitting & Regulatory to lead environmental permitting and regulatory initiatives for its Mining and Pelletizing operations in Northern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The role manages environmental permitting activities and coordinates closely with site environmental managers, providing guidance and overseeing the preparation of permit applications. It also monitors and analyzes emerging environmental regulations, assesses their business impact, participates in state and federal rulemaking, and advocates for sound environmental regulatory policy with external stakeholders and trade associations. The position reports to the Environmental Director for the Mining and Pelletizing business. It may be based at the United Taconite Forbes office in Northeastern Minnesota or at Cleveland-Cliffs headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio. Cleveland-Cliffs is a vertically integrated steel and iron ore pellet producer. The company offers competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement, paid time off, and other benefits. The salary range for this role is $110,000–$140,000.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or an environmental discipline.
Familiarity with the design and operation of industrial air-emission control and water-treatment systems.
Demonstrated experience preparing and submitting environmental permit applications and other environmental compliance requirements, reports, and documentation.
Expertise in analyzing and interpreting the impact of environmental regulations on facilities.
Must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Nice To Haves

At least 10 years of professional environmental experience, including permitting and reporting.
Working knowledge of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act (Sections 401, 402, and 404), and Minnesota and Michigan air-quality regulations.

Responsibilities

Oversee environmental permit applications and ensure consistency across sites, including permitting for wetlands under Section 404/Army Corps of Engineers and the Minnesota Wetlands Conservation Act, as well as Minnesota DNR Permits to Mine.
Develop procedures and ensure consistency across sites for reclamation activities, tracking and updating financial assurance obligations, and tracking environmental performance.
Help develop proactive NPDES/State Disposal System water permitting and reissuance strategies to address evolving regulations and definitions of Waters of the United States and Waters of the State.
Monitor and analyze emerging local, state, and federal environmental regulations and laws, assess their impact on company operations, and guide site environmental managers.
Advise the Environmental Director and maintain risk registries addressing emerging regulations, permitting issues, operational risks, and compliance obligations.
Conduct site environmental assessments and identify potential environmental risks and liabilities.
Evaluate prospective projects against NEPA/MEPA environmental review obligations and manage EAW/EIS studies when required.
Develop and maintain relationships with internal teams, regulatory agencies, and local communities.
Represent the company on environmental committees of industry trade associations.
Advise the Environmental Director on opportunities and priorities for advocating improvements to environmental legislation or regulations.
Develop comments and engage with local, state, and federal agencies on environmental rulemaking and policy development.
Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.