Senior Permitting Specialist

GSI Environmental•Missoula, MT

19h

About The Position

GSI Environmental is seeking a Senior Permitting Specialist to join its growing mining and natural resource development practice. The position focuses on permitting and supports a diverse range of environmental projects in the natural resource development industry, primarily in the Western United States, with periodic travel to project sites as needed. The role is suited to an experienced environmental professional who understands how to move mining projects through federal, state, and local permitting processes. The successful candidate will work directly with mining clients, regulators, technical specialists, and project teams to develop permitting strategies, prepare applications and environmental review documents, and advance projects from exploration and development through operations, expansion, and closure. The role includes leading or supporting permitting strategies and applications, coordinating multidisciplinary environmental studies, managing project schedules and budgets, and serving as a point of contact for clients and regulatory agencies. It also contributes to proposal development, client development, and the growth of GSI’s mining practice, while mentoring staff and promoting collaboration across offices. The base salary will be determined by the candidate’s geographic location, education, relevant degree, related experience, and overall qualifications.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or higher in environmental science, geology, engineering, natural resources, planning, or a related field.
10 or more years of relevant environmental permitting, regulatory compliance, or environmental consulting experience.
Demonstrated experience leading or materially supporting permitting for hard rock mining, industrial mineral, or other large natural resource projects.
Working knowledge of NEPA and federal land management permitting processes, with practical experience interacting with federal and state regulatory agencies.
Experience managing multidisciplinary environmental studies, project schedules, budgets, subcontractors, and client deliverables.
Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear and defensible regulatory documents.
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel domestically for project and client needs.

Nice To Haves

Substantial mining-sector experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead or support permitting strategies for new mines, mine expansions, and exploration programs.
Manage and prepare permit applications, Plans of Operations, environmental assessments, environmental impact statements, baseline study plans, and supporting regulatory documentation.
Support projects subject to NEPA and related federal requirements, including coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Support state and local mine permitting, reclamation, water quality, water right, air quality, wetlands, and land use approvals.
Develop permitting schedules, regulatory strategies, scopes of work, budgets, and project execution plans; track commitments, agency comments, and permit conditions through completion.
Coordinate multidisciplinary technical teams conducting hydrogeology, geochemistry, hydrology, biology, and other baseline and impact-assessment studies.
Serve as a primary point of contact with clients and regulatory agencies and participate in agency meetings, technical working groups, public meetings, and stakeholder coordination as appropriate.
Review technical work products for consistency with permitting requirements and help translate complex technical information into clear, regulator-ready documents.
Prepare proposals, support client development, and contribute to the continued growth of GSI’s mining practice.
Mentor junior and mid-level staff and promote collaboration among GSI technical experts across offices.