Environmental Specialist, Mine Permitting

Environmental Specialist, Mine Permitting

Conda Phosphate Operations

Soda Springs, Idaho

The Environmental Specialist, Mine Permitting, reporting directly to the Director of Exploration, Permitting and Reclamation, will manage all present and future mine permitting projects as an integral part of the current mine development team that is responsible for developing future of mine projects and closure of exiting mines. This position is responsible for all activities related to the successful attainment and implementation of permits in conjunction with mining, while playing a critical role in securing ore resources for the future sustainability of the Itafos Conda facility. The position will be required to work closely with numerous regulatory agencies to negotiate outcomes for future mining activities and will participate in the development of innovative strategies regarding programs, processes and services to maximize resources. The qualified individual should have 10 years of experience with and be responsible for conducting environmental permitting related to mining projects, coordinating the implementation and completion of project studies and analysis with internal personnel and outside consulting firms, as well as a proven history in developing strategies to minimize potential permitting delays. The successful candidate will have a history of working with transparency, respect and honesty.

Specific Responsibilities

• Conducting environmental permitting activities related to mining projects and exploration drilling, including but not limited to:
  • Managing the preparation and review of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents including Environmental Assessments (EAs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs).
  • Ensuring compliance with ongoing mine activities focused on NEPA regulations and agency Conditions of Approval.
  • Overseeing the NEPA process, once initiated, by coordinating with consultants and agency personnel while overseeing scoping and alternative analysis.
  • Developing Environmental Baseline Plan of Study in conjunction with agency personnel, then coordinating the implementation, execution and completion of Environmental Baseline Studies with internal personnel and consulting firms, ensuring the quality and accuracy of collected data.
  • Manage the procurement of all necessary State and Federal permits to open future mining projects including the EIS-Record of Decision, air permits, 404 permits and Point of Compliance permits.
• Prepare and oversee the execution of permit applications and studies required for all county and state permits associated with the permitting process.
• Develop, implement and update a strategic plan for the long-term success of ongoing permitting activities.
• Identify and communicate permitting project risks and develop/implement mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate, manage and maintain a permitting organizational structure for both third-party consultants working under the direction of government agencies and first party contractors working directly for Itafos.
• Develop detailed short and long-term permitting schedules and budgets for all permitting activities as well as providing input on budgetary requirements associated with exploration and reclamation activities.
• Work closely with the active Mine team (engineering, EH&S, and operations) to ensure that an environmentally responsible mine and closure plan is submitted to the governing agencies for each project.
• Prepare and deliver presentations, project status updates, and communicate critical information to site and company management to promote organizational understanding and enable informed decision making.
• Work in support of and in coordination with the Mine Exploration group to provide input and strategy in future exploration drilling and reclamation efforts associated with long term mine development and mining progression.
• Work in support of and in coordination with the Reclamation group to provide input and strategy on aspects of current mine closure requirements and planning, exploration reclamation and long term mine closure activities.
• Lead safety in a way that supports the Company’s 3 Key Principles and 10 Tenants of Operation, with a firm belief that all incidents are preventable.
• Review, develop, implement and improve site level documentation (standards, procedures, policies, etc.).

Preferred skills and experience of the position include:

• Possess a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited university in Environmental Sciences, Planning, Natural Resources, Geology, Environmental Engineering, or other related field.
• Ten plus of previous experience directly related to mine permitting activities.
• Ten plus years of previous experience directly related to federal and state agency interactions.
• Possess and in-depth knowledge of NEPA regulations, environmental studies and the environmental permitting process.
• Demonstrated ability to execute short and long-term projects within defined timelines and budgetary obligations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft’s Suite of Software; Word, Excel and PowerPoint, and working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro ® Software.
• Ability to learn and take directions from others and work as part of a team environment.
• Possess analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Possess a high level of oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate and prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to perform in high-pressure/time-sensitive situations to meet deadlines.
• Ability to establish rapport and develop productive working relationships with Federal, state, and local regulatory agency personnel.
• Must be a highly motivated self-starter.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills and can work well in a team environment.

Work Schedule & Environment:

• This position requires a full-time, on-site physical presence at the Itafos Conda plant and mine facilities located in Soda Springs, Idaho.
• 4-day x 10-hour work week, Monday through Thursday.
  • May be required to work altered work schedules to meet permitting project goals and timelines, particularly during the summer field season.
  • Requirement to be responsive to mining/permitting needs during normal and off shift hours.
• Performing work in a combination of office/indoor and mining/outdoor settings (50% each) in a variety of environmental conditions including elevated temperatures, cold, rain, snow, etc.
• Performing work using a variety of types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses/goggles, gloves, hearing protection, fall protection, etc.
• A typical mining environment working near moving equipment and mechanical parts, varying levels of noise, and near fumes or airborne particles.
• Required to travel 10-20% of the time to meet with key stakeholders (agencies, consultants, contractors, etc.).

Conditions of Employment:

• Must be legally eligible to work in the United State of America
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background screen, a pre-employment drug and alcohol screen, and a pre-placement fitness for duty evaluation

** Itafos is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. **