Environmental Specialist

Environmental Specialist - NewRange Copper Nickel

Closing Date: 10/04/2023

Job Summary:

Reporting to the NewRange Permitting and Environment Manager and working closely with the Compliance Lead and Mesaba Environmental Lead, the Environmental Specialist will be based in Northern Minnesota and work as part of NewRange’s environmental team to support the acquisition and ongoing management of, and compliance with, federal, State, and local permits associated with all activities related to NewRange.

At NewRange Copper Nickel (NewRange), we act responsibly and strive to make a positive contribution to health and safety, environment, and communities through our activities. Being welcomed where we operate demands respecting Human Rights and Native American Rights, responsible social, economic, and environmental performance, and a commitment to sustainable business practice in everything we do. The Environmental Technician will play a role in maintenance of our ongoing compliance and environmental performance. The successful candidate will work out of the NewRange office in Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota.

Overview:

Located in the historic iron range mining region of northeastern Minnesota, NewRange is a 50:50 joint venture of subsidiaries of Teck American Inc. (Teck) and PolyMet Mining Corp. (PolyMet) that is advancing two major copper-nickel-platinum-palladium deposits, NorthMet and Mesaba. Project activities range from readying the feasibility stage NorthMet project for a production decision pending clearance of mine permits to advancing the nearby Mesaba project to pre-feasibility studies and permitting.  NewRange is committed to unlocking a new domestic supply chain of critical metals for the transition to a low-carbon economy and positioning Minnesota as a world leader in sustainable mineral resource development.

More information on NewRange is available at https://newrangecoppernickel.com/

Responsibilities:

• Be a courageous safety leader, leading by positive example, and adhering to and sponsoring safety and environmental rules and procedures.
• Take water samples and perform oversight of sampling teams. Knowledge of field instrumentation (pH, ORP, and DO meters) and low flow well sampling procedures is preferred.
• Perform stormwater inspections (weekly) for construction and disturbed areas.
• Perform semiannual audits of all groundwater wells and equipment, download data in the field and perform routine maintenance, repair, and calibration of monitoring and sample collection equipment and instrumentation.
• Evaluate and troubleshoot new or existing field monitoring and reporting systems.
• Review air emission inventories and reports and perform field checks and audits on air monitoring equipment.
• Analyze field and analytical data to draft technical reports and communications.
• Escort the DNR on their stream gage visits.
• Accompany interns, field technicians and/or another designate in the field, leading work activities including, but not limited to, trail maintenance for monitoring programs, locating old boreholes and roads, mapping planned well locations, and/or flagging off wetland boundaries for contractors.
• Assist department personnel as needed, with regulatory work pertaining to drafting permit applications, reporting, and other document preparations.
• Review and understand compliance monitoring plans and their associated requirements.
• Review and understand waste management, stormwater management, spill prevention, and risk management plans.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

The above responsibilities are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or diploma in environmental, chemical, or civil engineering; an earth sciences discipline (chemistry, biology, natural resources); or another related scientific field.
• 2-5 years of relevant experience in the field of environmental compliance and/or monitoring.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and a strong commitment toward, safety, hygiene, environmental, and quality standards.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written English communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong technical and problem-solving skills including attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness.
• Strong computer skills, including MS Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-disciplined project team environment and coordinate the efforts of others to accomplish objectives.
• Excellent organizational skills, with ability to work productively with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors, safely maneuvering hazards such as mobile equipment, inclement weather, insects and wildlife.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Acceptable driving record with a valid Class D License and off-road (4x4) driving experience.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

HOW TO APPLY

At NewRange, we value diversity. Our teams work collaboratively and respect each person’s unique perspective and contribution.

Qualified applicants interested in joining a dynamic team are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter electronically.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for the position; however, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Your application to this posting is deemed to be your consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of personal information for the purposes of recruitment. NewRange respects the privacy of all applicants and the confidentiality of personal information.

Learn more about NewRange at https://newrangecoppernickel.com/