Cortez - Senior Environmental Engineer

Cortez - Senior Environmental Engineer; Elko (NV); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Nevada Gold Mines is seeking a Senior Environmental Engineer at the Cortez operation to drive closure planning, permitting, and regulatory compliance. The role requires managing site reclamation programs and supporting federal/state permit acquisitions, while guiding biodiversity and cultural resource initiatives.

The position also leads a team of Environmental Engineers and Technicians, ensures safety leadership, and collaborates with permitting and mine planning teams to develop and submit

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental or mine engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology, or ecology.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in permitting, mine planning, environmental compliance, or reclamation/closure.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prepare technical communications and convey results to audiences with varying levels of expertise.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to operate independently and in small multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proficient in MS Office and data management programs.
• Strong safety leadership and record.
• Experience managing regulatory compliance programs in Nevada.
• Familiarity with ISO 14001 and GIS is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of site closure plans, including studies and mitigation activities.
• Oversee reclamation permits, cost model, bonds, and long-term trusts.
• Ensure compliance with closure accounting standards and liability reporting.
• Manage cultural resource program with archaeology consultants and authorities.
• Interpret monitoring data for water quality, geochemistry, vegetation, and related parameters.
• Collaborate with engineering, mine planning, and permitting teams on permitting actions.
• Communicate monitoring results to regulators and stakeholders.
• Plan, design, budget, and supervise environmental compliance programs.
• Lead and develop Environmental Engineers and Technicians.
• Comply with health and safety regulations and company policies.

Skills

Project management

Communication skills

Data analysis

Safety leadership

Team leadership

Independent work

MS Office

Regulatory compliance

Geochemistry understanding

GIS

Education

Bachelor's degree in environmental or mine engineering

Tools

GIS

Data management software

Job description

Description

Position Description:

Nevada Gold Mines is actively seeking a qualified Senior Environmental Engineer with expertise in closure planning and permitting to join our Environmental Team at the Cortez operation. This pivotal role requires a candidate who can effectively manage site reclamation and closure programs while supporting the acquisition of critical federal and state permits. Additionally, the selected individual will lead a team focused on ensuring regulatory compliance with the site’s Plan of Operations, as well as fulfilling obligations related to biodiversity and cultural resources.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the comprehensive development and execution of site closure plans, including the completion of any necessary studies and mitigation activities crucial for the successful closure of inactive facilities.
• Oversee the site's reclamation permits, and effectively manage the reclamation cost model, reclamation surety bonds, and long-term trusts.
• Guarantee adherence to the company's closure and accounting standards, including accurate tracking and reporting of reclamation liabilities to uphold financial transparency and compliance.
• Oversee the site's cultural resource program, involving coordination with qualified archaeology consultants and federal and state authorities regarding cultural surveys and the implementation of cultural site mitigation activities.
• Interpret monitoring data related to various compliance, reclamation, and closure programs, including data related to water quality, geochemistry, vegetation, and other material characterization.
• Collaborate closely with the company's Engineering/Mine Planning and Permitting Teams to facilitate federal and state permitting actions, which involves actively participating in the development and submission of modifications to the site's Plan of Operations and Reclamation Permits.
• Facilitate effective communications with a range of stakeholders, including Federal and State authorities, to relay monitoring results and collaborate on developing strategies for permitting and closure activities.
• Participate in the planning, design, budgeting, and supervision of environmental compliance programs and projects, ensuring their effective implementation.
• Lead and develop Environmental Engineers and Technicians, as assigned.
• Comply with state and federal health and safety regulations and all company policies and procedures.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in environmental or mine engineering, environmental science, geology, hydrology, ecology (or similar) required
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a permitting, mine planning, environmental compliance or reclamation/closure roles required
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience required
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation and interpersonal skills - required
• Demonstrated ability to prepare technical communications and convey results to audiences with varying levels of expertise required
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously required
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently and in small multi-disciplinary teams required
• Excellent computer skills (e.g. MS Office and data management programs) required
• Excellent safety record with ability to demonstrate safety leadership required
• Experience managing regulatory compliance programs in the state of Nevada preferred
• Proficient in analyzing and interpreting analytical and monitoring data, with an emphasis on water quality and geochemistry preferred
• Experience managing NEPA and state level permitting actions preferred
• Experience managing biodiversity programs and initiatives, such as designated/protected species management, noxious weed management, or habitat management preferred
• Familiarity with ISO 14001 standards preferred.
• Strong GIS skills preferred.