Environmental Review & Permitting Specialist

Mesabi Metallics Company; Minneapolis (MN); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) with company match

STD/LTD & Life Insurance

PTO + Holidays

Job summary

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC is building Minnesota’s first new mine and pellet plant in decades, and seeks an Environmental Review and Permitting Specialist to lead environmental review, permitting, and compliance across local, state, and federal regulations.

The role reports to the Chief Sustainability Officer and requires coordinating with engineering and operations teams, preparing permit applications, and maintaining strong relationships with MPCA and MDNR.

Qualifications

• ≥5 years of experience in environmental review, permitting and compliance.
• Experience in mining, industrial, commercial or energy sectors preferred.
• Working knowledge of federal and Minnesota state permitting regulations.
• Strong technical writing, analytical and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, submission, and tracking of environmental review documents and permit applications.
• Coordinate with internal engineering and operations teams to gather required data for permit applications and modifications.
• Maintain strong working relationships with regulatory agencies including the MPCA and MDNR.
• Interpret federal and state regulations and ensure ongoing compliance through permitting and construction.
• Monitor and manage environmental compliance requirements, including regulatory conditions and reporting obligations.
• Prepare and submit required regulatory reports.
• Provide technical support for environmental analyses and assessments in support of permitting and regulatory processes.
• Engage with environmental agencies during permit negotiations, inspections, and audits.
• Provide guidance and training to operations and construction personnel on compliance requirements.
• Contribute to the development of environmental compliance plans and SOPs for startup and operations.

Skills

Environmental compliance

Technical writing

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Independent and collaborative work

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field

Job description

About Mesabi Metallics

When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering group advancing sustainable mining practices and driving innovation in the iron ore industry. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship and generating value for all stakeholders. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment in Minnesota’s mining history: Mesabi Metallics’ cutting‑edge iron ore mining and pelletization project is currently under construction. Once completed, it will mark the first new mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in nearly 50 years.

More importantly, you’ll be immersed in a positive, supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters your professional growth. Our culture is shaped by our core values which are sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, teamwork, determination and performance, and our employees are empowered to make a difference every day.

At Mesabi Metallics, you are part of a legacy of excellence, playing a key role in shaping the future of global infrastructure and industry.

Position Summary

The Environmental Review and Permitting Specialist will play a key role in supporting the organization’s environmental compliance and sustainability goals. This position is responsible for leading and managing environmental review and permitting activities across various regulatory areas, ensuring adherence to applicable local, state, and federal requirements.

Job Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief Sustainability Officer, the Environmental Review and Permitting Specialist will be responsible for the following:

• Lead the preparation, submission, and tracking of environmental review documents and permit applications.
• Coordinate with internal engineering and operations teams to gather required data for permit applications and modifications.
• Maintain strong working relationships with regulatory agencies including the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MDNR).
• Interpret federal and state regulations and ensure ongoing compliance through permitting and construction.
• Monitor and manage environmental compliance requirements, including regulatory conditions, operational limits, and reporting obligations.
• Prepare and submit required regulatory reports.
• Provide technical support for environmental analyses and assessments in support of permitting and regulatory processes.
• Engage with environmental agencies during permit negotiations, inspections, and audits.
• Provide guidance and training to operations and construction personnel on compliance requirements.
• Contribute to the development of environmental compliance plans and standard operating procedures for startup and operations.

Skills and Qualifications

• At least 5+ years of experience in environmental review, permitting and compliance (preferably in mining, industrial, commercial, and/or energy).
• Working knowledge of federal and Minnesota state permitting regulations and processes.
• Strong technical writing, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.

Physical Requirements

• This position is mainly office duties. Field work could be conducted at various times throughout the year so exposure to the elements (rain, snow, cold, heat, etc.) can be expected in those circumstances. The office duties will require work in front of a laptop, desk, and phone.

Salary

• $80,000 - $120,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage with an HSA option.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with 6% company match.
• Lincoln STD, LTD, & Life Insurance: Coverage provided by Mesabi Metallics.
• Paid Time Off (PTO): 0‑5 Years: 120 hours per year.
  5‑10 Years: 160 hours per year.
  10+ Years: 200 hours per year.
  Plus 9 paid holidays.

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our success.