Environmental Specialist-Waste Management & SPCC

Essarsteelmn; Minnesota; On-site; USD 80,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Professional development

Job summary

Mesabi Metallics in Minnesota is constructing a new iron ore mining and pelletization project. The Environmental Engineer/Specialist – Waste Management & SPCC develops and maintains environmental compliance programs for waste, petroleum storage, spill prevention, and emergency response.

You will ensure RCRA/MPCA compliance and lead waste management activities, reporting, and contractor oversight. The role requires a bachelor’s degree and 3+ years in environmental compliance, strong technical

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in environmental compliance and monitoring, preferably in mining or heavy industry.
• Working knowledge of federal and Minnesota state regulations.
• Strong technical writing, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage facility-wide waste management programs to ensure compliance with RCRA, Minnesota Hazardous Waste.
• Coordinate characterization, profiling, storage, transportation, recycling, and disposal of wastes.
• Prepare and submit required regulatory reports and annual waste reporting documentation.
• Conduct monthly/annual SPCC inspections of storage tanks and petroleum infrastructure.
• Coordinate spill response activities, investigations, root cause analyses, and reporting.
• Provide guidance and training to operations on compliance requirements.

Skills

Technical writing

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Independently & team 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 Overview

The Environmental Engineer/Specialist – Waste Management & SPCC is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining environmental compliance programs related to waste management, petroleum storage, spill prevention, and emergency response activities at an integrated Minnesota taconite mining and processing facility. This position ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requirements, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) regulations, and Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage facility-wide waste management programs to ensure compliance with RCRA, Minnesota Hazardous Waste.
• Coordinate characterization, profiling, storage, transportation, recycling, and disposal of hazardous, non-hazardous, universal, industrial, and special wastes.
• Conduct waste determinations and maintain documentation supporting waste classifications.
• Oversee hazardous waste accumulation areas, satellite accumulation areas, universal waste collection areas, and waste storage facilities.
• Coordinate waste shipments and maintain manifests, land disposal restriction notifications, bills of lading, and disposal records.
• Prepare and submit required regulatory reports, notifications, registrations, and annual waste reporting documentation.
• Conduct routine inspections of waste storage areas and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Manage contracts and relationships with waste disposal, recycling, and treatment vendors.
• Evaluate operational changes and projects for waste management impacts and compliance requirements.
• Conduct monthly and annual SPCC inspections of aboveground storage tanks, oil-filled equipment, loading/unloading areas, and secondary containment systems.
• Coordinate integrity testing, preventive maintenance, and inspections for petroleum storage infrastructure.
• Maintain oil storage inventories and ensure compliance with secondary containment requirements.
• Lead spill prevention initiatives and identify opportunities to reduce spill risks.
• Coordinate spill response activities, investigations, root cause analyses, corrective actions, and regulatory notifications.
• Maintain spill records and ensure reporting requirements are met for federal, state, and local agencies.
• Provide guidance and training to operations and construction personnel on compliance requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Science, or related field.
• At least 3+ years of experience in environmental compliance and monitoring (preferably in mining, industrial, commercial, and/or energy).
• Working knowledge of federal and Minnesota state regulations and processes.
• Strong technical writing, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Salary

$80,000 - $105,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits

Mesabi Metallics offers competitive compensation and benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development and advancement within the company.

Mesabi Metallics is an equal‑opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace.