Head - Permitting

Essarsteelmn; Paducah (KY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

401(k) with 6% company match

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Essarsteelmn is seeking a senior leader responsible for advancing the environmental sustainability agenda in their integrated steel manufacturing operations. This pivotal role emphasizes Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) with strategic oversight on environmental compliance and stewardship.

The incumbent will drive initiatives for air quality, wastewater management, and solid waste control while leading assessments and ensuring regulatory compliance across all projects. If you have over 20 years of experience in environmental management within the steel industry, this role offers an opportunity to shape sustainable practices in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of experience in environmental management, sustainability or regulatory compliance.
• Proven leadership in managing environmental programs in steel or industrial sectors.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the environmental sustainability strategy.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Monitor environmental performance and compliance.

Skills

Environmental management experience

Leadership in industrial environments

Water treatment expertise

Air emissions compliance

ESG reporting experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental or Engineering

Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering or Business Management

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. Mesabi Metallics is also building a 1.8 MTPA Direct Reduction Iron (DRI) plant to strengthen the U.S. low-carbon metallics supply chain. The DRI project is envisioned as a next-generation metallics and steel manufacturing hub aligned with the rapidly expanding U.S. electric arc furnace (EAF) steel sector.

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 incumbent will be a senior leadership position responsible for defining, governing, and advancing the environmental sustainability agenda of the Group’s integrated steel manufacturing operations, with a strong emphasis on Direct Reduced Iron (DRI).

The role will provide strategic oversight for air quality management, water stewardship, wastewater treatment, and noise control, ensuring environmental excellence across mining, DRI, steelmaking, rolling, and allied operations. The incumbent will act as the central authority for environmental evaluation, approvals, and compliance for all DRI and integrated steel plant projects, aligning environmental performance with business growth, decarbonization goals, and long-term sustainability commitments.

Job Responsibilities

• Define and lead the Group’s environmental and sustainability strategy for integrated steel plants and DRI, covering air emissions, water management, wastewater treatment, solid waste, and noise control.
• Serve as the single point of authority for environmental review, approval, and governance of all DRI-based steelmaking projects across locations.
• Integrate sustainability and environmental objectives into project design, engineering, construction, commissioning, and lifecycle management of integrated steel facilities.
• Review, evaluate, and approve environmental designs, technologies, pollution control systems, and mitigation plans for new and existing DRI and steel plant projects.
• Establish and enforce group-wide environmental standards, frameworks, and performance benchmarks aligned with global requirements.
• Collaborate closely with engineering, operations, EHS, metallurgy, utilities, and external consultants to ensure environmental controls are embedded into plant design and operations.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations (EPA, air permits, water permits, wastewater discharge norms, noise standards) as well as applicable international standards.
• Lead Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), permitting strategies, regulatory submissions, and stakeholder engagements for DRI and integrated steel plants.
• Monitor environmental performance and compliance across sites, proactively identifying and mitigating environmental and regulatory risks.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for air emissions, water consumption, wastewater discharge, noise, and resource efficiency at plant and group levels.
• Oversee sustainability reporting, ESG disclosures, environmental audits, and certifications, aligned with global frameworks such as ESG, GRI, TCFD, and CDP.
• Present environmental performance, compliance status, risk assessments, and improvement roadmaps to senior leadership and the Board.
• Identify, evaluate, and deploy innovative technologies for pollution control, water recycling, waste minimization, energy efficiency, and low-carbon / green steel initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement programs to reduce environmental footprint, enhance operational resilience, and support long-term decarbonization goals.
• Build organizational capability through training, awareness programs, and cross-functional collaboration across integrated steel operations.

Skills and Qualifications

• Candidates with 20+ years of progressive experience in environmental management, sustainability, or regulatory compliance within integrated steel plants & DRI projects.
• Proven leadership experience managing environmental programs in steel, metals, mining, or heavy industrial environments.
• Expertise in water treatment systems, recycling technologies, and permitting processes.
• Strong understanding of air emissions monitoring, reporting, and compliance systems.
• Strong understanding of pollution control technologies for air and water systems.
• Experience with ESG reporting, sustainability frameworks, and environmental audits.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and decision-making ability.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental, Environmental Science, Chemical, Civil Engineering, or equivalent field.
• Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Sustainability, or Business Management is preferred.

Physical Requirements

• None

Salary Range:

• $140,000 - $160,000 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.