Principal Environmental Consultant

MRC Recruiting; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401(k) with match

Flexible PTO

Performance bonus

Job summary

Our client, an environmental consulting firm serving major mining operations in the Western United States, seeks a Principal Environmental Consultant to provide technical leadership on permitting, compliance, and environmental planning initiatives.

This high-impact leadership role offers the opportunity to shape environmental strategy for major mining projects while guiding multidisciplinary teams and engaging with regulators to ensure compliance and stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Hydrogeology, or related discipline.
• 15+ years of environmental consulting/mining experience.
• Strong leadership in permitting and compliance within mining environments.
• Deep knowledge of NEPA, CWA, and CAA permitting processes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee complex environmental permitting and compliance projects from planning through execution.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of environmental professionals.
• Author and review environmental compliance documents (EIS, SWPPP, air permits).
• Serve as liaison with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies (BLM, USFS, EPA).
• Coordinate with clients, engineers, subcontractors, and regulators for project success.
• Support proposals, technical scoping, and client presentations.

Skills

Leadership

Permitting

Regulatory knowledge

Mining industry

Client relations

Strategy

Education

Env Sci/Eng/Geol degree

Job description

Our client is a highly respected environmental consulting firm supporting major mining operations across the Western United States. They are seeking a Principal Environmental Consultant to provide technical leadership and strategic oversight on complex permitting, compliance, and environmental planning initiatives.

This is a high-impact leadership role offering the opportunity to shape environmental strategy for major mining projects while guiding multidisciplinary teams and building trusted relationships with clients and regulators. The successful candidate will serve as a senior technical authority, ensuring projects are executed efficiently while maintaining strict regulatory compliance and environmental stewardship.

What You’ll Do

• Project Leadership: Oversee complex, multi-disciplinary environmental permitting and compliance projects from early planning through execution, ensuring alignment with client objectives, timelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a team of environmental professionals and technical specialists. Provide guidance, performance oversight, and support across multiple concurrent projects.
• Technical Oversight: Author and review advanced environmental compliance documents, including Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP), air quality permits, mine plans of operations, and related environmental documentation.
• Regulatory Strategy: Serve as a senior liaison with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, including organizations such as BLM, USFS, EPA, and state environmental authorities. Guide clients through complex permitting and compliance processes.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Collaborate with clients, engineering teams, subcontractors, and regulatory personnel to ensure seamless project execution and proactive issue resolution.
• Business Development Support: Contribute to proposal development, technical scoping, and client presentations to help expand environmental consulting services within the mining sector.
• Field and Technical Advisory: Provide strategic advisory support through periodic site visits, environmental risk assessments, and technical consultation to address evolving regulatory and operational challenges.

What You’ll Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Engineering, Geology, Hydrogeology, or a related discipline
• Minimum 15 years of experience in environmental consulting, mining, or related industries
• Strong experience leading environmental permitting and compliance projects, particularly within mining environments
• Deep knowledge of environmental regulatory frameworks including NEPA, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, and related permitting processes
• Proven leadership experience managing technical teams, subcontractors, and complex project portfolios
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with clients, regulators, and internal stakeholders

Preferred

• Experience working with mining operations in Western U.S. jurisdictions such as Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, or similar regions
• Background supporting feasibility-stage through operational mining projects
• Experience preparing or overseeing large-scale environmental impact and compliance documentation

Location

This position is based in the Reno, Nevada area. Candidates must reside locally or be willing to relocate.

What Makes This Role Unique

• Strategic Leadership Opportunity: Play a key role in shaping environmental strategy for major mining projects
• High-Level Autonomy: Work in a results-driven environment that values expertise, initiative, and leadership
• Technical Influence: Serve as a senior technical authority with meaningful input on project direction and execution
• Growth Potential: Join a high-performing team with strong opportunities for advancement and professional development
• Competitive salary based on experience
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Flexible paid time off
• Performance-based bonus opportunities

A Note on Fit

We understand no candidate will meet every single desired qualification. If your experience looks a little different from what we've identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we'd love to learn more about you!

This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior environmental professional seeking to lead complex mining projects, influence environmental strategy, and contribute to the successful development of major resource operations.