Program Manager Environmental Permitting & Regulatory

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay with variable bonus

Health insurance

Retirement

Paid time off

More

Job summary

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. seeks a Program Manager Environmental Permitting & Regulatory to lead permitting and regulatory initiatives for mining and pelletizing operations in Northern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

You will guide permit applications, monitor evolving regulations, engage with agencies and trade associations, and support policy development. The role reports to the Environmental Director and may be based in Forbes, MN or Cleveland, OH.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or environmental discipline.
• Experience preparing and submitting environmental permit applications.
• Ability to analyze environmental regulations and their impact on facilities.
• Legally authorized to work in the United States full-time.

Responsibilities

• Oversee environmental permit applications and ensure consistency across sites.
• Develop procedures for reclamation activities and track financial obligations.
• Monitor emerging regulations and advise on their impact to operations.
• Engage with agencies, trade associations, and external stakeholders on policy.
• Coordinate with site environmental managers and report to Environmental Director.

Skills

Environmental permitting

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or environmental discipline

Job description

Location: Forbes, MN Cleveland-Cliffs is seeking a highly experienced Program Manager Environmental Permitting & Regulatory to lead environmental permitting and regulatory initiatives for our Mining and Pelletizing operations in Northern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Program Manager will be responsible for managing aspects of environmental permitting and closely coordinating with the site environmental managers, including providing guidance and overseeing the preparation of environmental permit applications. The Program Manager will also monitor and analyze emerging environmental regulations for their impact on the business, engage in state and federal environmental rulemaking, and advocate for sound environmental regulatory policy development with external stakeholders and trade associations. This position will report to the Environmental Director for our Mining and Pelletizing business. The position will either be located in Northeastern Minnesota (at United Taconite Forbes office) or at the company headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.

Summary of Responsibilities:

Oversee environmental permit application and ensure consistency amongst sites. Primary permitting oversight activities include: Wetlands (Section 404/ Army Corps of Engineers and Wetlands Conservation Act/Minnesota DNR), Permit to Mine (Minnesota DNR), etc. Develop procedures and ensure consistency amongst sites for carrying out reclamation activities; tracking and updating financial assurance obligations; tracking environmental performance, etc. Assist in developing proactive NPDES/State Disposal System water permitting/reissuance strategies to address evolving regulations and Waters of the United States/Waters of the State definitions. Monitor and analyze emerging environmental regulations and laws at the local, state, and federal levels, assess their impact on the company's operations, and provide guidance to the site environmental Managers. Advise the Environmental Director and maintain risk registries to address emerging regulations, permitting issues, operational risks, and compliance obligations. Conduct site environmental assessments and identify potential environmental risks and liabilities. Evaluate prospective projects against environmental review obligations (NEPA/MEPA) and manage EAW/EIS studies, if required. Develop and maintain positive relationships with multiple stakeholders, including internal teams, regulatory agencies, and local communities. Represent the company on industry trade association environmental committees. Advise the Environmental Director on opportunities and priorities on advocating for improvements to environmental legislation or regulations. Develop comments and engage with local, state, and federal agencies on environmental rulemaking and policy development. Additional responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or environmental discipline. Familiarity with design and operation of air emission control and water treatment systems for the industrial sector. Demonstrated experience in preparing and submitting environmental permit applications and other environmental compliance requirements/reports/documentation. Expertise in analyzing and interpreting the environmental regulations' impact on facilities. Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Preferred Qualifications:

Minimum of 10 years of professional environmental experience, including permitting and reporting. Expertise in analyzing and interpreting the environmental regulations' impact on facilities. Working knowledge of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act (Section 401, 402, 404), Minnesota/Michigan air quality regulations.

The salary range for this role is $110,000 - $140,000. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on numerous factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and business or organizational needs.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing.

• competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity
• health insurance
• retirement
• paid time off
• more

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to [e-mail] or call 1-[phone] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug‑free workplace and conduct pre‑employment screening as a condition of employment.

Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest flat‑rolled steel producer in North America. Founded in 1847 as a mine operator, Cliffs is also the largest manufacturer of iron ore pellets in North America.

The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. As a team of more than 30,000 people, we proudly serve a diverse range of markets and are the largest steel supplier to the automotive industry in North America. Built on a strong safety and environmental stewardship legacy, we operate responsibly and are committed to a sustainable future. With ongoing initiatives to reduce waste, improve water conservation, and reduce carbon emissions, we promise to become North America’s leader in steelmaking and mining sustainability.

Cleveland-Cliffs offers opportunities for high‑performing individuals in a myriad of technical and professional disciplines. Whether in the field or office, Cleveland-Cliffs fosters an environment that empowers our employees to achieve their highest potential. Employees will be presented with a challenging and rewarding environment. A competitive compensation package, opportunities for advancement, and work‑life balance all lead to a positive, passionate career at Cleveland-Cliffs.