Senior Environmental Specialist

South32; Patagonia (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Retirement match

4 weeks paid time off

12 weeks parental leave

Job summary

South32 in Arizona is seeking a Senior Environmental Specialist to provide leadership and oversight for the Hermosa Project, ensuring permits, regulatory requirements, and company standards are met. The role partners with operations, construction, technical services, and project leadership to manage environmental risks and drive continuous improvement.

Based at the Hermosa Project site near Patagonia, you will develop and implement programs, lead audits, mentor staff, and collaborate with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, engineering, natural resources, geology, biology, chemistry, or related field.
• 6+ years of progressive environmental compliance experience in mining, industrial operations, energy, infrastructure, or related industries.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company vehicle insurance requirements.
• Willingness and ability to work underground, at construction sites, and in remote outdoor environments.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations and permits.
• Provide technical leadership on environmental compliance, permitting, risk management, and stewardship initiatives.
• Lead environmental audits, inspections, and corrective action tracking.
• Develop, implement, and maintain environmental procedures and programs to support permit compliance and project requirements.
• Mentor environmental staff and collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve performance.

Skills

Environmental compliance

Regulatory affairs

Audit & inspections

Stakeholder management

Education

BSc in environmental science/engineering

Tools

EarthSoft EQuIS

Job description

At South32, we’re meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there’s no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we’re making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

Whatever career path you choose, we’ll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

ABOUT Hermosa

Hermosa, located approximately 75 miles south-east of Tucson, Arizona, is the only advanced mining project in the United States as of 2023 that could produce two federally designated critical minerals—manganese and zinc—as well as silver and lead. The project has the potential to help power the nation’s clean energy future, strengthen the domestic supply chain of critical minerals, grow the local economy, and improve lives in Santa Cruz County and the surrounding community for generations to come.

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

• Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognizes both your individual performance and the overall success of the business.
• When you choose to contribute more into your retirement savings, South32 will match it up to a certain percentage.
• South32 provides you with 4 weeks paid time off.
• 12 weeks full-paid parental leave for primary carers and 2 weeks full-paid parental leave for secondary carers.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior Environmental Specialist provides environmental leadership and compliance oversight for the Hermosa Project, ensuring operations are conducted in accordance with applicable permits, regulatory requirements, company standards, and sustainability commitments.

This role serves as a key environmental subject matter expert, partnering closely with operations, construction, technical services, and project leadership to proactively manage environmental risks, support responsible project development, and promote a culture of environmental stewardship and continuous improvement.

This role is based at the Hermosa Project site, near Patagonia, Arizona.

Other key responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:

• Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal environmental regulations, permits, and company standards, including requirements related to AZPDES, APP, RCRA, SPCC, CAA, and CWA.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance on environmental compliance, permitting, risk management, and environmental stewardship initiatives across the Hermosa Project.
• Implement and support environmental programs in alignment with South32 Sustainability Policy, Environment & Climate Change Standard, Environmental Management System (EMS), and other corporate requirements.
• Promote a strong culture of safety, environmental responsibility, and continuous improvement while meeting all company and MSHA safety requirements.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal stakeholders, regulatory agencies, government entities, consultants, contractors, and industry organizations.
• Monitor regulatory developments and emerging environmental trends, assess impacts to operations, and recommend necessary changes to compliance programs, procedures, and management systems.
• Support environmental risk identification, assessment, and mitigation efforts, and provide timely communication of environmental concerns and compliance risks to site leadership.
• Develop, implement, and maintain environmental procedures, plans, and programs necessary to support permit compliance, operational requirements, and company standards.
• Lead and participate in environmental audits, inspections, and compliance assessments of company operations and contractors, including development and tracking of corrective actions.
• Support environmental aspects of operational and project change management processes, including BMP implementation, Environmental Permit to Work reviews, new chemical evaluations, and project planning activities.
• Oversee environmental monitoring, data collection, studies, and consultant activities to ensure quality, regulatory compliance, and achievement of project objectives.
• Manage and support environmental data systems, including EarthSoft EQuIS, to ensure accurate data management, compliance tracking, analysis, and reporting.
• Prepare, review, and coordinate environmental reports, regulatory submissions, permit applications, and compliance documentation.
• Contribute to departmental and company objectives through strategic planning, budget planning, continuous improvement initiatives, and long-range environmental program development.
• Mentor and provide guidance to environmental staff and cross-functional teams to strengthen environmental awareness, compliance, and operational performance.

ABOUT YOU

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Environmental Engineering, Natural Resources, Geology, Biology, Chemistry, or a related discipline.
• 6+ years of progressive environmental compliance experience in mining, industrial operations, energy, infrastructure, or related industries.
• Demonstrated experience managing environmental compliance programs and regulatory requirements.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet company vehicle insurance requirements.
• Ability to pass required background checks and drug screening.
• Willingness and ability to work underground, at construction sites, and in remote outdoor environments, including rough terrain.

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.