Surface Mine Reclamation Manager

Sowela; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 91,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

Sowela is seeking a Surface Mine Reclamation Field Manager, NRSci4, to lead reclamation efforts, supervise inspectors, and advance best practices in mine closure and environmental stewardship.

The role requires a BS in Geology or related field with substantial reclamation experience, plus proficiency in Microsoft Office and ESRI ArcGIS. Partial telework may be available; candidates must operate under relevant state regulations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Geology or related field AND six years' experience in surface mine reclamation work or a related field; OR equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience.
• Demonstrable proficiency with Microsoft Office and ESRI ArcGIS products.

Responsibilities

• Provide responsible charge for all reclamation specialists/inspectors and guidance to staff, including training, evaluations, and interpretation of RCW 78.44 and WAC 332-18.
• Lead the effort to identify and follow up on compliance issues and provide technical assistance on mine-related slope stability and reclamation techniques.
• Coordinate and grow the Surface Mine Reclamation Award Program, including nominations, awards distribution, and web presence.

Skills

6 years surface mine reclamation

Microsoft Office

ESRI ArcGIS

Education

Bachelor of Science in Geology or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

ESRI ArcGIS

Job description

Surface Mine Reclamation Field Manager, Natural Resource Scientist 4 (NRSci4)

Work Hours and Partial Telework flexibility may be available and considered
Salary: $8,161.00 - $10,969.00 Monthly
Please note: An additional 7.5% assignment pay has been added to the base salary listed on this announcement due to the required licensure.

Review of applications is ongoing. We reserve the right to make a hiring decision or close this recruitment at any time after 9/30/26. It is in your best interest to submit materials as soon as possible.

Responsibilities:

As a Licensed Engineering Geologist (LEG) in Washington state, this position will provide responsible charge, in collaboration with the Lead Regulatory Geologist and Assistant Director of Regulatory Programs, for all five Reclamation Specialists/Inspectors (geologists and geoscientists), as well as occasionally for the Reclamation Geologist/Plan Specialist, and provide oversight and guidance to the Inspectors, including training, evaluations, assistance in prioritization of work, and interpretation of the law (RCW 78.44) and rules (WAC 332-18). The successful candidate will guide and assist the Inspectors in identifying and following up on compliance issues and will provide technical assistance and consultation regarding mining-related slope stability mitigation and reclamation techniques to Inspectors, permit holders, consultants, and others. The position will take the lead from Inspectors, as deemed necessary based on workload, complexity, licensing requirements, or when a higher-level position is needed to assist, in order to work with permit holders toward achieving voluntary compliance. Working in good communication with Inspectors on compliance efforts, this position will recommend compliance issues to the Lead Regulatory Geologist and Assistant Director for enforcement action and assist them in the follow-up to enforcement actions against unpermitted and/or noncompliant permitted mine sites. Working in collaboration with the Lead Regulatory Geologist, Assistant Director, and other program staff, this position will also lead the effort to sustain and grow the new Surface Mine Reclamation Award Program. This will include coordinating the solicitation and review of nominations and the distribution of awards and collaborating with Washington Geological Survey staff to develop and maintain the award program webpage. This position will lead the effort to leverage the award program as a means to encourage exemplary reclamation practices, share reclamation resources amongst the regulated community, and educate the people of Washington about mining and reclamation.

Required Qualifications:

You must meet all the Required Qualifications and Competencies to be considered for this position. There are multiple pathways to met qualifications, such as education, volunteer work, life skills, and experience. Please clearly communicate in your application material that your skills align with the position and qualifications.

• Bachelor of Science degree in Geology or related field AND six years' experience in surface mine reclamation work or a related field;
  OR equivalent combination of education, training, and professional experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Demonstrable proficiency with Microsoft Office and ESRI ArcGIS products.

Desired Qualifications:

These qualifications are not required. However, it can help you stand out as a candidate and should be highlighted in your application material.

• Master's degree in geology or related field.
• Knowledge, experience, and in-depth understanding of surface mines, the mining industry, and reclamation techniques.
• Licensed to practice hydrogeology in Washington State (LHG).