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Chief Environmental Engineer
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Based on Arizona data
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What they do
An Environmental Engineer develops solutions to environmental problems using engineering, biology, chemistry, and geology. Addresses pollution control, waste disposal, recycling, or public health issues. Works on local environmental issues, such as polluted groundwater, or global or regional issues, such as acid rain. Works with environmental scientists and public policymakers to identify problems and develop technologies that benefit people and protect the environment.
$111,932 / year median in Arizona
+9% projected growth
Job Description
- Develops, recommends, supervises and assesses environmental safety, compliance, remediation, and reclamation programs
- Supervises, enhances and monitors air quality environmental practices for the site
- Reports environmental compliance issues and makes recommendations to appropriate site management for correction
- Serves as Project Manager on large/complex environmental projects (e.g., air quality compliance, permitting, remediation, or reclamation)
- Evaluates and administers contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment
- Provides guidance and counsel to the site management team on applicable programs, practices, and existing/proposed local, State and Federal regulations
- Contributes to site strategic planning and budgeting efforts for environmental systems and issues
- Oversees or investigates and maintains records of environmental incidents and responses as required by law
- Maintains current working knowledge of Federal, State and local environmental and occupational health regulations (e.g., CERCLA, RCRA, TOSCA, SARA, CWA, EPCRA etc)
- Oversees and coordinates all training mandated by EPA, DEQ or other body. Serves as contact with EPA, DEQ or other regulatory body in designated areas
- May represent the site on company-sponsored steering teams, e.g., Freeport-McMoRan Environmental Steering Team
- Performs other duties as required ## What You Bring To Freeport Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Environmental, Civil, Chemical, Agriculture, Mining, Metallurgical, Geological or similar) and seven (7) years of Engineering experience in Environmental Management, including Project Management experience, OR
- Master's degree in Engineering or related field and five (5) years of Engineering experience in Environmental Management, including Project Management experience. Preferred Qualifications
- Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations, including air quality, water quality, hazardous materials, waste management, and permitting requirements.
- Extensive experience with air permitting, emissions inventories, compliance programs, and regulatory agency interactions.
- Proven project management skills, including planning, budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and execution of complex environmental projects.
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, scientists, technicians, and environmental professionals.
- Experience managing environmental consultants, contractors, and technical service providers.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage operations, engineering, leadership, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.
- Experience developing, delivering, and facilitating environmental, regulatory, and compliance-related training programs.
- Ability to mentor, coach, and develop technical professionals while building organizational capability.
- Experience supporting large-scale mining operations, including mine planning, tailings management, water management, closure planning, and operational compliance.
- Strong understanding of environmental risk management and environmental management systems (EMS), including
ISO 14001
principles and implementation.- Experience supporting environmental audits, compliance assessments, inspections, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Knowledge of environmental monitoring programs, data management systems, and environmental reporting requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and collaborate effectively with central technical, legal, sustainability, health and safety, and operational groups.
- Experience preparing and reviewing technical reports, permit applications, environmental impact assessments, and regulatory submittals.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex technical and regulatory issues and develop practical solutions.
- Experience supporting strategic business initiatives while balancing operational, environmental, and regulatory objectives.
- Experience with tailings storage facilities, closure and reclamation programs, and sustainability initiatives is highly desirable.
- Strong presentation skills, including the ability to communicate technical information effectively to senior leadership, regulators, and non-technical audiences.
- Experience leading significant environmental incidents, investigations, regulatory negotiations, and compliance-driven corrective actions.
- Working knowledge of capital project development processes, including AFEs, capital planning, and project execution within a large mining organization.
- Ability to influence without direct authority and drive alignment among diverse stakeholders across site and corporate functions.
- Commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
- Employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $750 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines
- Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits
- Company-paid life and disability insurance
- 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
- Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave
- Tuition assistance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle
- Internal progression opportunities
- Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package! What We Require
- Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.
- Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.
- Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.
- Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.