Program Manager Environmental Permitting and Regulatory

About the role

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 Qualifications:

• 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. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement, paid time off, and 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 [email protected] or call 1-(312) 899-3097 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.