Environmental Scientist/Bonding Specialist

Job Title:Bonding Engineer (Environmental Scientist II or III*)
May be filled at level II or III depending on qualifications.

Responsibilities

Permit Application and Review:

• Assessment and Response: This involves the thorough evaluation of permit applications, amendments, and revisions submitted for non-coal mines and exploration projects. The assessment primarily focuses on the engineering soundness of the proposed activities, ensuring that designs, methodologies, and environmental protection measures align with regulatory requirements.
• Technical Due Diligence: A critical component of this responsibility is to conduct detailed technical reviews to identify potential risks, assess the feasibility of proposed plans, and ensure the long-term stability and safety of the mining and exploration sites.

• Regular Inspections: The role requires conducting routine and unannounced inspections of mining and exploration sites. These inspections are crucial for determining whether ongoing activities are in full compliance with all applicable State Rules and regulations.
• Enforcement Actions: When non-compliance is identified, appropriate enforcement actions must be initiated. This may range from issuing warnings and notices of violation to imposing penalties or requiring immediate corrective measures to bring operations back into compliance. The objective is to ensure that environmental protection and safety standards are consistently met.

• Bond Release Application Review: A key responsibility involves reviewing applications for bond release. This process entails a meticulous evaluation of the reclamation efforts undertaken by mine operators to ensure that sites have been restored to a safe, stable, and environmentally sound condition, meeting or exceeding the agreed-upon reclamation standards.
• Ongoing Reclamation Evaluation: Continuous assessment of reclamation progress is essential to confirm that operators are actively and effectively implementing their approved reclamation plans throughout the lifespan of the mine and beyond.

• Engineering and Bond Calculation: This position serves as a primary source of technical expertise for various government agencies and mine operators. This includes providing specialized knowledge in engineering principles relevant to mining, as well as accurately calculating reclamation bonds. These bonds are financial assurances designed to cover the cost of reclamation if an operator fails to fulfill their obligations.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Providing expert guidance helps ensure that all parties understand and adhere to the technical requirements for responsible mining and environmental stewardship.

• Permitting and Enforcement Alignment: Effective coordination with other government agencies is essential to streamline permitting processes and ensure consistent enforcement of regulations. This collaboration helps to avoid duplication of efforts, resolve conflicts, and promote a unified approach to managing mining and exploration activities across different jurisdictions.
• Collaborative Problem Solving: Working with other agencies facilitates a more holistic and integrated approach to environmental protection and resource management, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both the environment and the industry.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering, or comparable work experience.
• One year of experience in:
  • Mine site inspections for environmental compliance.
  • Reviewing mine permit applications.
  • Evaluating mine sites for bond release.
• Technical Skills:
  • Working knowledge of Utah Code Title 40, Mines and Mining.
  • Proficiency in SCRE or similar computer programs for calculating reclamation cost estimates.
• Collaboration & Communication:
  • Experience coordinating permitting activities with the BLM, USFS, and State Trust Lands.
  • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills.
• Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to hike over rough terrain and operate vehicles off-pavement.

• Excellent writing skills for effective communication with operators, staff, and other agencies.
• General knowledge of mining, including highwall construction, slope stability, roads, and pads.
• General knowledge of mining and reclamation activities.
• Ability to evaluate environmental and public risk from mining and exploration activities.
• Experience with map, compass, and GPS navigation and orienteering.
• Experience driving on dirt roads and wheel tracks.
• Proficient with common computer programs/software.
• Proficient with GIS/GPS software and survey equipment.
• Ability to review and edit documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Ability to read and interpret technical information, drawings, maps, and computer models.
• Understanding of the roles of other federal and state agencies, such as the Bureau of Land Management and Trust Lands Administration.

Supplemental Information

• Work Environment & Travel:
  This position requires working outdoors in all weather conditions, often alone, in undeveloped and remote areas. The engineer must be able to navigate rough and rocky terrain, including steep slopes, and operate a four-wheel-drive or all-terrain vehicle on unimproved roads and trails.
  Physical Demands:
  Fieldwork involves physical exertion such as standing and walking over rough surfaces, lifting items up to 30 pounds, and driving for up to eight hours daily.
  Travel Requirements:
  The Environmental Scientist position requires the ability to work in remote areas and travel for inspections. Inspections may be day trips, lasting up to 12 hours, or involve overnight stays, typically 1-2 nights.
  Certifications/Licenses:
  A Professional Engineering License or Engineer In Training License is desirable, but not required.
  Driver's license is required - Employees hired will be subject to the Driver Eligibility standards found at the following link: https://adminrules.utah.gov/public/rule/R27-7/Current%20Rules
  Employee must pass a criminal background check.
  Work Schedule:
  40 hours a week five-eight hour shifts or four ten hour shifts. Some teleworker is encouraged*.
  
  
  • Please note, that a position's eligibility for remote work is established by agency management and is subject to change at their discretion at any time and for any reason