Environmental Manager (ONSITE)

Company Overview:

Our client is strengthening American industrial capacity for a new age of autonomy, robotics, and electrification.

Our client is the only company in the United States with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain-spanning mining and refining through advanced metal production and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the essential materials used to produce permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves-powering next-generation technologies across robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the backbone of physical AI-the intersection of computation, movement, and control.

We seek ambitious, mission-focused professionals who want to solve complex challenges and help shape the future of strategic industries. The culture is grounded in collaboration, resilience, and integrity, with a strong commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP Materials is rapidly transforming from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer-and our people are driving that evolution.

Position Overview:

Ensure that site Environmental programs are properly implemented and sustained in an appropriate manner. Maintain compliance programs for Local, State, and Federal environmental regulations as they relate to asbestos, hazardous materials, indoor air quality, herbicides, wastewater, storm water, radon, lead, lab safety and chemical hygiene, confined space entry, bio-hazardous waste, and vector control. Responsible for the upkeep, repair, installation, inspection, recordkeeping, and overall design oversight of all building materials containing asbestos or lead.

Position Responsibilities:

Define and carry out the site environmental strategy to ensure all facilities and operations are designed and operated to world-class environmental standards.
Maintain compliance with all environmental permits and approvals, including MDAQMD air permits, NPDES/waste discharge requirements, RCRA-related waste programs, and BLM land use authorizations.
Lead air quality permitting efforts, including NSR applications, NSPS and Title V applicability determinations (e.g., 40 CFR 60 Subparts OOO and LL), emissions inventories, and ongoing regulatory engagement with MDAQMD, CARB, and EPA.
Manage BLM authorizations, including FLPMA Title V ROW grants and updates to the Plan of Operations under 43 CFR 3809, in coordination with the Needles Field Office.
Oversee the preparation and review of NEPA and CEQA documentation, including EAs, EISs, and supporting technical studies, for mine expansion and infrastructure projects.
Ensure the facility SWPPP, SPCC, stormwater, wastewater, and water management programs are maintained, updated, and implemented; correct discrepancies promptly.
Manage hazardous waste, universal waste, and used oil programs in compliance with RCRA and California Title 22, including generator status, manifesting, and training.
Coordinate SMARA reclamation plan updates, financial assurance reviews, and closure planning with the Lead Agency and the State.
Review plans and specifications for new or modified equipment, processes, and construction projects to determine environmental permitting requirements and compliance obligations.
Lead internal and external environmental audits and inspections; drive timely and professional resolution of findings.
Maintain required recordkeeping, reporting, and data submissions (e.g., EPA TRI, GHG, emissions statements, DMRs, biennial waste reports).
Identify environmental risks and recommend process or procedural updates to reduce impacts and exposure.
Other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications:

BS or higher in environmental science, environmental engineering, geology, or a related technical discipline. CHMM, REM, or QEP certification preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in federal and California environmental regulations (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, RCRA, NEPA, FLPMA, CEQA, SMARA, Porter-Cologne).
Experience preparing and negotiating air, water, and waste permits with regulatory agencies.
Experience interfacing with BLM, EPA, CARB, regional air districts, Regional Water Boards, and DTSC.
Demonstrated ability to partner with operations, mining, and project development teams to develop practical environmental solutions.
Experience defining and implementing environmental programs for new processes, facilities, and equipment.
Comfortable defining, implementing, documenting, and managing environmental training programs.

Desired Qualities:

At least 10 years of environmental experience in mining, metals, or chemical processing industries strongly preferred.
Direct experience with hardrock mining on BLM-administered lands is a plus.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to advocate solutions to audiences ranging from operators to executives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including regulatory correspondence and technical writing.
Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Office suite; familiarity with GIS tools a plus.

We Are Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position's requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work - In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

Safety Provision - Employees are responsible for following all company, industry and regulatory procedures and laws to ensure a safe work environment for themselves and the company. Employees must have a willingness to promote safety among the workforce, participate in Process Hazard Analysis procedures and Pre-Startup Safety Reviews.

(PPE) Personal Protective Equipment is required when performing work in a mine, manufacturing, outdoor, or plant environment. Required PPE may include, but is not limited to, hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, respirator, rubber steel-toe boots, protective clothing, gloves, and any other protective equipment as required.

Working Conditions - The facility is located at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Employees may be exposed to extreme weather when working outdoors (heat, cold, wind). Work takes place in an open pit mine or manufacturing/chemical plant environment, which may include exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives, fumes, or airborne particles.

Physical Demands - Manual dexterity; sense of touch; sense of smell; clear speaking; hearing within speech range and all ranges; seeing, reading, and comprehension; near and distant vision; depth perception; and color vision. While performing job duties, the employee must be able to speak and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and use hands and fingers to handle, feel, and operate laboratory equipment. The employee is occasionally required to walk; reach with arms and hands; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Visual requirements include close vision. Employees must pass a full-face respirator fit test. Employees must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to work in PPE level C. These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.