Environmental and Permitting Manager - San Manuel, Arizona

Mission Hires is hiring an Environmental and Permitting Manager to lead end‑to‑end permitting strategy and day‑to‑day environmental performance for exploration activities from pre‑PEA through construction. Reporting to the Director of Permitting, this hands‑on, field‑facing role owns the integrated permitting register and schedule across federal, state, county, and local agencies; manages BLM/NEPA pathways; oversees Arizona permits (ADEQ, ADWR, MLRP, AZPDES); directs baseline studies;

ensures stormwater, spill, dust, and waste compliance; manages contractors and consultants; and maintains strong agency relationships.

• Develop and maintain the integrated permitting register and master schedule across assets from pre‑PEA through feasibility and construction, flagging critical‑path risks.
• Manage the BLM pathway (43 CFR 3809 exploration notices/plans of operations) and support scoping for a NEPA EIS, including potential FAST‑41 coordination.
• Lead Arizona permitting: ADEQ Aquifer Protection Permit (APP) and Air Quality, State Mine Inspector Mined Land Reclamation Plan (MLRP), ADWR matters, and AZPDES authorizations.
• Coordinate with Land Manager on Arizona State Land Department instruments, surface access, and rights of way to support permits and disturbance.
• Manage reclamation bonding/financial guarantees for exploration disturbance; maintain cost estimates and track concurrent reclamation of pads and roads.
• Secure drill pad and access road authorizations and verify biological and cultural clearances prior to any ground disturbance.
• Own stormwater compliance under the Arizona MSGP and SWPPP; manage SPCC planning, dust control, exploration site waste management, and drilling fluids/sump containment.
• Conduct inspections and documentation at active drill sites; hold drilling and earthworks contractors accountable via inductions, field oversight, and corrective actions.
• Direct the environmental baseline program (surface water, groundwater, air/met, biological, cultural, soils, noise); oversee consultants to ensure data scope, timing, and quality meet permitting needs.
• Maintain the environmental management system, compliance tracker, and obligations register.
• Prepare/submit regulatory reports and notifications; track permit conditions; deliver internal compliance reporting to the Director.
• Manage consultant scopes, budgets, and performance; maintain relationships with BLM, ADEQ, ADWR, State Mine Inspector, and Pinal County; represent company during meetings and inspections.
• Deliver environmental and cultural awareness training, protocols, and pre‑disturbance procedures to employees and contractors.
• Assess and minimize environmental risks; investigate and document incidents; coordinate audits; monitor regulatory developments in federal and Arizona requirements.
• Operate safely in remote field environments and support active exploration programs.

• BS in environmental science, hydrology, geology, engineering, natural resources, or related field.
• 10+ years of combined environmental permitting and site environmental management experience, including exploration or development‑stage mining projects.
• Proven federal and state permitting experience, including BLM notices/plans of operations and NEPA processes.
• Working knowledge of CWA/AZPDES stormwater, SPCC, RCRA waste, and CAA dust control requirements at field sites.
• Experience managing environmental baseline programs and consultants across surface water, groundwater, biological, and cultural studies.
• Familiarity with reclamation bonding and financial assurance for exploration/mining disturbance.
• Strong project management, budgeting, technical writing, and agency relationship skills; ability to work independently in fast‑changing field settings.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record; capable of operating 4WD vehicles in remote, rugged terrain.
• Ability to pass a background check and pre‑employment screening; legally authorized to work in the U.S.
• English proficiency to understand, follow, and communicate work assignments, procedures, and safety requirements.
• Physical ability to frequently sit, stand, walk, and lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
• Preferred:
  Direct experience with ADEQ APP and Air Quality, State Mine Inspector MLRPs, and ADWR matters; EIS support experience.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Bonus eligibility.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance,
• Disability coverage, and paid time off.