Chief Environmental Scientist

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Title: 145238

Morenci, AZ, US, 85540

Category: Environmental

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today!

Where You Will Work

Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Safford, Arizona on U.S. Highway 191, Morenci operations (an open-pit copper mining complex) has been in continuous operation since 1939. The operation consists of two concentrators, crushed-ore leach pad and stacking system, a low-grade run-of-mine (ROM) leaching system; four SX plants; and three EW tank houses that produce copper cathode.

Morenci is a unique company town where our employees and their families can reconnect with nature through hiking, fishing, camping, hunting and numerous parks. The company offers several amenities, including company housing OR employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $750 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines, a newly constructed daycare and community center, library, health-care facilities, state-of-the-art fitness centers, a movie theater and a skate park. Our dedicated Parks and Recreation Division plans activities for people of all ages, making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit the Morenci town  website  to learn more.

What You Will Do

Under limited supervision plans, organizes, manages and evaluates designated engineering projects and programs, ensuring the successful conclusion of all phases within an appropriate time and at appropriate cost.

• Supervises, enhances and monitors designated engineering practices for the site
• Reports environmental compliance issues and makes recommendations to appropriate site management for correction

Supervises or reviews, investigates and develops appropriate recommendations regarding planned engineering projects. Supervises or may serve as Project Manager or technical expert, on large/complex site construction, expansion or modification engineering projects

• Provides guidance and counsel to the site management team on applicable programs, practices and existing/proposed local, state and federal regulations
• Evaluates and administers contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment
• Contributes to site strategic planning and budgeting efforts for designated engineering areas
• Represents the site on company sponsored steering teams, such as Freeport-McMoRan Environmental Steering Team
• Performs other duties as required
• What You Bring To Freeport

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Earth Science or related natural science (such as Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Hydrology, Forestry, Agriculture, Meteorology, Environmental/Natural Resource Management) or Mathematics/Computer Science including Accounting and Finance, or, Business Management or other Bachelor's degree, and seven (7) years of related experience, OR

Master's degree in a related field and five (5) years of related 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 capi