Job Summary
Numerous federal, state and local laws exist that require operating permits for mining operations; compliance with performance standards; control of emissions, discharges and mine waste; management of overburden placement and refuse disposal; and reclamation of any mining related disturbances. Detailed project / mining plans and facility layout are required for permits as well as for efficient operations. Public input is required at many stages of the mining process and interaction with the public, with regulatory agencies, and with other industry representatives. The primary function of this position is to oversee the preparation of permit applications and to otherwise manage the permitting process for planned, new or expanded operations in West Virginia and Pennsylvania. This position will interact with operating location technical staff and with the Alpha Technical Resources Department, in particular the Strategic Projects group to coordinate this effort. This position will also attend and participate in location environmental audits and assist the VP, Environmental Affairs with other activities related to the environmental function, such as compliance, waste disposal, and special projects. In this process, the individual will develop a broad contact base throughout the organization and understand the corporate environmental policy, processes, objectives and procedures.
Responsibilities
* Prepares and/or manages consultants to develop plans, designs, and permit applications required for new or expanded mining operations
* Coordinates data collection for proposed projects and ensures consistency with existing operations. Conducts oversight reviews of existing operations to determine compliance with data collection policies and procedures
* Conducts oversight audits of contract laboratories handling data collection for new and existing operations
* Coordinates permit applications with engineering groups and operations to assure timely issuance of permits to meet mine plan requirements
* Interacts with government agencies and the public to negotiate permit terms and conditions and other issues
* Coordinates special conditions or standards for permits with VP, Environmental Affairs, Legal, and operating locations
* Assists Manager of Compliance and VP, Environmental Affairs with tracking and evaluating environmental performance of individual operating locations, and provides assistance with resolution of environmental issues
* Assists Director, Environmental Regulatory Affairs with tracking and providing input on new regulatory requirements; assists locations with programs to comply with any new requirements, and assists with the training of in-house personnel
* Participates in industry associations and committees as needed
* Assists with maintaining the central records storage system for operating locations (permits, AVS, NOV, etc.)
* Assists the VP, Environmental Affairs and the Technical Services Group on special projects as required, including the review and evaluation of potential acquisitions
* Requires significant travel to operating locations
* Assists in other duties as needed and directed
* Conducts all work activities in compliance with Federal and State laws and Company policies, procedures, rules and regulations
Job Requirements:
BS degree or higher in engineering or other technical / science area or equivalent experience
8-10 years experience in environmental management, engineering, permitting or related field
Knowledge of environmental regulations, permitting requirements, reclamation practices, environmental control technologies, and engineering practices at coal mines – eastern U.S. experience a plus but not required
Knowledge of mining practices, processes and permitting requirements; prior experience at operating locations
Demonstrated problem solving skills and ability to coordinate multiple projects on company-wide basis
Demonstrated ability to communicate and negotiate permit terms and conditions with governmental agencies and general public
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Computer skills (i.e., Microsoft Office, Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience with databases required
Highly motivated self starter with ability to work in a team environment
Position requires significant travel to operating locations
Alpha Natural Resources and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer.