Senior Environmental Scientist or Engineer

As a Senior Environmental Scientist at Freeport-McMoRan, your main responsibilities will include providing technical guidance on environmental projects, assessing environmental risks, conducting hazardous waste inspections, and ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. You'll also play a key role in strategic planning, budgeting, and educating site management about environmental management practices.

To qualify for the Senior Environmental Engineer position at Freeport-McMoRan, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in Engineering—such as Environmental, Civil, Chemical, or similar engineering disciplines—accompanied by at least five years of engineering experience in environmental management. A master’s degree can substitute for some experience, making candidates eligible with three years in the field.

Project management is crucial for the Senior Environmental Scientist role at Freeport-McMoRan. You will oversee complex environmental projects, ensuring they align with regulatory standards and meet strategic objectives. This includes managing timelines, resources, and contractor performance while leading environmental initiatives that contribute to the sustainability of our operations.

Freeport-McMoRan offers a competitive salary and benefits package for Senior Environmental Scientists, which includes affordable medical, dental, and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, a 401(k) plan with employer contributions, paid time off, tuition assistance, and opportunities for internal progression, among others. Comprehensive support is designed to foster employee growth and well-being.

Preferred qualifications for the Senior Environmental Engineer role at Freeport-McMoRan include strong project management experience, personnel supervision capabilities, as well as in-depth knowledge of solid waste regulations and programs specific to Federal and Arizona State. Candidates who also hold certifications like HAZWOPER or similar will stand out in the application process.

In addressing risk assessment for environmental projects, it's crucial to gather data on all potential environmental hazards first. I would conduct thorough site inspections and gather historical data. Engaging with various stakeholders to understand their concerns is essential. The goal is to develop a comprehensive report outlining risks and mitigation strategies, ensuring thorough compliance with environmental regulations.

I once managed a complex remediation project involving hazardous waste at a site with a troubled history. This required detailed planning, collaboration with regulatory agencies, and continuous stakeholder communication. Developing a successful remediation strategy while adhering to timelines and budgets was challenging but very rewarding once we achieved compliance and restored the site's health.

I stay current on environmental regulations by subscribing to industry-related newsletters, attending training seminars, and engaging with professional organizations in environmental science. Regularly reviewing state and federal resources ensures I am well-informed about any legislative changes that may impact my work and responsibilities.

When faced with conflicting opinions, I approach discussions with openness and a willingness to listen. Creating a collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels valued is essential. I typically facilitate discussion sessions to weigh the pros and cons of proposed practices based on scientific evidence and regulatory compliance, helping the team reach consensus.

I have managed multiple environmental projects that involved coordinating teams, establishing timelines, and overseeing compliance with regulations. For instance, I led a multi-disciplinary team on a site inspection that required balancing various environmental concerns while overseeing the project budget, ensuring tasks were completed on schedule and within cost guidelines.

I believe community engagement is crucial in environmental projects. I have conducted public consultations to gather community input and address concerns related to environmental practices. By fostering open communication, I ensure that stakeholders understand the project’s goals while showing our commitment to addressing their needs and concerns.

I'm experienced in using various environmental management software, including GIS mapping tools for spatial analysis and data visualization, as well as regulatory compliance software for tracking environmental metrics. Additionally, I have experience with project management tools that help in organizing tasks and maintaining team accountability.

Prioritizing tasks in a fast-paced environment requires a solid understanding of project goals and timelines. I typically assess tasks based on urgency and impact on overall project objectives. Utilizing project management methodologies, I break down larger tasks into manageable segments, ensuring we meet critical deadlines while remaining flexible to accommodate any unforeseen challenges.

To assess environmental risks for new projects, I conduct preliminary site assessments, review relevant environmental history, and identify potential hazards. Collaborating with team experts and utilizing risk assessment frameworks helps in evaluating the likelihood and impact of environmental risks, enabling us to formulate effective mitigation strategies that align with regulatory requirements.

During environmental audits, I ensure compliance by preparing documentation in advance, conducting thorough self-assessments, and reviewing all processes against regulatory standards. Collaborating with cross-functional teams to rectify identified issues proactively ensures we maintain compliance. Open communication with auditors is also crucial, facilitating transparency throughout the audit process.