Environmental Permitting Lead

About Mariana Minerals

Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical materials powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies.

We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply.

About the Role

We are hiring a Permitting Lead to drive environmental and regulatory strategy across Mariana’s mining, processing, and refining projects.

You’ll guide permitting from early project definition (FEL 1–3) through detailed design, construction, commissioning, and operations—ensuring environmental, regulatory, and engineering decisions stay aligned.

Projects include greenfield mine developments, processing plants, and pilot/test facilities, each with unique permitting and design challenges.

This role requires an owner mindset, strategic judgment, and the ability to integrate environmental requirements into engineering and execution decisions.

What You’ll Do

Environmental & Permitting Leadership

• Lead permitting and environmental compliance across projects in TX, MN, ND, UT, CA, and additional jurisdictions.

• Develop and maintain permitting roadmaps across federal, state, and local agencies.

• Integrate regulatory requirements directly into FEL 1–3 and detailed design.

Federal & NEPA Compliance

• Manage NEPA EA/EIS processes through Record of Decision (ROD).

• Ensure mitigation, monitoring, and reporting requirements flow into design and construction plans.

• Serve as primary contact with BLM, USACE, DOE, EPA, USFWS, and cooperating agencies.

State, County & Local Permitting

• Lead permitting with RRC (TX), DNR/MPCA (MN), DEQ (ND), UDEQ/DOGM (UT), CalEPA (CA), and other local authorities.

• Oversee NPDES, SWPPP, construction stormwater, zoning, site plan, and building permits.

Engineering, Procurement & Construction Integration

• Ensure environmental and permit conditions are embedded in design packages and EPC contracts.

• Support construction-phase compliance, contractor training, stormwater inspections, and monitoring programs.

• Develop and maintain a project-level Environmental Management System (EMS).

Operations & Long-Term Compliance

• Manage ongoing environmental obligations for air, water, stormwater, waste, and EPCRA.

• Ensure environmental commitments remain embedded in daily operations and management of change (MOC).

Agency & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as Mariana’s permitting interface with federal, state, tribal, and local bodies.

• Prepare concise updates for leadership and the Board.

What You Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental science, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Geology, or related field.

• 10+ years of U.S. permitting experience in mining, energy, or large infrastructure.

• Proven leadership managing NEPA EA/EIS processes through ROD.

• Strong familiarity with CAA, CWA, RCRA, ESA, EPCRA, and state/local permitting.

• Experience integrating permitting requirements into FEL 1–3 and detailed design.

• Track record managing permitting with agencies such as RRC, DNR/MPCA, DEQ, UDEQ/DOGM, CalEPA, etc.

Preferred

• Experience with critical minerals (lithium, nickel, graphite, etc.) or refining/processing facilities.

• Experience with IFC/Equator Principles.

• Professional certifications such as PE, PG, CEP.

Why Join Us

• Shape the future of responsible mineral production.

• Build first-of-kind technologies that integrate engineering, software, and AI.

• High-ownership role with direct impact on project strategy and execution.

• Work in a fast-moving environment where our cultural principles guide everything we do:

  • ⚙️ Extreme Ownership

  • 🧠 Delete Then Automate

  • 🤝 Share Your Legos

Equal Opportunity Statement

Mariana Minerals is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.