Mining Scientist

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality is hiring a Mining Scientist to provide technical support for mining projects across Idaho. Responsibilities include overseeing cyanidation permitting, supporting remediation efforts, ensuring environmental compliance, and collaborating with various stakeholders. Candidates should have a relevant degree and professional experience in scientific applications related to mining processes and remediation. This position is remote, allowing work from anywhere.
About the position

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a Mining Scientist to provide technical support for mining projects in Idaho. This role involves overseeing cyanidation permitting for new mine sites, supporting remediation of legacy mine sites, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The Mining Scientist will collaborate with various stakeholders and agencies to develop mining procedures and guidance, while also conducting outreach to assist with permitting processes.

Responsibilities
• Provide technical support for mining projects in Idaho, including cyanidation permitting for new mine sites and supporting remediation of legacy mine sites.
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• Review preliminary design reports, operating plans, hydrogeologic baseline studies, water quality monitoring plans, and reclamation plans.
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• Prepare and issue new cyanidation mining permits under the 'Rules for Ore Processing by Cyanidation' (IDAPA 58.01.13).
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• Manage mine permit compliance in coordination with DEQ regional offices.
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• Oversee mine site closure activities in coordination with DEQ regional offices.
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• Develop mining and cyanidation procedures and guidance.
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• Produce outreach materials and conduct outreach events to assist stakeholders with application and compliance for cyanidation permitting.
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• Provide other technical assistance throughout the state for ongoing remediation projects at legacy mine sites and planning and operations of current and future mine sites.
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• Coordinate with DEQ's regional offices, other DEQ programs, Deputy Attorney General's Office, and state and federal agencies.

Requirements
• Possession of a Bachelor's degree in the physical or biological sciences, or a related field; OR education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree; AND at least six years of professional experience designing and implementing scientific applications, investigations, studies such as chemical, physical, or biological monitoring, corrective action plans, analysis, and assessment.
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• Possession of a Master's degree in the sciences or related field; AND four years' experience as defined above; OR possession of a Doctor of Philosophy in the sciences or related field; AND two years' experience as defined above.
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• Experience demonstrating some knowledge of mining processes typically gained through possession of a college degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Geophysics, Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Soil Science, Chemical, Civil, Mining or Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field; OR education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree; AND at least two (2) years of experience working on mine design, development, construction, operations, remediation, reclamation, and/or permitting that has provided a good understanding of mining processes.
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• Considerable knowledge of remediation typically gained through possession of a college degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Geophysics, Biology, Environmental Science, Chemistry, Soil Science, Chemical, Civil or Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field; OR education and experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree; AND two (2) years of work experience in investigating, monitoring and remediating past contamination.

Nice-to-haves
• Experience with environmental regulations and compliance related to mining operations.
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• Familiarity with the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act.

Benefits
• Dental insurance
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• Health insurance
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• Paid holidays
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• Parental leave
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• Relocation assistance
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• Retirement plan
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• Vision insurance