Equinox Gold is a growth-focused Canadian mining company operating entirely in the Americas, with projects in Canada, the USA, Mexico, and Nicaragua. We have five operating gold mines and a clear path to achieve more than one million ounces of annual gold production from a pipeline of development and expansion projects. Equinox Gold’s team of proven and experienced mining professionals identify promising assets and develop them into world-class mines that operate to the highest environmental, social and safety standards. We are looking for individuals who want to be part of this high-functioning team and are committed to the Company’s success, just as we are dedicated to developing our people. We invite you to join our team as Equinox Gold works to achieve its vision of becoming the premier Americas gold producer.
Job Summary: The Sr Environmental Engineer reports to the Environmental Manager and assists the Environmental Manager with ensuring that all gold mining operations comply with federal, state, and local environmental regulations, with a strong focus on California-specific mining laws. This role assists the Environmental Manager in overseeing compliance reporting, environmental risk management, and supports sustainable mining practices. The ideal candidate will have deep knowledge of mining-related environmental regulations and experience working in extractive industries.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
General Compliance Duties
- Develop and maintain the site’s environmental compliance program.
- Monitor regulatory changes and update internal policies and procedures accordingly.
- Conduct internal audits and risk assessments.
- Provide compliance training to site personnel.
- Investigate and resolve compliance violations.
- Prepare reports for the Env Manager, senior leadership, and regulatory agencies.
- Oversee environmental specialists tasked to assist the Sr Environmental Engineer.
Gold Mining-Specific Environmental Compliance Tasks
- Ensure compliance with the California Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), CEQA, and other state-specific mining regulations.
- Ensure compliance with federal (ESA) and state (CESA) species protection and reporting requirements.
- Manage permits related to air quality (e.g., dust control), water quality (e.g., Title 27 California Code of Regulations), surface water jurisdictions, hazardous materials/waste, and other waste management.
- Oversee compliance with federal regulations, including NEPA, Clean Water Act, Clean Air Act, TRI, and RCRA.
- Coordinate with geologists, engineers, and operations teams to ensure environmental controls are integrated into mine planning and daily operations.
- Monitor and report on cyanide handling, wildlife incidents, and obligations to the International Cyanide Management Institute (ICMI or Cyanide Code).
- Monitor revegetation facilities and reclamation activities.
- Conduct environmental impact assessments and mitigation planning.
- Support the Environmental Manager’s coordination with San Bernardino County, the Mojave Air Quality Management District, the California Department of Conservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and other local agencies.
- Support the Environmental Manager’s coordination with the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and other federal agencies.
- Maintain documentation for inspections, spills, and corrective actions, including environmental SOPs, policies, and forms.
- Support sustainability initiatives, including land restoration, water conservation, reclamation, and biodiversity protection
- Ensure accuracy and thoroughness in all tasks and monitor work to ensure the highest quality.
- Effectively present data, interpret environmental regulations, and prepare detailed reports.
- Supervise team of Environmental Engineers, Environmental Technicians, and support staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
- Minimum of five years’ experience in the mining industry, with at least eight years in environmental compliance or coordination.
- Strong knowledge of California mining regulations, compliance, and permitting processes.
- Ability to work in remote and rugged environments.
- Ability to analyze information effectively, and apply new thinking and other perspectives when appropriate, to foresee, identify, and resolve issues quickly.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality, remain open to new ideas, and be willing to try new approaches.
- Skilled at clear, persuasive communication and technical writing.
- Ability to prioritize tasks and create realistic action plans.
- Adept at managing changes and delays in a complex and dynamic environment.
- Ability to control impulses and suspend judgment.
- Ability to build relationships and manage networks to find common ground and foster cooperation.
- Ability to effectively lead a team of environmental specialists, and when needed, adjust one's management style to guide and empower the larger team.
- Experience with environmental management systems like ISO 14001 and Benchmark Gensuite experience is a plus.
- Familiarity with mine reclamation planning and reporting is preferred.
- Proficiency in GIS, environmental modeling, and compliance tracking software is preferred.
Certifications: Professional certifications such as CHMM, REM, CEM or CCEP; or California PE or PG registration are highly desirable.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Geology, Mining Engineering, or related field.
Working Conditions: Work is performed at an active mine site that may include open pit mining, processing facilities, leach pads, maintenance areas, and office environments. Employees may be exposed to extreme weather conditions associated with a desert climate, including high heat, cold temperatures, wind, dust, and occasional precipitation or flash flooding. Depending on the role, work areas may involve proximity to large mobile equipment, moving mechanical parts, blasting activities, noise, vibration, diesel exhaust fumes, chemicals, fuels, oils, airborne particles, or other industrial hazards typical of mining operations. Outdoor work on uneven or rough terrain is common for many roles. Employees may encounter desert wildlife and native plant life. Required personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn as determined by job duties, task hazards, and work location. PPE includes, but is not limited to, hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, safety footwear, and other PPE as determined by job task and location.
Physical Demands: Manual dexterity; handling and grasping; fingering and fine motor skills; speaking clearly; hearing in speech, radio, and environmental ranges; seeing, reading, and comprehension; near and distant vision; depth perception. While performing job responsibilities, employees must be able to communicate effectively and maintain situational awareness in an active mining environment. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, bending, reaching, climbing, kneeling, crouching, or working on uneven surfaces. Use of hands and fingers to operate tools, equipment, controls, or computer systems is required. Specific physical demand requirements will be provided during the interview process. Employees may be required to work while wearing the required PPE, including respiratory and hearing protection. These requirements are representative, but not all‑inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required of the employee.
The annual pay range for this position starts at $107,416.00- $143,221.00 based on experience
Key Benefits Provided:
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Career Advancement Opportunities: Unlock potential for growth and progression with a top mining company
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Competitive Compensation: Attractive pay coupled with bonus incentives
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401(k) Retirement Plan: Benefit from a company-matched program designed to support your long-term financial security
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Comprehensive Insurance Coverage: Access extensive medical, dental, and vision plans for your health and well-being
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Paid Time Off: Maintain a healthy work-life balance
EOE: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.