We need Environmental Consultants to lead the development and implementation of a mine’s environmental planning and management practices. The mining industry recognizes the need to reduce its environmental impact, including mitigating against climate change. Environmental Consultants help mines comply with regulations and take a leadership role in preserving the earth, water and air for future generations.

What is it like to work as an Environmental Consultant in mining?

Note: conditions vary according to employer and region.

Environmental Consultants must be highly organized and motivated to identify, assess and manage the environmental effects of a mine’s operation on neighbouring lands and waters. They are constantly keeping up to date with regulatory protocols and requirements from provincial, federal and international governing bodies so their employer remains in safe, legal and compliant operation.

Why are People Attracted to this Career?

Environmental Consultants are tasked with providing timely and helpful technical advice when it comes to environmental regulations, monitoring and performance. They are an integral part of a mine’s day-to-day operation as well as its long-term planning because of their ability to translate environmental regulations into practical policies and effective action. People are attracted to this career because they wish to lead the industry toward positive changes, ethical stewardship and environmental responsibility.

Job Description

  • Manage environmental management plans which satisfy provincial and federal government regulatory requirements
  • Obtain environmental approvals, permits and licences
  • Implement procedures, policies and proactive measures to prevent permit violations and promote project development
  • Prepare environmental data collection and data management to organize submissions of environmental applications, records, reports and notifications
  • Perform site inspection, air monitoring services and visual inspections for the removal of hazardous materials
  • Design and interpret internal audits to ensure technicians, site personnel and contractors are following environmental regulatory and internal requirements
  • Maintain strong working relationships with mine site employees including area managers and project engineers
  • Create and organize project reports of site inspections and assessments
  • Prepare research papers, educational texts, or articles and present at conferences, workshops and symposia

Compensation

$36,000

$92,000

(Source: online job ads in Canada, 2021)

Job Prospect

Opportunities in Mining

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5
Limited Great

Skill Transferability Among Other Industries

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Low High

Success Profile

  • Strong knowledge of environmental acts and regulations
  • Good understanding of the environmental impact of mining processes
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills
  • Detail-oriented
  • Strong technical writing skills
  • Analytical and strategic thinker
  • Strong problem-solving skills
  • Ability to prepare accurate technical records and reports
  • Ability to work with all levels of the organization

Job Entry Requirements

Note: The requirements listed below illustrate what it takes to start the career and does not take into account on-the-job training given to new employees.

FIXED REQUIREMENTS

  • Post-secondary degree in Environmental Science or diploma in Environmental Technology or Biological Sciences Technology
  • Knowledge and experience with environmental management systems
  • Knowledge of applicable environmental legislations and guidelines
  • Proficient in office and data management software

MAY BE REQUIRED

  • Willing to work on a shift work or fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) schedule

ASSETS

  • Experience at a mining or industrial setting
  • Willingness to relocate
  • Other languages
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