Role Summary

This leadership function balances profitability with environmental stewardship, social responsibility, safe operations, and long-term stakeholder value. It embeds sustainability and safety into core operations; aligns environmental, social, and governance priorities with business strategy; strengthens stakeholder trust; and proactively manages regulatory, operational, reputational, and enterprise risks to support durable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Compliance & Program Management

• Develop and execute EHS policies, procedures, and training programs aligned with corporate strategy and budget.
• Maintain compliance with TCEQ, EPA, DSHS, OSHA, MSHA, DOT, and other regulatory bodies.
• Conduct routine inspections, audits, and risk assessments to identify hazards and recommend corrective actions.
• Prepare and maintain required regulatory documentation, permits, and reports.
• Lead sustainability, environmental compliance, permitting, impact assessment, climate, resource efficiency, biodiversity, and corporate social responsibility programs.

Incident & Risk Management

• Lead incident investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective action tracking.
• Maintain incident records and drive trend analysis for continuous safety improvement.
• Develop the enterprise risk framework, validate risk identification and mitigation, and report material exposures to executive leadership and the board.

Training & Communication

• Deliver and track EHS training (lockout/tagout, hazard communication, PPE, emergency response, etc.).
• Establish and promote a proactive culture of continuous improvement and zero harm through effective communication, coaching, and employee engagement.
• Manage institutional and community relationships, represent the company in public and regulatory forums, and communicate progress transparently to investors, agencies, communities, and NGOs.

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee an integrated management system consistent with ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ISO 31000.
• Participate in safety committees, kaizen events, HOP Operational Learning, and EHS improvement projects.
• Lead environmental programs including waste management, recycling, sustainability, and chemical management.
• Align functional plans and budgets with corporate strategy.

Role Qualifications

Education

Advanced degree in Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, Mining Engineering, Occupational Health & Safety, or a related technical discipline preferred; bachelor's degree required. Relevant experience may substitute.

Experience

Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive senior EHS leadership experience spanning both heavy civil mining (MSHA) and chemical manufacturing/refining environments (OSHA PSM), with a demonstrated track record leading multidisciplinary teams.

Technical Knowledge

Deep knowledge of mining, environmental regulation, permitting, sustainability, and risk management. Proven track record executing radioactive material waste licensing, NORM/TENORM management, and radiation safety officer (RSO) level protocols.

Stakeholder & Systems Expertise

Experience with stakeholder engagement, integrated management systems, and building or auditing certified ISO 14001/45001 systems. Deep operational familiarity with TCEQ frameworks.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

Strong communication, analytical, negotiation, conflict-resolution, and decision-making skills, with demonstrated ability to lead and influence across multidisciplinary teams.

Language Skills

Professional proficiency in English required; bilingual capability (English/Spanish) highly desirable for the regional El Paso workforce landscape.

Travel

Ability to travel overnight up to 20%.

Physical Demands

The work environment will be a mix of a typical office environment, a manufacturing floor and construction/mining site. Noise level: Normal office, manufacturing and construction noises. Able to work multiple shifts. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required of personnel so classified. The reporting relationship may not reflect the most recent changes to the corporation.

USA Rare Earth proudly supports Equal Employment Opportunities. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

If you require assistance with the application process due to a disability, please contact people@usare.com to discuss reasonable accommodations.