Chief Environmental Scientist

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today!     

Where You Will Work 

Our global headquarters is in Phoenix, Arizona. Several hundred employees support global operations in finance, human resources, information technology, planning and more from the main office, satellite offices or online. Employees working on a flexible schedule collaborate online and in-person at our Collaboration Hub at the Cotton Center in Phoenix. The Collaboration Hub provides an open, flexible workspace for individuals and teams to come together for various business needs. Amenities at the Hub include a working café, phone booths and meeting rooms with technology tools for virtual and in-person collaboration. 

Phoenix is the capital of the Grand Canyon State and enjoys mostly bright skies throughout the year. It is the perfect place if you enjoy the outdoors, love sports, concerts and other big city amenities or technology. There are great neighborhoods around Phoenix, with easy access to a major city, nature, the arts and many more amenities. 

What You Will Do

Under limited supervision, you plan, organize, manage and evaluate the environmental programs and systems.

• As the Chief Environmental Scientist, you develop, recommend, supervise and assess environmental safety, compliance, remediation, and reclamation programs.
• Supervise, enhance and monitor water quality environmental practices for the site.
• Report environmental compliance issues and make recommendations to appropriate site management for correction.
• Serve as Project Manager on large and complex environmental projects, including water quality compliance, permitting, remediation, and reclamation initiatives.
• Evaluate and administer contracts with vendors for the provision of services and equipment.
• In this role, you provide guidance and counsel to the site management team on applicable programs, practices, and existing or proposed local, State, and Federal regulations.
• Contribute to site strategic planning and budgeting efforts for environmental systems and issues.
• Oversee or investigate environmental incidents and maintain records and response documentation as required by law.
• Maintain current working knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental and occupational health regulations, including CERCLA, RCRA, TOSCA, SARA, CWA, and EPCRA.
• Oversee and coordinate all training mandated by EPA, DEQ, or other regulatory bodies and serve as the site contact in designated areas.

What You Bring To Freeport

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Earth Science, or a related natural science discipline (such as Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Hydrology, Forestry, Agriculture, Meteorology, or Environmental/Natural Resource Management), or Mathematics/Computer Science including Accounting and Finance, or Business Management or another Bachelor’s degree, and seven (7) years of related experience; OR
• Master’s degree in a related field and five (5) years of related experience
• Additional certification or licensure appropriate to the position may be required or preferred, including HAZWOPER, Method 9, DOT, EMS, Auditor, Asbestos, Water Treatment Operator, or CHMM

Preferred

• Advanced degree in hydrogeology, geology, environmental engineering, water resources, or a related discipline. 

• Experience supporting mining, heavy industry, energy, or other complex industrial operations. 

• Experience with groundwater or water-quality permitting, compliance strategies, and regulatory engagement in Arizona and/or New Mexico. 

• Experience reviewing groundwater models, conceptual site models, monitoring programs, forecasts, and consultant-developed technical analyses. 

• Experience developing or maintaining technical standards, governance frameworks, procedures, methodologies, drinking water programs, or enterprise-wide technical programs. 

• Experience providing technical leadership, mentoring, supervision, capability development, and collaboration with regulators, consultants, and multidisciplinary project teams. 

What We Offer You  

The estimated annual pay range for this role is currently $112,000-$160,000.  This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional incentive compensation considerations based on company and individual performance.  Additionally, this position is currently eligible for annual long-term incentive consideration.  Long-term incentives are contingent upon authorized approval under the terms and conditions of the Company's plan and award agreements.  More details will be shared during the hiring process. 

Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.  

• Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits  
• Company-paid life and disability insurance  
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match  
• Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave  
• Tuition assistance  
• Employee Assistance Program  
• Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle  
• Internal progression opportunities  
• Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!  

What We Require

• Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws. 

• Ability to travel domestically up to 30% of the time and internationally up to 5% of the time to support business and operational needs.

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to View email address on us.fitly.work .