Chief Environmental Scientist

Freeport-McMoRan

. Plan, organize, manage, and evaluate environmental programs and systems under limited supervision .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timePhoenix • Arizona • United StatesLead💰 $112,000 - $160,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in managing environmental programs, ensuring compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations, and providing strategic guidance on environmental safety and remediation initiatives. Proficient in project management, vendor contract administration, and training coordination related to environmental practices.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Environmental Program ManagementWater Quality ComplianceRegulatory EngagementProject ManagementEnvironmental Safety Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Environmental ComplianceRemediationReclamationWater Quality MonitoringVendor Contract AdministrationStrategic PlanningBudgetingTechnical Standards DevelopmentGroundwater PermittingEnvironmental Incident Investigation

Soft Skills

LeadershipCollaborationGuidance and CounselingMentoringCommunication

Certifications & Qualifications

HAZWOPERMethod 9DOTEMSAuditorAsbestosWater Treatment OperatorCHMM

Industry Keywords

CERCLARCRATOSCASARACWAEPCRAEnvironmental EngineeringHydrogeologyGroundwater ModelsDrinking Water Programs

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Plan, organize, manage, and evaluate environmental programs and systems under limited supervision
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 recommend corrective actions to site management
Serve as Project Manager on large and complex environmental projects, including water quality compliance, permitting, remediation, and reclamation initiatives
Evaluate and administer vendor contracts for services and equipment
Provide guidance and counsel to site management on applicable programs, practices, and local, State, and Federal regulations
Contribute to strategic planning and budgeting for environmental systems and issues
Oversee or investigate environmental incidents and maintain legally required records and response documentation
Maintain working knowledge of Federal, State, and local environmental and occupational health regulations, including CERCLA, RCRA, TOSCA, SARA, CWA, and EPCRA
Oversee and coordinate training mandated by EPA, DEQ, or other regulatory bodies
Serve as the site contact in designated areas

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Technology, Earth Science, a related natural science discipline, Mathematics/Computer Science including Accounting and Finance, Business Management, or another Bachelor’s degree, and seven (7) years of related experience; OR a 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
Ability to travel domestically up to 30% of the time and internationally up to 5% of the time
Mandatory pre-employment drug testing and ongoing drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws
Preferred: advanced degree in hydrogeology, geology, environmental engineering, water resources, or a related discipline
Preferred: experience supporting mining, heavy industry, energy, or other complex industrial operations
Preferred: experience with groundwater or water-quality permitting, compliance strategies, and regulatory engagement in Arizona and/or New Mexico
Preferred: experience reviewing groundwater models, conceptual site models, monitoring programs, forecasts, and consultant-developed technical analyses
Preferred: experience developing or maintaining technical standards, governance frameworks, procedures, methodologies, drinking water programs, or enterprise-wide technical programs
Preferred: experience providing technical leadership, mentoring, supervision, capability development, and collaboration with regulators, consultants, and multidisciplinary project teams

Benefits

Comp & perks

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
Incentive compensation considerations based on company and individual performance
Annual long-term incentive consideration
Collaborative environment
Flexible schedule
Working café, phone booths and meeting rooms at the Collaboration Hub