Director, Safety Mining & Processing
Who we are:
We are on a mission to become a leading supplier of critical materials that enable the green energy and technology revolution. Our materials and technologies are required for the electric vehicle, green energy, consumer electronics, and defense industries, and our battery grade lithium and tech metals are needed for chipsets, semiconductors, and 5G.
We have a substantial interest in the Round Top, Heavy Rare Earth, Lithium and Critical Minerals deposit in West Texas. We have also developed the United States' first rare earth and critical minerals processing facility and we own the only scalable, sintered neo-magnet manufacturing system in the Western Hemisphere. By developing this fully integrated, US-based "mine-to-magnet" critical mineral supply chain, we are poised to become the leading domestic supplier to these industries.
What you can expect:
At USA Rare Earth, we are pioneers and problem solvers, technologists and team players. Together, we:
Build Solutions : If our task was a simple one, it would already be done. We are creative and solution-oriented, and we think outside the box to solve important problems. We know that a range of expertise and technologies is needed for success, and we work across sectors and alongside customers to deliver world-class solutions in sustainable ways.
Deliver Quality : When we do things, we do them well. We believe that top-tier quality leads to industry competitiveness and we hold ourselves to the highest quality standards. We move fast when executing, but safety, quality, and excellence always come first.
Lead responsibly : We have a responsibility to the planet, our consumers, our country, and each other. We put safety at the center of all we do, take accountability for our actions, incorporate sustainable practices in our processes and act with the financial best interest of our investors and consumers in mind.
Win Together : Establishing a rare earth magnet supply chain is a big undertaking - and getting there is a team effort. We communicate openly, work together and challenge each other in pursuit of our goals. With every step we take we learn and get better.
Job Summary:
The Director of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) leads the development and execution of enterprise-wide EHS programs supporting solvent extraction processing and mining operations. This role ensures compliance with all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations while proactively managing risk across hazardous chemical handling, extraction processes, and field-based mining activities. The Director serves as a strategic partner to operations leadership, driving a culture of safety, environmental responsibility, and operational discipline.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and continuously improve EHS programs across solvent extraction facilities and mining sites, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements and operational risks
Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including those governing hazardous chemicals, air and water quality, waste management, and mine safety
Develop and implement risk identification and mitigation strategies specific to solvent-based processing, chemical storage and handling, tailings management, and field operations
Establish and standardize incident investigation protocols (e.g., near-miss, environmental release, occupational injury), including root cause analysis and corrective action tracking
Provide technical oversight on environmental permitting, reclamation planning, spill prevention, and emergency response preparedness
Partner with operations, engineering, and site leadership to integrate EHS considerations into process design, mine planning, and day-to-day execution
Oversee environmental monitoring programs, including air emissions, water discharge, and soil/groundwater impacts
Serve as the primary interface with regulatory agencies, inspectors, and community stakeholders, including managing audits and site inspections
Develop and maintain EHS training programs tailored to both plant and field personnel, reinforcing a safety-first culture
Build and lead a high-performing EHS team across multiple locations, driving accountability and continuous improvement
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in environmental science, Occupational Health & Safety, Engineering, or a related field
10+ years of progressive EHS leadership experience in mining, chemical processing, solvent extraction, or similarly regulated industries
Strong knowledge of regulations related to mining operations, hazardous chemical handling, and environmental protection (e.g., air, water, waste)
Demonstrated experience managing EHS programs across both fixed processing facilities and field-based operations
Expertise in incident investigation, process safety, and environmental risk management
Experience with permitting, inspections, and regulatory engagement at the state and federal level
Proven ability to influence cross-functional leadership and drive a culture of safety in complex, high-risk environments
Willingness and ability to travel to and spend time at remote mining and processing sites
Physical Demands
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 accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, move, sit, carry, bend, kneel, reach, push, pull, lift, use hands and fingers, handle, or feel and talk and hear. May be required to lift and move boxes or packages not exceeding 20 pounds in weight. Some work stress inherent to the position and extended work hours may be required.
Work Environment:
The work environment will be a mix of a typical office environment, laboratory space, and construction site.
Noise level:
Exposure will vary and include normal office noise, typical laboratory sounds (e.g., ventilation systems, equipment operation), manufacturing floor noise (e.g., machinery, forklifts), and construction site noise depending on project phase and location.
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 corporate reporting structure.
USA Rare Earth proudly supports Equal Employment Opportunities
USA Rare Earth's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and will provide reasonable accommodations according to applicable federal, state, and/or local laws.
The pay range for this role is:
160,000 - 180,000 USD per year (Wheat Ridge, CO)
Department: Mining
