Environmental Technician

Job Description

Job Title: Environmental Technician

Department: Environmental

Reports to: Mark Severson

Location:  Florence AZ

Company Background and Culture:

Florence Copper is in the historic Copper Corridor of Arizona – a region steeped in copper mining history. The project offers a unique opportunity to provide strong economic benefits to the community of Florence and the State of Arizona with minimal environmental impact using the in-situ copper recovery process.  During its lifetime, Florence Copper is estimated to create close to 500 jobs for Pinal County and generate $3.4 billion in economic activity for the State of Arizona.

Florence Copper is expected to have the lowest energy and greenhouse gas-intensity (GHG) of any copper producer in North America and will reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign producers for a metal considered to be critical for the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Florence Copper is a wholly owned subsidiary of Taseko Mines Limited which is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.  Taseko is also the operator and the owner of the Gibraltar copper/molybdenum mine in Canada and various other development projects.

Key Responsibilities:

The Environmental Technician is a safety sensitive position and is responsible for assisting the Environmental Department with various tasks that ensure permit compliance. This person completes the collection, recording, maintenance, interpretation, and presentation of sampling/monitoring data; performing routine environmental audits of facilities; timely preparation of reports; promotion of environmental policies and procedures; presenting environmental compliance training; and instrumentation maintenance and calibration.

Specific Responsibilities Include:

• Collect, preserve, and transport samples (water, soil, air) for analyses, adhering to appropriate sampling techniques and procedures.
• Conduct in-field (and limited laboratory) analyses on water samples in accordance with established procedures.
• Calibrate, operate, and maintain sampling and laboratory equipment and instruments in an accurate and appropriate manner.
• Maintain programs that monitor water quality, water use, and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct periodic audits of facilities and operations to ensure environmentally protective practices are followed.
• Respond to potentially non-compliant conditions in a safe and appropriate manner.
• Maintain solid and hazardous waste management protocols.
• On occasion, meet with regulatory representatives during inspections, document any findings.
• Assist facility management and personnel with environmental compliance.
• Identify, develop, and promote pollution prevention, waste minimization, and recycling efforts including audits.
• Provide assistance to any emergency response involving environmental issues.
• Maintain the environmental department’s filing system.
• Reporting and report writing, environmental inspections and general laboratory work as required.
• Conducts manual depth-to-water measurements across a network of operational monitoring wells, collecting readings daily with a full network sweep performed weekly. Operates and manages water level measurement equipment. Records and uploads water level data to tracking worksheets to support gradient analysis and cone of depression determinations.

• Schedules and implements the elements of the Monitoring Program as outlined under the UIC permit including calibration and maintenance of sampling equipment such as pH/conductivity meter and low-flow bladder pump controls. Collection of water quality samples includes field collection and preparation for sample bottles to be sent to offsite laboratory.

• Installation and maintenance of water quality sampling equipment in the monitoring wells. Monitor and calibrate data collection sensors such as pressure transducers and conductivity probes. Interact with collection system to ensure data quality for reporting purposes. Field work to correct any discovered points for troubleshooting.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Work Experience:

• Bachelor of Science degree related to environmental management preferred, or five years equivalent work experience with the completion of high school.
• Experience or extended education in chemistry and/or environmental regulations.
• A technical understanding of environmental sampling protocols and analytical methodology preferred. 
• Water quality sampling experience is a plus.

Skills and Competencies:

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written presentations.
• Able to analyze and accurately document work products in a comprehensive and timely manner.
• Ability to meet critical deadlines and manage priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (including Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Able to demonstrate discretion during job related decisions and in corporate relationships involving confidential subject matters and materials.
• Self-motivated, managing multiple projects and activities.
• Able to work effectively in both independent and team structures.

Work Environment:

• This position will include some office work, but some work will be performed in all-weather conditions both outdoors, and in a plant setting.
• The work site is located in Florence, Arizona.
• While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must work in compliance with the Florence Copper (OSHA) site safety program.
• Personal protective equipment is required when performing work in the plant environment.