Water Permitting Manager

About Mesabi Metallics

When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering organization advancing innovation in sustainable iron and steel manufacturing. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship, and generating long-term value for all stakeholders.

You will be joining us at a pivotal stage of one of North America's most significant industrial developments. Mesabi Metallics is developing a Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Integrated Steel Plant that will strengthen the U.S. low-carbon metallics supply chain. The project is envisioned as a next-generation metallics and steel manufacturing hub supporting the rapidly growing Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steel sector.

More importantly, you'll be part of a collaborative and supportive workplace that values integrity, innovation, teamwork, inclusivity, sustainability, determination, and performance. At Mesabi Metallics, you will play an important role in shaping the future of sustainable steel manufacturing.

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Position Summary

Mesabi Metallics is seeking an experienced Permitting Manager – Water Resources to support environmental permitting activities for the Company's Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) and Integrated Steel Plant projects. Reporting to the Head of Permitting, this role will be responsible for leading water permitting strategy, regulatory approvals, and compliance activities supporting engineering, construction, commissioning, and operational readiness.

The Permitting Manager – Water Resources will serve as the technical lead for water permitting matters, working closely with engineering, project management, EPC/EPCM contractors, operations, EHS, and regulatory agencies to ensure permitting requirements are effectively integrated into project execution. This individual will play a critical role in obtaining and maintaining permits necessary to support successful project delivery while ensuring compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations.

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Job Responsibilities

• Lead water permitting activities for DRI, integrated steel manufacturing, mining, and related industrial facilities.
• Develop and execute permitting strategies supporting project development, engineering, construction, and commissioning activities.
• Prepare, review, and manage water permit applications, permit modifications, renewals, and regulatory submissions.
• Lead permitting activities associated with industrial wastewater discharge, stormwater management, water withdrawals, groundwater protection, and other applicable regulatory programs.
• Coordinate technical evaluations for industrial water systems, wastewater treatment, stormwater controls, and water management infrastructure.
• Work closely with engineering teams to integrate permitting requirements into facility design, water treatment systems, and operational processes.
• Collaborate with project management, construction, operations, utilities, EHS, EPC/EPCM contractors, and environmental consultants throughout project execution.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison with federal, state, and local regulatory agencies regarding water permitting matters.
• Monitor permitting schedules, regulatory commitments, and project milestones to support successful project execution.
• Identify permitting risks, regulatory changes, and potential project impacts while developing mitigation strategies.
• Support Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), hydrologic studies, environmental reviews, and regulatory approvals as required.
• Participate in environmental audits, compliance inspections, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Maintain permitting documentation, compliance records, regulatory correspondence, and project reporting requirements.

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Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Chemical Engineering, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience supporting water permitting, environmental compliance, or regulatory affairs within large industrial facilities.
• Experience supporting major capital projects utilizing EPC or EPCM delivery models preferred.
• Experience within steel, mining, metals, manufacturing, energy, chemical processing, pulp and paper, or other heavy industrial environments strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of industrial water permitting, wastewater management, stormwater regulations, and water quality compliance requirements.
• Experience supporting permitting activities related to NPDES, industrial wastewater discharge, stormwater pollution prevention, water withdrawals, groundwater protection, and water reuse programs.
• Familiarity with industrial wastewater treatment systems, water recycling technologies, and pollution prevention strategies.
• Experience working directly with environmental regulatory agencies and external environmental consultants.
• Strong project management, analytical, organizational, and technical writing skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities with cross-functional project teams.

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Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel to project sites, contractor offices, regulatory agencies, and consultant locations as required.
• Ability to work in industrial environments while following all applicable safety requirements.
• Ability to participate in field inspections, project meetings, and construction coordination activities.
• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods while reviewing technical documents and preparing regulatory submissions.