Program Manager Environmental Permitting & Regulatory

Cleveland-Cliffs

Hours: Full time
Where: Forbes
Apply by: End Date: December 22, 2026
Posted: Sep 22

Location: Forbes, MN

Cleveland-Cliffs is seeking a highly experienced Program Manager Environmental Permitting & Regulatory to lead environmental permitting and regulatory initiatives for our Mining and Pelletizing operations in Northern Minnesota and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The Program Manager will manage aspects of environmental permitting and closely coordinate with site environmental managers, including providing guidance and overseeing the preparation of environmental permit applications. The Program Manager will also monitor and analyze emerging environmental regulations for their impact on the business, engage in state and federal environmental rulemaking, and advocate for sound environmental regulatory policy development with external stakeholders and trade associations. This position will report to the Environmental Director for our Mining and Pelletizing business.

What you'd do

Oversee environmental permit application and ensure consistency amongst sites.
Primary permitting oversight activities include: Wetlands (Section 404/ Army Corps of Engineers and Wetlands Conservation Act/Minnesota DNR), Permit to Mine (Minnesota DNR), etc.
Develop procedures and ensure consistency amongst sites for carrying out reclamation activities; tracking and updating financial assurance obligations; tracking environmental performance, etc.
Assist in developing proactive NPDES/State Disposal System water permitting/reissuance strategies to address evolving regulations and Waters of the United States/Waters of the State definitions.
Monitor and analyze emerging environmental regulations and laws at the local, state, and federal levels, assess their impact on the company's operations, and provide guidance to the site environmental Managers.
Advise the Environmental Director and maintain risk registries to address emerging regulations, permitting issues, operational risks, and compliance obligations.
Conduct site environmental assessments and identify potential environmental risks and liabilities.
Evaluate prospective projects against environmental review obligations (NEPA/MEPA) and manage EAW/EIS studies, if required.
Develop and maintain positive relationships with multiple stakeholders, including internal teams, regulatory agencies, and local communities. Represent the company on industry trade association environmental committees.
Advise the Environmental Director on opportunities and priorities on advocating for improvements to environmental legislation or regulations.
Develop comments and engage with local, state, and federal agencies on environmental rulemaking and policy development.
Additional responsibilities as assigned.

What they want

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or environmental discipline.
Familiarity with design and operation of air emission control and water treatment systems for the industrial sector.
Demonstrated experience in preparing and submitting environmental permit applications and other environmental compliance requirements/reports/documentation.
Expertise in analyzing and interpreting the environmental regulations' impact on facilities.
Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Starts: 2026-09-22