Environmental Scientist

Job No: PVG2020105099
Location: Northwestern BC

Welcome to Newcrest! 

Newcrest is one of the world's largest gold mining companies. As a global business, we aim to create a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and supported to bring their whole unique self to work.

We recognise that our different backgrounds and perspectives help us find better ways to: solve problems; attract and retain the best people; explore, develop, and produce more gold safely and profitably; and help make Newcrest a better place to work.

Following the recent acquisition of Pretivm, Newcrest now own and operate the Brucejack Mine located 65 kilometers north of the town of Stewart in northern British Columbia. 

The Brucejack underground mine is one of the largest and highest-grade gold mines globally and as of January 1, 2021 has proven and probable mineral reserves of 3.9 million ounces of gold (14.4 million tonnes grading 8.3 grams per tonne gold) with a mine life of 12 years.

The Opportunity:  

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an Environmental Scientist to join the Brucejack Mine in Northwestern, British Columbia.

This position is located at Newcrest Exploration Inc.'s "Newcrest" Brucejack Mine site within the Environmental Department. The position reports to the Environment and Regulatory Affairs Manager via the Environmental Superintendent and Environmental Coordinator. The Environmental Superintendent and Environmental Coordinator cross-shift each other and provide the direct supervision at the Mine site.

Job Purpose & Accountability:

The purpose of the position is to support the Environment and Regulatory Affairs Department in working to maintain compliance with Brucejack Mine regulatory authorizations and legislated environmental requirements, while taking a pro-active role in mitigating and resolving potential environmental issues and/or concerns that might arise regarding mine operations. Under the direction of the Environment and Regulatory Affairs Manager, and Environmental Superintendent/Coordinator, this position uses sound scientific protocols and procedures to implement and/or supervise the implementation of mine authorizations requirements, Environmental Management Plans (EMPs) and related Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and other environmental field duties, ensuring work is completed in a safe and effective manner. Data management, basic statistical analyses, and graphics preparation; compliance tracking/support; and reporting to address requirements of mine authorizations are additional key job functions. Qualified persons in this position are intended to provide Qualified Professional (QP) sign-off if/as required and to undertake or lead work requiring QP oversight.

Responsibilities:

Perform the following duties, with health and safety, environmental protection, and meeting Brucejack Mine regulatory requirements being the main priorities:

  • Provide appropriate scientific/technical support to help address environmental challenges and meet required standards;
  • Schedule, organize and conduct environmental field sampling and monitoring to address mine authorizations and EMS/EMP requirements. This includes surface and groundwater quality sampling and related data collection; manual hydrology measurements; aquatic biological sampling; air quality monitoring; data downloads from meteorological, CTD (for Lake column monitoring), and other monitoring equipment with data loggers; other environmental sampling and monitoring as required, including for camp potable water and wastewater treatment systems, and the Mine Water Treatment Plant (MWTP) (must be capable of sampling in the underground mine as required); and monitoring equipment trouble-shooting and repairs;
  • Implement or supervise the implementation of the Environmental Management System (EMS) and its component EMPs and related SOPs, and other environmental requirements, as directed;
  • Conduct EMP audits and compliance monitoring (e.g., underground nitrogen management, water treatment plant operation), and with supervisory support, lead/coordinate implementation of any remedial measures identified through the audits as being required;
  • Investigate environmental incidents (e.g., hydrocarbon or chemical spills, nuisance wildlife interactions, waste management issues); implement or coordinate the response as appropriate; prepare required documentation and make recommendations to ensure preventative and corrective actions are executed;
  • Provide support for emergency hydrocarbon and chemicals spill response preparedness and coordination as directed;
  • Plan, implement, coordinate and/or supervise the implementation of erosion prevention and sediment control measures, and site reclamation/revegetation, as directed;
  • Perform environmental supervision duties (e.g., prescribe and supervise environmental measures for road culvert replacements); 
  • Implement wildlife protection measures as directed;
  • Develop and deliver appropriate educational materials (e.g., environmental component of personnel orientation presentations) regarding environmental control initiatives;
  • Maintain or assist in the maintenance of environmental monitoring equipment, such as meteorological stations, pressure transducers/loggers, CTDs, dustfall monitors, as directed;
  • Perform laboratory and related monitoring work, such as calibrating scientific instruments; completing field lab analyses (e.g., use of various Hach test kits); logging numerical and visual observations; preparing and packaging samples; ordering required sampling supplies; recording test results and performing photo documentation;
  • Conduct data management, compliance tracking and prepare monitoring logs and technical documentation to ensure completeness and conformance to regulatory requirements;
  • Conduct statistical analyses and prepare technical reports/sections as directed to address requirements of mine authorizations. Preparation of field trip reports, annual field reports (by discipline), and sections of the MA/EMA Permits Annual report along w/ related data/graphics appendices are key job functions;
  • Under the direction of the Environmental Manager and/or other Newcrest permitting personnel, review technical documents to ensure completeness and conformance to regulatory requirements;
  • Qualified personnel in this position are intended to provide Qualified Professional (QP) sign-off if/as required and to undertake or lead work requiring QP oversight (e.g., for hydrology, hydrogeology, surface and groundwater quality, reclamation, invasive plants, and wildlife);
  • Understand and ensure compliance with Newcrest safety policies and governmental safety regulations including those from BC Ministry of Energy and Mines and WorksafeBC;
  • Consult and collaborate with Environmental, Health & Safety and Avalanche personnel on applicable matters;
  • Participate in site specific training as directed; and
  • Perform other related duties as required.

What we can offer you: 

We are committed to ensuring that our team members are kept healthy and safe. To achieve this, we provide comfortable camp accommodations, as well as balanced meals prepared by our culinary team.  

Team members can expect access to TV and Wi-Fi, our on-site gym, and a variety of recreational activities.  

All our team members are also rewarded with a host of great benefits, including: 

  • Travel allowance and arrangements made for transportation to and from site 
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience, skills, and qualifications 
  • Ongoing training with continuous growth and development opportunities 

It is important to note that the safety and wellbeing of our team is our top priority. As such, we promote a drug and alcohol-free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. 

About You:

B.Sc., B.A.Sc., or higher in Environmental Science, Biology, Ecology, Environmental Engineering, or another environmental field relevant to Brucejack Gold Mine environmental requirements

  • M.Sc. or M.A.Sc. in one of the above fields considered an asset.
  • Relevant professional designation (B.C. R.P.Bio., P.Chem., P.Geo., P.Eng., or P.Ag.) or eligibility for same, is preferred.
  • Mechanical and instrumentation aptitude, with knowledge on the repair of scientific field equipment is an asset.
  • Knowledge and experience with spill response, erosion prevention and sediment control; handling of hazardous materials, including preparing related prescriptions and SOPs; supervising and/or implementing measures; and preparing monitoring and incident response documentation are all assets.
  • Experience in an industrial setting, including directing equipment operators and other personnel to implement measures required for environmental protection is an asset. Prior experience working at a remote mining operation is an asset.
  • Strong field skills in a remote, mountainous environment is an asset. These include knowledge and experience conducting work in avalanche terrain; knowledge and experience working in swiftwater and mountain lake environments; and operation of off-road equipment including motorized boats, snowmobiles, quads, and 4x4 pick-up trucks.
  • Working knowledge of Canadian federal and provincial (British Columbia) environmental regulatory requirements is an asset. • Attention to detail and proficiency with computers, particularly database management and interpretation, is important.
  • Communication and conflict resolution skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and team skills.
  • Good to analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong writing skills.
  • Knowledge of workplace safety requirements and procedures.
  • Strong time management and organizational skills

Additional Assets:

  • Operation off-road vehicles, including ATVs, snowmobiles and boats.
  • Backcountry skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing.
  • Knowledge & understanding of avalanche terrain risks.
  • Avalanche Level AST 1 course or higher.
  • Canadian Aquatic Biomonitoring Network (CABIN) certification.
  • Bear Awareness Training.
  • Swiftwater Rescue Technician (SRT 1) or higher.
  • Ice Rescue Technician or higher.
  • Erosion and Sediment Control Certificate.
  • Spill Response Training.
  • Underground experience.

Additional Information:

  • Ability to work at remote location (camp) on a 2 travel days/ 13 days on/13 days off rotation;
  • Twinrix vaccination is a requirement of employment;
  • Required to pass a pre-employment medical screening;
  • Be able maintain performance over 12-hour shifts;
  • Minimum Level 1 first aid ticket (training provided as necessary);
  • Entails work in extreme weather conditions;
  • Entails work in close quarters with the team; and

Our commitment to you:

At Newcrest, we hold core values that focus on caring about people, working together, and achieving a high-performance culture through innovation and problem solving.

Newcrest’s commitment to diversity and inclusion respects both the rights of every individual to work to their highest potential, free of discrimination, as well as the cultures, religions, and governing codes applicable to each country in which we operate.

Newcrest promotes a drug and alcohol free work environment through the use of mandatory pre-employment drug and alcohol testing.

Next Steps:

If you share our values and feel that you could make a meaningful difference in this role, submit your application online before the advertised application closing date.

IF YOU'RE LOOKING FOR AN EXCITING NEW CHALLENGE, JOIN NEWCREST AND THE BRUCEJACK MINE TODAY! 

 

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