Mining Consulting Geologist – Aggregates & Environmental Permitting

Mining Consulting Geologist – Aggregates & Environmental Permitting

• Job Title: Consulting Geologist – Aggregates & Environmental Permitting
• Department: Resource Development & Regulatory Affairs
• Employment Type: Full-Time / Contract
• Location: Hybrid (Watertown, NY area preferred for regional proximity and required for training)
• Travel: Frequent travel to active and prospective sand and gravel pits and rock quarries required

We are seeking a highly motivated, versatile and field-ready Consulting Geologist to specialize in aggregates and environmental permitting.  In this dual-impact role, you will not only evaluate sand, gravel, and crushed stone deposits for long-term viability, but also spearhead the complex environmental permitting processes required to open, expand, and operate pits and quarries.  A driven individual may often be able to operate from a remote home office and have the autonomy to manage geological modeling, design mitigation of environmental impacts, and navigate state and local regulatory frameworks.  If you are an ambitious professional who thrives at the intersection of earth science, industrial development, and environmental stewardship, this role offers an exceptional path for technical independence and career growth.  The position provides experience required for ASBOG eligibility.

Core Responsibilities & Impact

• Evaluate aggregate reserves: Access and interpret remote sensing data to determine potential value and environmental parameters.  Develop accurate 3D geological models and calculate volume-to-tonnage estimations for sand, gravel, and stone deposits.
• Secure environmental permits: Prepare, submit, and manage applications for mining permits, air quality, stormwater (SPDES), wetlands, and reclamation plans.
• Lead regulatory compliance: Serve as the primary technical liaison with regulatory bodies—such as the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC)—to ensure seamless project approvals.
• Author environmental impact documents: Draft comprehensive State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) documents, and technical reports.
• Evaluate aggregate soundness and durability: Perform petrographic examinations of sand and gravel aggregates.  Log and evaluate rock cores for quarries and analyze lithology to ensure aggregates meet strict state DOT (Department of Transportation) infrastructure specifications.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Environmental Science, Geological Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Physical Capabilities: Ability to safely traverse active quarry floors, dense vegetation, wetlands, and rugged terrain during field investigations.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with industry-standard geological modeling or GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, AutoCAD).
• Licensure: Valid Driver’s License and clean driving record; Professional Geologist (PG) license is preferred. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience: Active experience in industrial minerals, aggregates mining, or environmental consulting for extractive industries.
• Regulatory Expertise: Expertise navigating NYSDEC mining permits, SEQRA processes, Air Source Registration, and SPDES regulations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $40,000 - $100,000 per year, commensurate with experience.
• Benefits: mileage reimbursement, home office technology support, including software licensing.