Job Description

PERMIT COORDINATOR/PERMIT NAVIGATOR (ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGER)

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Salary – $34.98 - $58.61 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – In-Office / On-Site

Recruiter – Karen Weir | kweir@utah.gov | 8015387425
Application Deadline – 8/4/2026 (at 11:59 pm)

The Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining seeks a Permit Coordinator/Navigator to lead and manage complex mineral exploration and mine development projects. This role involves coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, industry partners, and government agencies to navigate state, local, and federal permitting systems. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with strong project management skills and expertise in mine permitting who can ensure responsible resource development aligned with Utah's economic and environmental priorities. This position reports to the Deputy Director for Mining.

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities and day to day responsibilities of this position:

• Provide strategic guidance and advice on advanced exploration and mine development projects that require multiple state, federal and local permits, approvals, and authorizations within Utah's regulatory framework.
• Manage projects and guide stakeholders through all phases of permitting and regulatory requirements for any needed permit to begin mining activities. This includes state, federal and local permits.
• Build relationships and facilitate consultation with project proponents, other state agencies, municipalities and federal authorities.
• Monitor and track permitting progress and facilitate discussions to resolve regulatory issues that may contribute to delayed project reviews.
• Mentor, coach, and direct staff, ensuring effective teamwork and delivery of results.
• Promote the division's initiatives through presentations, stakeholder engagement and conferences.
• Advise on and complete the preparation of a variety of reports, issue notes and briefing materials.
• Maintain awareness of state, local and federal legislative and regulatory changes affecting mine permitting and development.
• Provide coordination and facilitation support to ensure projects move through regulatory processes as efficiently as possible.
  

Qualifications

Minimum or "day-one" qualifications:

• Strategic, forward-thinking reasoning ability and creativity
• Ability to work with little supervision, while keeping management informed of progress
• Ability to positively and effectively manage staff
• Ability to complete tasks in a timely manner and stay on-track with assigned duties
• Ability to communicate well in person and in writing and to help others understand complex issues
• Ability/desire to foster responsible mineral development throughout the state
• Moderating experience, including facilitating discussions between multiple parties.
• Ability to support the implementation of initiatives, obtain information, review and evaluate information/proposals and monitor project deliverables
• Ability to research and evaluate information, determine impacts, identify priorities and recommend solutions when providing expert advice, writing letters or briefing notes and communicating with decision makers
• Ability and experience to review and assess legislative, scientific, technical and/or economic documents/databases, make authoritative recommendations on programs, projects, proposals, policy and issues resolution.
• General understanding of mining, wildlife conservation, energy development and transmission corridors, air and water regulations, mining regulation and reclamation, and other aspects of mining and natural resource projects.
• Combination of completion of a four year degree in business or physical science related field and at least four years of relevant experience in mineral exploration, surveying, environmental permitting, environmental assessment, environmental regulation, natural resource management or project management.
  or
• Eight years of relevant, directly related mineral exploration, production surveying, environmental permitting, environmental assessment, environmental regulation, natural resource management or project management experience directly related to the position.

Preferred or trainable/on-the-job qualifications:

• Working knowledge of Utah’s coal and non-coal regulatory programs and their statutes and rules.(Title 40 Statute, R647 and R645 Rules)
• Knowledge of other federal, state and local permitting schemes related to mining in the state of Utah
• Successful experience with mine permitting with an agency or operator
• Management experience with a track record of efficiency and positive leadership

About the Role
Location –
1594 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – No
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions
Typical Work Schedule - 8-5 M-F or flexible. Hybrid work may be offered after at least 6 months of training.
Work environment, working conditions, physical requirements -

• Risks which require the use of special safety precautions and/or equipment, e.g., working around operating machines, working around hazardous chemicals, etc.
• Work requires physical exertion.
• May require the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, lift moderately heavy items (up to 50 lbs.) in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.

Why You Should Join Our Team

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
This position presents a compelling opportunity to contribute to the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining and mineral resource production throughout the state. As the Permit Coordinator/Navigator you will work alongside and help guide the work of several different technical professionals and guide permittees through the process to begin mining in the state of Utah. The mining team fosters a collaborative environment, promoting knowledge sharing and professional development.
Utah Department of Natural Resources
Oil, Gas, and Mining

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.