Environmental Specialist, Water at MP Materials in Mountain Pass, CA

Job description

Company Overview: MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification. We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control. We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation. Position Overview: Under supervision of the Environmental Manager, the Environmental Specialist serves as the technical expert for environmental compliance. The Environmental Specialist is responsible for developing strategic compliance plans and objectives to meet current, developing, and future regulatory requirements with a focus on water permitting, monitoring, reporting, and recordkeeping, while supporting continuous improvement in environmental performance across the organization. This position will ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local water quality standards and regulations. Position Responsibilities: Oversee and actively update environmental compliance programs in assigned area of responsibility (water management). Maintain accurate records of water data, water system performance, and operational logs. Prepare and submit required reports such as Water Quality Monitoring Reports, Water Use Reports, and Site Water Reports. Prepare, submit, and maintain all required water permits, including California Regional Water Board, County Water Permits, and SWPPP Reports. Collect, analyze, and interpret water data from sources including but not limited to remote monitoring wells, freshwater wells, mine wells, and various sample data. Support environmental assessments for new or modified processes and projects (construction, expansion, etc.). Assist operations and maintenance teams with ensuring water systems (e.g., pumps, wells, pipes) operate efficiently. Conduct internal water compliance audits and corrective action follow-ups. Develop and deliver water compliance training for employees, contractors, and supervisors. Track changes in water regulations and communicate potential impacts to management. Support company sustainability initiatives related to water balances, water recycling, and freshwater use. Identify opportunities to reduce environmental impact and improve compliance performance. Perform and document environmental, health, and safety audits. Develop an understanding of CalOSHA and MSHA regulations as well as MP Materials Health and Safety Practices. Respond to chemical spill emergencies by managing the containment, clean up, and disposal of hazardous materials. Keeps all levels of the facility personnel aware of environmental regulations and pending changes. Educates, clarifies, and simplifies environmental regulations, policies, and procedures into understandable and operations terms. Effectively maintains high level of knowledge and understanding of environmental regulations, policies, and procedures into understandable operations terms. Effectively maintains high level for knowledge and understanding of environmental regulations and how they apply to the facility in the areas of air, water, and solid waste management. Develops and provides necessary training of site personnel so that all facility employees have the knowledge and skills to comply with and enforce envir