This position reports directly to the Director of Exploration and works closely with exploration managers, drilling contractors, landowners, consultants, and company leadership.
Field Safety Leadership
- Serve as the primary safety resource for exploration drilling and field operations.
- Conduct routine visits to active drill sites across the Georgia project footprint.
- Work alongside employees and contractors to identify hazards and develop practical solutions.
- Define emergency response plans specific to each active field site.
- Verify that safe work practices are being followed while maintaining a collaborative, coaching-based approach.
- Participate in daily and weekly planning meetings to identify upcoming risks.
- Lead contractor safety coordination and orientation.
- Lead incident investigations, near-miss reviews, and corrective action follow-up.
- Promote continuous improvement through observations and field engagement.
- Manage the facility and vehicle safety program across our operations.
Environmental Stewardship
The successful candidate will have a unique opportunity to establish and lead the environmental stewardship program for a rapidly growing mineral exploration company. Working alongside operations, exploration, and leadership teams, this individual will help build environmental systems, standards, and best practices from the ground up while shaping the company’s long-term approach to responsible exploration. As the organization grows, the role will expand in responsibility and influence, with opportunities to develop new programs, support future project development, and become a key leader in maintaining the company’s commitment to environmental excellence and its license to operate as we transition from exploration to engineering and, ultimately, operations.
- Establish an environmental stewardship vision that supports environmentally responsible exploration on private lands.
- Define the environmental standards required to maintain our license to operate.
- Monitor erosion and sediment controls, spill prevention, housekeeping, and site restoration.
- Partner with consultants and regulatory agencies to understand and lead environmental permitting through multiple anticipated project phases.
- Help maintain positive relationships with the community through responsible environmental practices and clear communication.
Safety and Environmental Program Development
- Continue developing and improving Foothills’ Safety and Environmental Management System.
- Understand and support a work culture aligned with principled expectations for safe work and environmentally responsible operations.
- Maintain and update company safety policies, procedures, and field standards.
- Track corrective actions to completion.
- Assist in preparing for future regulatory growth as the company evolves from exploration toward potential mining operations.
What Success Looks Like
The successful candidate will help create a culture where:
- Employees actively identify hazards before incidents occur.
- Supervisors manage safety within their teams.
- Contractors understand Foothills’ expectations.
- Policies are practical and followed because they make sense.
- Safety professionals are viewed as trusted partners.
- Every employee feels comfortable raising concerns and suggesting improvements.
Qualifications
Required
- High school diploma or equivalent, with 7-10 years of relevant professional experience in construction, field operations, mining, exploration, utilities, heavy industry, environmental consulting, or similar outdoor operations.
- Working knowledge of OSHA regulations.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
- Ability to pass standard drug and alcohol pre-employment screening.
- Ability to travel throughout Georgia to active field locations.
- Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and terrain.
Preferred
- Associates or Bachelor’s degree in occupational safety, environmental science, Industrial Hygiene, Engineering, Geology, Natural Resources, Construction Management, or a related field; or 3-5 years equivalent relevant experience.
- Emergency services or first-responder experience.
- OSHA 30-Hour certification.
- First Aid/CPR certification.
- Experience supporting drilling, construction, utilities, environmental consulting, mining, aggregates, or exploration.
- Experience developing safety programs.
- Experience conducting incident investigations.
- Familiarity with contractor safety management.
- Knowledge of environmental compliance and erosion control practices.
Physical Requirements
- Frequent walking over uneven terrain.
- Ability to climb in and out of pickup trucks and drilling equipment.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and dusty environments.
- Travel to remote field locations throughout Georgia.
