Rio Tinto Legal – Corporate Counsel – Environment

About the role

We are looking for a Corporate Counsel – Environment to provide legal advice and support regarding environmental matters to Rio Tinto Kennecott (RTK), a vertically integrated mining operation in the Salt Lake Valley with mining, smelting, and refining operations, and U.S. Borax, (USB).  The role is primarily focused on environmental compliance and permitting, contaminated properties and legacy environmental liabilities, communities, and land use and regulatory issues at RTK and USB and within the US generally.  The role will also support and implement the Rio Tinto Group’s policies and practices with respect to environment, safety, cultural awareness, business integrity, and other matters of corporate significance.  The role will provide more limited support for other US business units and different parts of the Rio Tinto Group on an as-needed basis.

This role is a great opportunity to provide meaningful and embedded legal support that will directly influence business unit operations.  Reporting to Sr. Corporate Counsel—Copper & Diamonds you will: 

  • Provide timely, accurate, independent and commercially-focused legal advice.

  • Manage internal and external legal resources in a cost-effective and directed manner.

  • Assess the most appropriate means of providing legal advice for particular matters depending on business risk/opportunity and availability of resources.

  • Maintain awareness of, and advise on, internal legal developments relating to environmental and permitting matters.

  • Manage litigation and dispute resolutions relating to compliance and enforcement issues.

  • Draft and negotiate legal documents.

  • Assist with the development and maintenance of external stakeholder relationships.

  • Provide direct support for the RTK and USB environment teams.

  • Monitor the compliance framework that enables RTK, USB and Rio Tinto to meet statutory and corporate requirements.

  • Conduct legal training for executives and other relevant RTK, USB and Rio Tinto employees.

  • Liaise, develop and maintain close working relationships with RTK and USB operations personnel, members of Rio Tinto Legal, and Rio Tinto’s business units and functions, promoting collaboration and information sharing.

About you

To be successfully considered for this role, you will have:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

  • The ability to liaise effectively with key internal and external stakeholders.

  • Well-developed technical skills, including negotiating, advising and drafting.

  • Networking skills that will enable you to develop relationships and collaborative approaches with other business functions and subject matter experts.

  • A minimum of 5-7 years of experience post qualification with a law firm or corporate legal department.

  • A license to practice law in Utah and/or California, or the ability to obtain a license to practice law in Utah via examination, admission on motion, or as licensed house counsel within one year of commencement of employment.

  • Significant experience in the area of environmental law (preferably in the natural resources context).

  • Mining industry sector experience (highly desirable).

Where you will be working

Rio Tinto Kennecott is a fully integrated mining operation located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. Kennecott is a wholly owned subsidiary of Rio Tinto. For more than 110 years, RTK has been mining and processing minerals from the rich orebody of the Bingham Canyon Mine. RTK is a strong economic driver and strives to be a valuable community partner through strategic partnerships, charitable giving and sustainable development practices.

About us

As pioneers in mining and metals, we produce materials essential to human progress.

Rio Tinto’s long history is filled with firsts. We’ve developed some of the world’s largest and best quality mines and operations, and our 47,000 people work in around 35 countries across six continents. Aluminium, copper, diamonds, and industrial minerals, iron ore and uranium: our materials make up the world around us. You’ll find them in smartphones, planes, cars, hospitals and throughout your home appliances.

Creating an inclusive and diverse workforce

We are a diverse team of talented, enthusiastic individuals who foster a culture of inclusion. No matter how they may differ, our people share one thing in common. It’s a belief that work is more rewarding when we are accepted and valued for our differences, not judged by them. We all have something to contribute, and it’s this contribution that makes for a great organization and fulfilling career.

Apply today if you want to work with the latest technology and innovation, in an environment where we challenge you to drive positive change.

Please note, in order to be successfully considered for this role you must complete all pre-screening questions.

Link to apply:

https://jobs.riotinto.com/ShowJob/JobId/468206/CorporateCounsel