Tailings Project Manager

Department: Technical Services
Reports To: Manager, Tailings Management
Location: Coeur d'Alene, ID, must be able to travel to site domestically and internationally up to 25-50% of working hours

Position Summary:

The Tailings Project Manager (TPM) serves as the project delivery specialist within the Corporate Tailings Management Team (CTMT), providing project controls and management oversight for major tailings and waste rock storage facility projects across Hecla Mining Company operations. This role bridges technical design teams and field implementation, ensuring projects are delivered according to engineering specifications while meeting business objectives. The TPM is responsible for developing project management frameworks, overseeing consultants and contractors, managing budgets and schedules, and ensuring quality assurance throughout the project lifecycle.

The TPM will be uniquely positioned to improve Hecla's project management program and provide value to tailings/waste rock facilities and other significant capital projects. This role offers high visibility with senior executives and the opportunity to influence project delivery methodologies across operations. By establishing best practices in tailings facility project delivery, the TPM will contribute directly to Hecla's environmental compliance, sustainability initiatives, and ESG commitments. The position provides exposure to diverse technical teams and methodologies across multiple sites, creating opportunities for professional growth.

This position holds significant project execution authority while operating within Hecla's governance framework. The TPM is responsible for project procedural execution across most project phases, with accountability typically residing with site management. The position requires close collaboration with technical experts and holds consultation rights on critical project decisions, particularly around methodology and resource allocation. The role operates within established authorization limits, with specific project management authority defined by corporate governance.

Essential Functions:

• Develop and implement project management frameworks for tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and Waste Rock Storage Facilities (WRSFs)
• Oversee consultants and contractors supporting TSF and WRSF projects
• Track schedule and budget throughout design, permitting, and construction using Earned Value Management techniques
• Manage project documentation, reporting systems, and stakeholder communications
• Implement and oversee change management processes for project scope, schedule, and budget
• Ensure construction quality assurance/control processes are followed
• Coordinate project handover to operations and develop lessons learned for future projects
• Support development of capital project risk registers with appropriate mitigation strategies
• Collaborate with other CTMT members to incorporate technical requirements into project execution
• Interface with regulatory agencies during project inspections and milestone reviews
• Lead value engineering exercises to optimize design and construction approaches
• Prepare and present project status reports to executive leadership

Safety, Health and Environmental Responsibilities:

Include, but are not limited to:

• Ensure project safety, health, and environmental considerations are properly integrated into project planning and execution
• Verify that contractors and consultants meet Hecla's safety, health, and environmental requirements
• Support the development and implementation of construction safety management plans for tailings and waste rock projects
• Ensure safety is prioritized throughout project lifecycle, from design through construction and handover
• Participate in safety risk assessments related to construction activities
• Support incident investigations for project-related events and ensure implementation of corrective actions
• Monitor and report on environmental compliance during project execution
• Ensure project documentation properly addresses safety, health, and environmental requirements

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field required; Master's degree preferred
• 10+ years of experience with a Bachelor's degree or 8+ years with a Master's degree
• Demonstrated experience managing complex tailings, heavy civil, or capital projects in the mining industry
• Construction management experience a plus
• Experience with tailings facility closure or reclamation projects a plus
• PMP certification a plus

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with project management software (MS Project, Primavera P6)
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies for earthworks and geotechnical projects
• Experience interpreting and preparing construction contracts, including contractual risk identification
• Proficiency in Earned Value Management (EVM) techniques for cost and schedule performance tracking
• Experience with construction quality assurance/control processes
• Familiarity with cost estimation, budgeting, and financial tracking for capital projects
• Understanding of design review and approval processes
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Experience with digital project management tools and construction technology applications
• Familiarity with environmental permitting processes for mining facilities
• Knowledge of industry guidelines related to tailings management (GISTM, CDA, MAC) preferred
• Knowledge of 3D modeling software and BIM applications as they relate to construction management

General Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to deliver projects on schedule and within budget
• Strong leadership skills and ability to influence without direct authority
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including translating technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills
• Detail-oriented with ability to maintain focus on both big picture and critical details
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a proactive risk identification mindset
• Ability to build relationships across organizational boundaries