Principal Tribal Affairs

About South32

South32 is a globally diversified mining and metals company. Our purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people’s lives now and for generations to come. We are trusted by our owners and partners to realise the potential of their resources. We produce bauxite, alumina, aluminium, metallurgical coal, manganese, nickel, silver, lead and zinc at our operations in Australia, Southern Africa and South America. With a focus on growing our base metals exposure, we also have two development options in North America and several partnerships with junior explorers around the world.

Following the acquisition of Arizona Mining, South32 is the new owner of the Hermosa Project, a high-grade zinc, lead and silver development option in Arizona.

South32's purpose is to make a difference by developing natural resources, improving people's lives now and for generations to come. We work closely with their host communities to create enduring social and economic value through local employment, infrastructure and facilities development and community investment programs.

The location of this role is the Tucson, Arizona office.

The Role

South32 and the Hermosa project needs to build meaningful relationships based on mutual respect with the Native American Federally Recognized tribes that have historical and cultural ties to the area.  This is vital to South32’s license to operate and will be an on-going process for the life of the mine.  This role will work as a vital member of the South32 Hermosa extended leadership team to build and manage relationships with Tribes and to implement federal, state and company cultural heritage requirements and projects.

The role is responsible for the overall South32 cultural heritage management and compliance with federal and state law covering data collection and understanding of cultural heritage in collaboration with Tribes and federal and state agencies, the preservation, protection, curation, and management of ancestral sites, sacred objects, archaeological sites, traditional cultural properties (TCPs) including medicinal plants, seeps, springs, and all associated survey data significant to Native and non-Native American history and culture.

Accountabilities (Include but are not limited to):

Individual Accountabilities:

• Works closely with Tribal Historic Preservation Office and Cultural staff, local communities, heritage groups and organizations (local, state-wide and nation), Cultural Committee members, consultants, and local, state, and federal agency officials, as applicable, on cultural heritage projects and activities as required under measures and requirements contained within the Environmental Impact Statement and associated agreements and decisions, federal executive orders and statutes including National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) , National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), the Archaeological Resources Protection Act, as well as various Arizona State statutes covering cultural heritage and resources.
• Maintain active engagement to ensure Tribes have a holistic understanding of the Hermosa project on issues of interest, including, but not limited to environment, benefits, employments, etc.
• Main point of contact for Federal, State, Tribal, Local governments, and heritage organizations. 
• Support alignment and understanding by South32 EALT and Lead Team on tribal management in the US.  
• Develop South32’s cultural heritage management plan including implementing and managing measures to address the concerns of Native American Tribes and communities developed through government-to-government consultation processes.
• Management and treatment of properties of traditional and cultural significance to the federally recognized tribes, within their ancestral and aboriginal lands, including the establishment of a tracking system.
• Supports federal and state agency THPO Section 106 consultations under NEPA.
• Management of cultural heritage consultants to complete planning, scheduling, and coordinating cultural heritage fieldwork and stakeholder consultation meetings.
• Assisting with the communication (internally and externally) of South32’s consultation and engagement approach, including government heritage approvals process.
• Manage business planning and budget as it relates to Communities and Tribal Consultation.
• Work in coordination with Lead for Communities at Hermosa to ensure alignment.

Qualifications, Skills, and Expertise:

• Bachelor’s degree in archaeology/anthropology/heritage management/history/American Indian studies (in lieu of degree, a high school diploma or GED required with 10 – 15 years relative extensive experience and an established Tribal Historic Preservation Office will be considered).
• Demonstrated experience working with federal and state agencies on cultural heritage and cultural resource issues and regulations.
• Must be a great communicator who can quickly develop positive and robust relationships with stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving, organization and analytical skills coupled with an ability to think on your feet and make quick rational decisions
• Experience working directly with Native American Tribal elders, elected officials, and heritage professionals in communities, groups, and organizations.
• Ability to collaborate and work as part of an integrated team.

Our Culture

At South32, our people are fundamental to our success. We're focused on creating an inclusive workplace, with the right people in the right roles, who are engaged, empowered and appropriately rewarded.

We aspire to be an inclusive organization, where our workforce reflects the broader demographic of the countries and communities where we operate.

South32 embraces diversity and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds.