Robert Higdem Email & Phone Number

Spokane Valley, Washington, United States

Spokane Valley, Washington, United States

When Mercer International acquired the cross laminated timber factory, I was retained with the objective of growing a significantly strong safety culture while embracing and incorporating Mercer's already world-class HSE systems. I am looking forward to working with this global team of professional leaders and hope to continue Mercer's growth.

Spokane, Washington Area

As the Health, Safety, Security and Environmental Manager for Katerra's CLT (cross laminated timber) manufacturing plant in Spokane, I was responsible for developing, promoting and sustaining the proactive and positive safety culture at the factory, maximizing plant-wide security, and ensuring environmental compliance and protection. One way we achieved these goals was through transparent communications and strong relationship building with the regulators. As the company went through the restructuring process, I was retained to escort the assets through the process to ensure maximum value.

Spokane, Washington Area

Positioned in Clearwater Paper Corporation’s corporate office, I provided EHS leadership and guidance to a dozen manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S., both remotely and on-site. This included planning, directing, implementing, and monitoring EHS policies and programs as well as establishing and maintaining compliance with company rules and government regulations. Because our department was fairly small we had ample opportunity to cross-utilize talents and strengthen weaknesses. Whether participating in water conservation Kaizen, training large groups, managing sustainability reports, performing compliance audits, or conducting post-incident root cause analyses, I supported all the sites with enthusiasm, integrity and loyalty.

Upon graduation from the BSU MBA program, I can attest that doubling up the class load was not for the faint of heart! Taking advantage of the current recession, I elected to return to college. My intentions were to take the skills obtained from the MBA and combine them with my expertise in environmental/safety management (and my history with administrative/operational management) to further my career in an industrial setting.

Denver, Colorado And Coeur D'Alene, Idaho

With an emphasis on the mining industry, managed subcontractors, engineers, and consultants on multiple projects. Included resource modeling, CAPEX/OPEX determination, ventilation design, process design, paste backfill design, metallurgical testing, site demolition/construction, operational staffing/organizational charts, equipment design review/sourcing, and infrastructure logistics (transportation, labor, power sources, supplies, camp design, waste treatment, safety and security). Additional responsibilities included client management, contractor and subcontractor prequalification, invoicing/billing/budget management, short- and long-term project scheduling, proposal/bid review and award, program risk analysis, task deadline/benchmark management, and coordination of meetings (local and global). Using my extensive background, I also reviewed and directed resources for environmental, demolition and construction permitting.

Sunshine Mine, Kellogg, Idaho

Managing the Environmental Department I was responsible for environmental compliance of NPDES, SWPPP and Dam/Impoundment Permits, SPCC development, spill response, legacy waste surveys, and consultation with Idaho State DEQ, EPA, and MSHA. Working with the Safety Department, I helped implement a progressive safety program with emphasis on training, accident prevention, project planning, and incident investigation.

Sunshine Mine, Kellogg, Idaho

After Silver Opportunity Partners LLC acquired the assets of Sterling Mining Company in early 2010, I was appointed to the position of Operations Manager of the Sunshine Mine. I coordinated the development of the Sunshine Mine restart into exploration and development. Working with the new owners, I identified critical needs and solutions for staffing, equipment, and budgets; reviewed and approved AP/AR; conducted employee evaluations, promotions, reassignments and dismissals; investigated and evaluated employee complaints and injury claims; conducted health protection surveys (dosimeters, etc.). I supervised a workforce exceeding 100 including employees, contractors, and consultants. I am a member of Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME), Idaho Mining Association (IMA) and Northwest Mining Association (NWMA). Certified 40-hour MSHA (surface, underground metal mine).

Coeur D'Alene And Kellogg, Idaho

Appointed General Manager and later Director of Sterling Mining Company while the company reorganized through Chapter 11. Managed daily operations, personnel, AP/AR, care and maintenance duties, investor/media relations. Continued to maintain and promote environmental compliance and safety awareness.

Coeur D'Alene, Idaho

Developed the environmental programs at the Sunshine Mine (Idaho), Baroness Tails Project and San Acacio Mine (Zacatecas, Mexico), and other Sterling properties (Idaho, Montana). Supervised and promoted staff, field technicians, specialists and administration. Developed, maintained and reconciled budgets, purchasing, payroll and forecasts. Managed multiple EPA NPDES and IDWR permits for the treatment ponds and outfalls. Prepared all NPDES reporting (DMR, etc.); conducted compliance water sampling and scientific analysis of current and proposed water treatment technologies. Negotiated sewage/wastewater treatment/disposal options with Idaho DEQ and Panhandle Health District. Compiled and submitted SARA III TRI, RCRA Annual/Biennial, and other reports to appropriate agencies. Managed RCRA CESQG and LQG regulated quantities of hazardous and solid wastes. Implemented reclamation/recycling programs for Universal and other RCRA regulated wastes. Conducted Phase One/Phase Two assessments on prospective properties including scientific studies of potential health-related and/or environmental risks. Evaluated and responded to environmental, safety and health-related issues (routine, seasonal, emergency).

Boise And Coeur D'Alene, Idaho

Project manager for environmental assessment, waste removal/disposal, and rehabilitation of contaminated sites, abandoned mine lands and hazardous waste dumps on private and public lands. Duties included research and acquisition of funding from private and public sources, proposal drafting, technical report writing, contract development, budget and contractor oversight, and public information officer. Responsible for health and safety plans, site investigation work plans, corrective action plans, site-specific remedial action goals, closure/post-closure plans, scientific surveillance, and datum collection and analysis. Planned, organized, supervised and performed environmental audits (RCRA emphasis). Drafted inspection reports and enforcement actions including Warning Letters, Notices of Violation, Consent Orders, and Judicial Referrals. Negotiated final agreements for Consent Orders and then performed oversight to ensure compliance. Provided written and oral testimony on scientific and environmental issues to courts of law and other private or public audiences. Participated in enforcement negotiations and conflict resolutions. Directed resources from the military, Idaho State Police, local hazardous materials teams, etc. as an Environmental Coordinator/Investigator and Communications Moderator during emergency responses. Performed interpretations of state and federal regulations; researched and drafted policy and public information guidance documents including pollution prevention and waste minimization. Conducted environmental education and outreach activities for public, private, trade and civic groups. Supervised interns and probationary/junior staff.

Uscgc Gasconade Wlr 75401

Supervised lower-ranked / non-rated personnel. Trained in fire fighting, health and safety, rescue swimming, first aid, welding, woodworking, plumbing, and small engine repair. Decorations awarded include Rifle Sharpshooter, Pistol Expert, and Sea Service.

Master'S Degree, Business Administration And Management, General

Bachelor Of Science (Bs), Environmental Science And Biology