Hydromet EW Operator II

About the role

Located in Bayard, NM, the Chino open‑pit copper mining complex is 15 miles from Silver City, southwestern New Mexico. The operation includes a 36,000‑metric‑ton‑per‑day concentrator and a 150‑million‑pound‑per‑year solvent extraction/electrowinning plant producing copper cathode. Silver City offers restaurants, arts, entertainment, cliff dwellings, festivals, gentle four seasons, ~300 days of sunshine, low humidity, and various amenities.

Responsibilities

• Operate process equipment in the electro‑winning process
• Monitor processes and make adjustments as needed
• Complete harvesting of copper cathodes
• Perform cell maintenance duties: setting a jumper frame, draining cells, inspecting for damage, fixing leaks, hydro‑blasting, cleaning, repairing/replacing level boxes, replacing buffer sheets and boards
• Perform starter sheet fabrication (operating a rigidizer, loop slitter, upender)
• Complete cathode pressing (detect/correct improper plating, operate cathode press, ensure proper alignment)
• Collect and run plant samples
• Perform tasks related to shipping copper cathodes: weighing bundles, banding bundles, loading trucks
• Assist maintenance personnel with equipment maintenance
• Operate a stripping machine to strip copper sheets
• Act as a fill‑in supervisor as needed
• Mentor and train other employees
• Operate mobile equipment such as overhead cranes and forklifts
• Perform area housekeeping
• Perform other duties as required

Requirements

• Two (2) years of experience in Hydromet processing operations
• Completed academic and practical competencies required (including Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP exists) and demonstrated aptitude
• Ability to apply knowledge and skills and pass a written assessment (based on skills/abilities, academic knowledge, and safety)
• Must pass a medical exam
• Must pass all required training and/or testing
• Willingness to work a non‑standard schedule, including shift work at a 24/7, 365‑day operation
• Compliance with drug/alcohol‑free workplace (mandatory pre‑employment and ongoing testing)

Qualifications

• Preferred: High School diploma or GED

Benefits

• Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits
• Company‑paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match
• Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave
• Tuition assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle
• Internal progression opportunities

Pay

The estimated pay range for this role is $26.00 – $35.50 per hour (base salary only; does not include bonus, benefits, or retirement contributions). Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job‑related factors. The role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payments based on company and individual performance.

Schedule

Employees may be required to work a non‑standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365‑day operation.