Water Treatment Plant Operator

Discover a rewarding career opportunity at Kinross in the stunning rural landscapes of Washington State. Recognized for our leadership in low-impact mine development and nationally acclaimed for our reclamation and closure practices, our team has produced gold from six different deposits in the region since 1994. Currently, we are advancing a multi-year pipeline of projects and growing our team to ensure effective delivery and seamless transition into operations.

About the role

Reporting to the Reclamation Environmental Manager, the Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of the Water Treatment Plant (WTP), including system operation, maintenance support, and water quality monitoring, in alignment with Kinross’ values. This position is located at the Buckhorn Mine in Oroville, WA.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for timely, effective, and on-budget operation of the WTP.
• Ensure that water quality standards and requirements for compliant operation of the WTP and effluent discharge are met.
• Understand the site water balance to ensure that dewatering, treatment, and discharge rates meet production rate targets.
• Responsible for troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of the WTP and associated pumping & piping systems.
• Communication with site personnel to ensure targets are understood and met.
• Work closely with the site team and other disciplines within the organization to obtain input and seek feedback for operational aspects and design changes.
• Coordinate with the contractor hauling concentrate off-site to ensure brine-management requirements are met.
• Sample collection, run analytical tests, and data management.
• Coordinate with the Environmental team to ensure that compliance samples are collected and all aspects of permits, regulations, and requirements are met.
• Anticipate potential issues before they arise and proactively develop solutions.
• Cross-training and operation of the K2 WTP as needed.
• Operation of equipment as needed (mainly a small forklift).
• Compliance with all company policies and procedures including, but not limited to safety, environmental, confidentiality, and code of conduct.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experienced in operation and maintenance of reverse osmosis water treatment plants.
• Experience working at an underground mining operation preferred, but not required.
• Experience working with consultants, vendors, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Strong verbal, written, and analytical skills and the ability to interact and communicate effectively with all levels of employees, management, and contractors.
• Strong troubleshooting, mechanical, and repair skills.
• Experience in proper techniques for collection of water samples for operations and compliance.
• Experience in running water quality bench tests.
• Ability to analyze and manage numbers, and perform data entry.
• Ability to plan and perform supply ordering of chemicals and consumables.
• Demonstrates strong operational, organizational, communication, and technical skills.
• Ability to work independently and also as a member of multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to function within the qualifications of the physical demands for the job.
• Working knowledge and skill with PC utilizing word, spreadsheet, and database software including the Microsoft Office suite.
• CDL preferred, but not required.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Team player with a strong inclination toward developing cooperative solutions.
• Aligns behavior, decisions, and actions with Kinross values and principles.
• The ability to climb stairs, lift and carry over 50 pounds, hike, snowshoe, put on tire chains, and shovel snow.
• Valid Driver’s License and authorized to work in the US.

Health, Safety, and Environmental Requirements

• Adheres to all safety and environmental considerations.
• Has a strong commitment to safe working practices.
• Wears Personal Protective Equipment at all times while in the production environment.
• Is alert and observes, corrects, and reports unsafe conditions.
• Follows operating procedures and complies with all regulatory requirements.

Leadership Practices

• Creates an environment where nothing is more important than every employee returning home safe and healthy every day.
• Creates an environment in which people are unfailingly treated with respect.
• Fosters the talent and potential of all employees by enabling them to grow, develop, and make a difference in the organization.
• Demonstrates that leadership in the areas of environmental performance and community and stakeholder relations is fundamental to the way we plan and manage our business.
• Holds self and others accountable for the decisions, commitments, and behaviors required to deliver outstanding results.
• Uses judgment to manage business complexities, prioritize, and balance conflicting demands to make timely decisions that best advance Kinross strategy.
• Builds and brings teams and people together to achieve organizational goals. Models humility by going beyond self-interest for the good of the group.
• Understands the economic implications of decisions and consistently uses all resources effectively and efficiently to maximize shareholder value.
• Relentlessly champions, develops, and embeds best practices.

Competencies

• Strategic Effectiveness: Developing and communicating rigorous and creative business strategies that drive sustainable value.
• External Engagement: Understanding and building relationships with external parties that strengthen and sustain competitive advantage.
• Business Focus: Applying commercial rigor and discipline to all business decisions and customer relationships.
• Living the Kinross Values: Aligning behavior, decisions, and actions with Kinross values and principles.

Pay

Hourly Range: $32.50 - $49.09/hour

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401k with match
• Paid time off
• Stock purchase option
• Basic life insurance