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Gold Mining Plant Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Plant Operator

Nevada, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

The Plant Operator safely operates and monitors the carbon adsorption circuits that recover gold ... Work is performed at an active mine site that may include open pit mining, processing facilities ...

Plant Operator

Nahunta, GA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

The Plant Operator oversees the operational function for mining and mineral processing facilities operating 24-hours per day, 7-days per week to ensure peak plant performance. Through computer ...

The Plant Operator oversees the operational function for mining and mineral processing facilities operating 24-hours per day, 7-days per week to ensure peak plant performance. Through computer ...

$60 - $80/hr

The Plant Operator oversees the operational function for mining and mineral processing facilities operating 24-hours per day, 7-days per week to ensure peak plant performance. Through computer ...

The Plant Operator oversees the operational function for mining and mineral processing facilities operating 24-hours per day, 7-days per week to ensure peak plant performance. Through computer ...

The Plant Operator oversees the operational function for mining and mineral processing facilities operating 24-hours per day, 7-days per week to ensure peak plant performance. Through computer ...

Plant Operator

Nahunta, GA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

The Plant Operator oversees the operational function for mining and mineral processing facilities operating 24-hours per day, 7-days per week to ensure peak plant performance. Through computer ...

The Plant Operator oversees the operational function for mining and mineral processing facilities operating 24-hours per day, 7-days per week to ensure peak plant performance. Through computer ...

Process Plant Operator

Nevada, IA · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

... Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the mineral processing plant ... Work Environment This role is based in an industrial gold mining and mineral processing environment ...

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Gold Mining Plant Operator information

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$13

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$39

How much do gold mining plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for gold mining plant operator in the United States is $22.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a gold mining plant operator?

Gold Mining Plant Operators are professionals responsible for overseeing and managing the equipment and processes used to extract gold from ore in a mining plant. Their duties include monitoring machinery, ensuring safety protocols are followed, maintaining equipment, and optimizing the efficiency of gold extraction operations. They play a key role in maximizing production while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a gold mining plant operator?

To thrive as a Gold Mining Plant Operator, you need solid mechanical aptitude, understanding of mineral processing, and often a trade qualification or relevant certification. Familiarity with plant control systems like SCADA, heavy machinery operation, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment set top performers apart. These skills are crucial for maintaining efficient, safe, and compliant operations in a complex and potentially hazardous mining setting.

What are some common challenges faced by gold mining plant operators, and how can they be managed on the job?

Gold Mining Plant Operators often face challenges such as equipment breakdowns, maintaining safety standards in a hazardous environment, and managing process efficiency. To effectively address these, operators are trained to perform regular equipment inspections, adhere to strict safety protocols, and communicate closely with maintenance and engineering teams. Staying proactive with preventive maintenance and participating in ongoing training helps operators minimize downtime and enhance productivity.

What is the difference between Gold Mining Plant Operator vs Gold Mine Technician?

AspectGold Mining Plant OperatorGold Mine Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical certifications, specialized training
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, mining sites, industrial settingsMining sites, processing facilities, equipment maintenance areas
Job FocusOperating and monitoring processing equipmentMaintaining, repairing, and troubleshooting mining equipment

Gold Mining Plant Operators primarily focus on operating processing equipment in mining facilities, ensuring efficient extraction. Gold Mine Technicians handle maintenance and repairs of mining machinery. Both roles require technical skills and safety certifications, often working in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ.

How to be a gold mining plant operator?

To become a gold mining plant operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in operating mining equipment such as crushers, conveyors, and processing machinery. Many employers require certification in safety procedures and experience with heavy machinery, often gained through on-the-job training or technical programs. Strong attention to detail, physical stamina, and adherence to safety standards are essential for success in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Gold Mining Plant Operator jobs?

For Gold Mining Plant Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Gold Mining Plant Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,521 per year, or $22.4 per hour.

Turquoise Ridge - Water Treatment Plant Operator

Golconda, NV • On-site

Barrick Gold Corporation
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Barrick Gold rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 41 rated mining


Job description

Position Description:

Would you like to have a career with a collaborative, diverse, and dynamic mining company? We have an opportunity for you!

Our people division is growing, and we are looking for a Water Treatment Plant Operator to join our Turquoise Ridge Process Operations department. Position requires workers to be multi-skilled and capable of performing a variety of tasks including; operating, monitoring and maintaining an industrial water treatment plant and water collection system testing and analyzing water, materials and solutions to determine water quality.

At Nevada Gold Mines, our vision is to be the world's most valued gold mining business by finding, developing, and operating the best assets with the best people. We are committed to a safe work environment sending every person home safe and healthy every day and leaving a sustainable legacy on our host communities. We offer a generous benefits package which includes a competitive medical, dental, and vision plan with national provider networks, a 401k retirement plan with employer contribution, paid time off, company-sponsored medical clinics, company match share purchase program, and much more!

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Metallurgical senior or superintendent, the Water Treatment Plant Operator is responsible for the following:

  • Operate and monitor the water treatment plant

  • Operate and monitor the water collection system

  • Operate the computer system for the collection system and treatment plant

  • Perform maintenance and calibration of all water treatment plant equipment

  • Collect samples, monitor and take readings at outfalls, ponds, and other locations

  • Calibrate monitoring equipment and other instruments

  • Accurately perform various laboratory analyses

  • Operate mobile equipment in support of other activities

Qualifications:

  • Knowledge of the basic principles and methods used in metallurgical, laboratory and processing analyses preferred
  • Ability to collect samples, process and accurately report on results required
  • Working ability in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Power Point) required
  • Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions required
  • Skilled in following safety practices and recognizing hazards required
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing required
  • Working knowledge of pumps and pumping systems preferred
  • Working knowledge of computers and software preferred
  • Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing 
  • Working knowledge of water treatment plant operations preferred
  • The ability to work a rotating schedule of nights and days is an essential function of this role.

What We Can Offer You  

  • A comprehensive compensation package including a competitive medical, dental, and vision plan with national provider networks, a 401k retirement plan with employer contribution AND employer match, paid time off, company-sponsored medical clinics, company match share purchase program, and much more!
  • Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team.
  • Endless opportunities to grow and learn with industry colleagues.
  • Access to a variety of career opportunities across the organization.
  • Nevada Gold Mines is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Our mission is to be the world's most valued gold and copper mining business. We are committed to partnering with our host countries and communities to transform their natural resources into tangible benefits and mutual prosperity.

Barrick is a leading global mining, exploration and development company.  With one of the largest portfolios of world-class and life-long gold and copper assets in the industry - including six of the world's Tier One gold mines - Barrick's operations an projects span 18 countries and five continents. Barrick is also the largest gold producer in the United States.  We create real, long-term value for all stakeholders through responsible mining, strong partnerships, and a disciplined approach to growth.  Barrick shares trade on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "B" and on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "ABX".

Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) is a joint venture between Barrick (61.5%) and Newmont (38.5%) that combined our significant assets across Nevada in 2019 to create the single largest gold-producing complex in the world. NGM produces approximately 3.5 million ounces of gold a year. The massive mining operation comprises eight mines along with their associated infrastructure and processing facilities and hosts three of Barrick's Tier One assets: Carlin, Cortez, and Turquoise Ridge.  At NGM, our mission is to be the world's most valued gold mining business by finding, developing, and owning the best assets, with the best people, to deliver sustainable returns for our owners and partners.

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