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Leach Pad Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WSP

Mining Construction Manager

South Jordan, UT · On-site

$108K - $150K/yr

Understanding of heap leach pad construction, stacking systems, solution management infrastructure ... S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms.

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Leach Pad Operator information

What are the typical challenges Leach Pad Operators face on a daily basis?

Leach Pad Operators often work in outdoor environments and must regularly monitor equipment and processes in varying weather conditions, which can be physically demanding. Maintaining optimal solution flow and dealing with equipment malfunctions or leaks are common challenges that require quick troubleshooting and adherence to strict safety protocols. Additionally, operators must accurately record data and communicate findings with supervisors and other team members to ensure smooth operations. Handling these responsibilities efficiently helps prevent environmental incidents and supports the overall success of the mining operation.

What is a Leach Pad Operator job?

A Leach Pad Operator is responsible for overseeing the operation and maintenance of a leach pad system used in mining to extract valuable metals from ore. Their duties include monitoring solution flow, ensuring proper heap irrigation, performing routine inspections, and troubleshooting issues to maintain efficiency and environmental compliance. They often work with heavy equipment, pumps, and pipelines to manage heap leaching processes safely and effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Leach Pad Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Leach Pad Operator, you need practical experience in mining operations, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with heavy equipment, process control systems, and safety protocols such as MSHA certification is highly valued. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are key soft skills for this role. These abilities are critical for safely monitoring and maintaining leach pad performance, ensuring operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

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Leach Pad Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Leach Pad Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Process Operations Technician - Hydromet CLP

Process Operations Technician - Hydromet CLP

Freeport McMoRan

Morenci, AZ

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 33 rated mining

Job description

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career.  Apply Today!     

Where You Will Work   

Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Safford, Arizona on U.S. Highway 191, Morenci operations (an open-pit copper mining complex) has been in continuous operation since 1939. The operation consists of two concentrators, crushed-ore leach pad and stacking system, a low-grade run-of-mine (ROM) leaching system; four SX plants; and three EW tank houses that produce copper cathode.  

Morenci is a unique company town where our employees and their families can reconnect with nature through hiking, fishing, camping, hunting and numerous parks. The company offers several amenities, including company housing OR employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $750 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines, a newly constructed daycare and community center, library, health-care facilities, state-of-the-art fitness centers, a movie theater and a skate park. Our dedicated Parks and Recreation Division plans activities for people of all ages, making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Visit the Morenci town website to learn more. 

What You Will Do

Highly skilled employee who provides on-going support for completion of daily production/operation plan by assisting area supervisors. Perform as safety contact and execute safety audits, investigations and resolve safety issues/concerns through collaboration with site’s Safety Department. Review routine and non-routine chemical or metallurgical analysis and reporting. Communicate with operators to ensure equipment is operating properly. Operate plant and equipment as necessary. Monitor a wide variety of data gathering equipment. Assign operators to the areas per the supervisor’s instruction. Follow up to ensure supervisor expectations are being met. Provide mentoring/coaching through collaboration with processing departments and support groups.

  • Support site objectives through the performance of a variety of roles to develop broad understanding of processes, procedures, and initiatives (e.g. fill in supervisor, process operator, equipment operator) while assisting in completion of production plans with direction from the area supervisor and coordinating equipment operation and production improvements.
  • Participate in audits (e.g. grating, fatal risks, MSHA, safety, environmental), provide feedback and training on proper procedures, observe compliance with safety and environmental requirements, ensure housekeeping standards, check for hazards, and follow up on corrective actions.
  • Assist in troubleshooting process performance and quality issues (e.g. throughput, downtime, recovery), meet with supervisors each shift to review plans, assignments, and training, notify maintenance of breakdowns and follow up on repairs.
  • Collaborate with operations and maintenance to address safety concerns identified in inspections and audits, perform as relief or fill-in supervisor, occasionally operate processing equipment (e.g. CLP control room, thickeners, tanks, pumps, cooling tower, steam generator, lab), assist with investigations and Root Cause Analyses, and perform other duties as requested.
What You Bring To Freeport
  • Three (3) years of related operational experience including supervisory or lead experience.
  • Must have completed academic and practical competencies required and demonstrated the ability to apply knowledge and skills while passing a written assessment where required.
  • Skilled in operation and principles of pressure vessels, thickeners, cooling towers, pumps, valves, lab.
  • Knowledge of operational areas, policies, processes and procedures.
  • Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
  • Skill in resolving day-to-day questions and problems regarding equipment, materials, methods and procedures.
  • Skill in effective communication both verbal and written.
  • Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
  • Skill in following safety practices and recognizing and controlling hazards.
  • Skill in the use of computers.
  • Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions in English.
  • Ability to communicate in English regarding job assignments, procedures, and safety standards.
  • Additional certifications or licensure appropriate to the job may be required.
Preferred Qualifications
  • High School diploma or GED.
  • Experience in sulfide oxidation processes such as smelting or pressure oxidation operations.
  • Experience with pressure oxidation and/or autoclave operations and understanding of associated risks and risk management processes.
  • Strong knowledge of autoclave and pressure oxidation safety.
  • Knowledge of hydrometallurgy process.
  • Skilled in SAP.
  • Completed leadership training courses.

What We Offer You 

The estimated pay range for this role is currently $31.00- $41.00/hour. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.  

  • Employees who are required to work on-site are eligible for a $750 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines
  • 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  
  • Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!  

What We Require   

  • Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.  
  • Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.  
  • 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.  
  • Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.
      

Equal Opportunity Employer  

Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com. 

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