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Mine Operator Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Oversee annual forecasts and operating plan developments. * Monitor revenue, margin, backlog, and ... Mine closure * Reclamation * Water treatment * Earthworks/Civil Projects * Environmental permitting

Working within our Mine Waste team on civil and geotechnical engineering projects for the mining ... S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms.

Working within our Mine Waste team on civil and geotechnical engineering projects for the mining ... S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms.

Mill Operator Trainee

Parshall, CO · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

The Henderson mine is an underground molybdenum mining operation located approximately 42 miles ... Perform detailed inspections of operating equipment and operational areas * Assist with maintenance ...

Mill Operator Trainee

Parshall, CO · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

Where You Will Work Our Henderson mine and mill are an hour drive apart - separated by the ... Perform detailed inspections of operating equipment and operational areas * Assist with maintenance ...

Mill Operator Trainee

Parshall, CO · On-site

$22 - $29.50/hr

Where You Will Work Our Henderson mine and mill are an hour drive apart - separated by the ... Perform detailed inspections of operating equipment and operational areas * Assist with maintenance ...

Mill Operator Trainee

Parshall, CO · On-site

$22 - $29.50/hr

Where You Will Work Our Henderson mine and mill are an hour drive apart - separated by the ... Maintain and operate concentrator equipment Perform detailed inspections of operating equipment and ...

Mill Operator Trainee

Parshall, CO · On-site

$22 - $29.50/hr

Where You Will Work Our Henderson mine and mill are an hour drive apart - separated by the ... Maintain and operate concentrator equipment Perform detailed inspections of operating equipment and ...

The Henderson mine is an underground molybdenum mining operation located approximately 42 miles ... Perform detailed inspections of operating equipment and operational areas * Assist with maintenance ...

Where You Will Work Our Henderson mine and mill are an hour drive apart - separated by the ... Perform detailed inspections of operating equipment and operational areas * Assist with maintenance ...

Where You Will Work Our Henderson mine and mill are an hour drive apart - separated by the ... Perform detailed inspections of operating equipment and operational areas * Assist with maintenance ...

Mill Operator Trainee

Parshall, CO · On-site

$22 - $29.50/hr

Where You Will Work Our Henderson mine and mill are an hour drive apart - separated by the ... Perform detailed inspections of operating equipment and operational areas * Assist with maintenance ...

Mill Operator Trainee

Parshall, CO · On-site

$22 - $29.50/hr

The Henderson mine is an underground molybdenum mining operation located approximately 42 miles ... Perform detailed inspections of operating equipment and operational areas * Assist with maintenance ...

Mill Operator Trainee

Parshall, CO · On-site

$26 - $33/hr

Where You Will Work Our Henderson mine and mill are an hour drive apart - separated by the ... Maintain and operate concentrator equipment Perform detailed inspections of operating equipment and ...

Showing results 21-40

Mine Operator information

See Colorado salary details

$9

$31

$54

How much do mine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for mine operator in Colorado is $31.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $39.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mine operator?

Mine operators are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a mine, ensuring that minerals or other geological materials are extracted safely and efficiently. They monitor mining equipment, enforce safety protocols, and coordinate with engineers and other workers to maintain production targets. Mine operators may also be involved in planning, reporting, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Their role is crucial to the smooth and safe functioning of mining sites.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mine operator?

To thrive as a Mine Operator, you need a solid understanding of mining operations, equipment handling, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant training. Familiarity with heavy machinery, mine-specific software, and certifications such as MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to work well in a team are vital soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient, and productive mining operations while minimizing risks and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by mine operators on a daily basis?

Mine Operators often encounter challenges such as working in physically demanding environments, adhering to strict safety protocols, and adapting to varying weather or underground conditions. They must stay vigilant to identify and report potential hazards, and they frequently collaborate with engineers, maintenance teams, and safety officers to ensure smooth operations. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial, as unexpected equipment issues or changes in production schedules can require quick adjustments.

What is the difference between Mine Operator vs Heavy Equipment Operator?

AspectMine OperatorHeavy Equipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, equipment-specific trainingHigh school diploma, safety certifications, equipment-specific training
Work EnvironmentMining sites, underground or surfaceConstruction sites, mining, industrial facilities
Industry UsageMining industry primarilyConstruction, mining, agriculture, industrial

Both Mine Operators and Heavy Equipment Operators require similar certifications and work in related environments. However, Mine Operators focus specifically on operating machinery within mining operations, often overseeing the process, while Heavy Equipment Operators work across various industries handling different types of heavy machinery. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers target the right roles in the mining and construction sectors.

Do mine operators make good money?

Mine operators typically earn competitive wages that vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the mining operation. According to industry data, the median annual salary for mine operators is around $60,000 to $70,000, with some earning over $80,000 with experience and certifications. Overtime, shift work, and safety requirements are common in this field, which can also impact earnings.

Is it hard to get a job as a mine operator?

Getting a job as a mine operator can be competitive and typically requires relevant experience, safety training, and sometimes certifications. Employers often look for skills in equipment operation, knowledge of safety protocols, and physical fitness, with opportunities available in mining regions and companies that prioritize safety standards.

What are popular job titles related to Mine Operator jobs in Colorado?

For Mine Operator jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Mine Operator job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,897 per year, or $31.2 per hour.

Program Manager - Mine Closure

AECOM

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


AECOM rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

21st of 80 rated construction


Job description

Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the execution of large, multi-year environmental mine closure and reclamation programs, the largest of which is at the Questa Mine in northern New Mexico. This individual will be responsible for the safe, profitable, and technically successful delivery of a complex portfolio of environmental remediation, water management, earthworks, reclamation, support site services, and long-term stewardship projects.

The Program Manager will serve as the primary interface with the client, subcontractors, internal technical teams and potentially regulatory agencies; while leading multidisciplinary project managers, engineers, scientists, construction managers, and field personnel.

This role requires a strong blend of strategic leadership, technical understanding, commercial acumen, and exceptional stakeholder management capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership

  • Lead overall execution of a multi-million-dollar environmental mine closure program.
  • Develop and execute annual and multi-year program delivery strategies.
  • Ensure safe, predictable, and profitable delivery across multiple concurrent projects.
  • Establish program governance, reporting, risk management, and performance metrics.
  • Identify, engage and manage a variety of Subcontractors
  • Drive a culture focused on safety, quality, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence, both with AECOM staff and subcontractors.

Client Relationship Management

  • Serve as the senior day-to-day representative to the client.
  • Build trusted executive-level relationships.
  • Facilitate program reviews and executive steering committee meetings.
  • Identify opportunities to improve project outcomes and expand services.
  • Manage client expectations through transparent communication and proactive issue resolution.

Project Delivery

Provide leadership across projects including:

  • Construction management
  • Environmental compliance
  • Sustain Capital Maintenance work

Ensure projects are delivered to achieve annual scope and outcome commitments:

  • Safely
  • On schedule
  • Within budget
  • In accordance with permit requirements
  • To company quality standards

Commercial Management

  • Manage overall program financial performance.
  • Oversee annual forecasts and operating plan developments.
  • Monitor revenue, margin, backlog, and utilization.
  • Lead change order negotiations.
  • Review subcontractor performance and commercial risk.
  • Support contract negotiations and claims management.
  • Work with leadership on achieving contract key performance indicators.
  • Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and cost savings.

Leadership

  • Lead a multidisciplinary team of:
    • Project Managers
    • Engineers
    • Geologists
    • Environmental Scientists
    • Construction Managers
    • Field Technicians
    • Craft Labor
    • Subcontractors
  • Mentor future project leaders.
  • Foster collaboration across technical disciplines.
  • Drive accountability and high performance.

Health, Safety & Quality

Champion a strong safety culture by:

  • Leading visible safety initiatives
  • Conducting regular field visits
  • Supporting incident reporting and investigations
  • Ensuring compliance with:
    • OSHA
    • Client safety requirements
    • Company HSE standards

Promote continuous improvement in quality management and operational excellence.

Potential Regulatory & Stakeholder Coordination

Coordinate with:

  • Federal agencies
  • State regulators
  • Tribal governments (where applicable)
  • Local communities
  • Landowners
  • Environmental organizations

Support permitting, compliance reporting, inspections, and regulatory negotiations.

    Qualifications

    Required Qualifications

    • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Geology, Environmental Science, Construction Management, or related discipline.
    • 15+ years of progressive experience delivering environmental remediation, mine closure, or heavy civil infrastructure projects.
    • 7+ years leading large multidisciplinary project teams.
    • Demonstrated experience managing programs exceeding $25 million annually.
    • Strong understanding of:
      • Mine closure
      • Reclamation
      • Water treatment
      • Earthworks/Civil Projects
      • Environmental permitting
    • Experience managing complex EPCM or environmental consulting projects.
    • Strong commercial and financial management skills.
    • Excellent client relationship and communication skills.

    Preferred Qualifications

    • Professional Engineer (PE)
    • Project Management Professional (PMP)
    • MSHA certifications
    • Experience with CERCLA, RCRA, NEPA, CWA, and NPDES permitting
    • Experience working on legacy mining sites
    • Experience with consent decrees and long-term environmental liabilities
    • Master's degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, or Business Administration is a plus.

    Desired Experience

    Experience leading programs involving:

    • Capital projects
    • Mine reclamation
    • Acid rock drainage mitigation
    • Tailings management
    • Water treatment operations
    • Large earthworks construction
    • Geotechnical stabilization
    • Stream restoration
    • Habitat restoration
    • Environmental monitoring
    • Long-term stewardship

    Experience working in mountainous terrain and remote field environments is highly desirable.

    Critical Competencies

    • Executive leadership
    • Program management
    • Strategic planning
    • Commercial acumen
    • Client relationship management
    • Contract management
    • Risk management
    • Negotiation
    • Team development
    • Decision making
    • Conflict resolution
    • Financial management
    • Communication and influencing
    • Change management

    Additional Information

    At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.

    About AECOM 

    AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

    AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com. 

    What makes AECOM a great place to work 

    You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

    As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 


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