ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mining Plant Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Freeport McMoRan

Hydromet CLP Operator I

Morenci, AZ · On-site

Highway 191, Morenci operations (an open-pit copper mining complex) has been in continuous ... A Hydromet CLP Operator I performs duties related to Concentrate Leach Plant operations. Requires ...

UNACEM North America

Production Utility Operator

Paulden, AZ · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Responsible for mining and handling raw materials, loading trucks, managing stockpiles, and ... Support raw material production and plant operations by operating heavy equipment and performing ...

Unacem North America

Production Utility Operator

Paulden, AZ · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Responsible for mining and handling raw materials, loading trucks, managing stockpiles, and ... Purpose Support raw material production and plant operations by operating heavy equipment and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMining Plant Operator JobsMining Plant Operator Jobs in Arizona

Mining Plant Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$12

$20

$36

How much do mining plant operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for mining plant operator in Arizona is $20.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.24 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mining plant operator?

Mining Plant Operators are professionals who control, monitor, and maintain the machinery and equipment used in mining operations. They ensure the efficient and safe extraction, processing, and transportation of minerals and ores. Their responsibilities often include operating conveyor belts, crushers, and other plant machinery, as well as conducting routine inspections and minor repairs. Mining Plant Operators play a crucial role in maintaining production targets while adhering to strict safety and environmental standards.

What are some typical challenges mining plant operators face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Mining Plant Operators often work in environments where safety, equipment maintenance, and communication are critical. Common challenges include operating complex machinery in harsh conditions, managing unpredictable equipment breakdowns, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Effective operators stay proactive by regularly inspecting equipment, participating in ongoing safety training, and maintaining clear communication with team members and supervisors to ensure smooth operations. Embracing these practices not only helps manage daily obstacles but also contributes to personal growth and team success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mining plant operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mining Plant Operator, you need a solid understanding of mining processes, equipment operation, and workplace safety, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant certifications. Familiarity with heavy machinery, control systems, and computerized monitoring tools like SCADA is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are critical to ensuring safe, efficient, and continuous plant operations in a demanding industrial environment.

What is the difference between Mining Plant Operator vs Mining Equipment Operator?

AspectMining Plant OperatorMining Equipment Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical trainingHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical training
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, mineral processing facilitiesOpen-pit or underground mining sites, construction areas
Job FocusOperating processing machinery, controlling mineral processingOperating heavy mining machinery like excavators and loaders
Industry UsageCommonly used in mineral processing and refiningUsed in extraction and material movement in mining

While both roles require safety certifications and technical skills, Mining Plant Operators focus on processing minerals within processing plants, whereas Mining Equipment Operators handle heavy machinery at mining sites. Both roles are essential in the mining industry but differ in work environment and specific duties.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Mining Plant Operator jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Mining Plant Operator jobs in Arizona are:

Mining Plant Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mining Plant Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 48% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,352 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Plant Operator (Wash Plant)

Clarkdale, AZ • On-site

Martin Marietta Materials
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 10K+ employees

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

377th of 545 rated manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Paid breaks

Learn more about Martin Marietta Materialsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY
As a Plant Operator at MartinMarietta,youwillplay a pivotal role in supporting our mining and aggregate production operations. Working under the direction of the Plant Manager andSupervisor, you'll be responsible for safely and efficiently operating, monitoring, and maintaining plant processing equipment; tasks including but not limited to-observing visualand auditory signals during operation, performing routine daily inspections of plant and mobile equipment, reporting defects to the supervisor, as well as maintaining and managing inventory levels of various wear items used throughout the plant site.Youwillbe instrumental in achieving production goals by ensuring consistent, quality aggregate output andmaintaininga clean, secure work environment.
KEYDUTIESANDRESPONSIBILITIES
  • Start,monitor, and regulate crushers, screens, conveyors, feeders, and pumps in compliance with safetystandards.
  • Adjust process settings to ensureoptimalmaterial flow and quality in line with job specifications.
  • Operate mobile equipment such as skid steers and front-end loaders duringloadout or clean-up tasks.
  • Conduct pre-shift and ongoing inspections of plant and mobileequipment,document daily reports accurately.
  • Perform preventative maintenance tasks like greasing, cleaning, screen changes, belt splicing, and bearing or pulley replacements.
  • Identifymalfunctions or blockages, safely shut down equipment during emergencies, and initiate work requests for repairs.
  • Maintain a tidy work area-clear spillage, dust, and debris around equipment and haul roads.
  • Adhere to all MSHA and company safety policies, including proper PPE use.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors and teammates to ensure efficient workflow and safety compliance.
  • Assistin training new or temporary staff on equipment operation and safety procedures.
  • Take onadditionalduties-cleaning, quality control, rail loading-as assigned bymanagement.
  • Maintain daily production reports, recording activity levels, downtime, and material inventory.
  • Ensure compliance with environmental regulationsregardingbatch plant operations and dust control.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education
High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent work experience
Work Experience
No prior experience isrequired; 6 months-1 yearof experience inAggregatePlantOperations or similarHeavyBuildingMaterials industry, preferred.
Knowledge, Skills,and Abilities
Mechanical aptitude
Technical aptitude
Knowledgeable of plant components
Critical thinking
Time management
MSHA compliance andregulations
Effectivecommunicator (writtenand spoken)
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Physical Requirements
Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. for plant maintenance and equipment servicing.
Required to bend, stoop, climb, and reach. You must be able tomaintainthree points of contact when climbing on/off machinery or on ladders.
Strong hand-eye-foot coordination is essential for operating hand/foot controls. You must have good depthperceptionwith or without seeing aid for distances up to 150 feet.
Working Conditions
All duties require outside assignmentsand requireperiods of work in all weather conditions, cold, wet,dryand dusty.Must be able to work in areas where noise levels are up to 85dbs.
Disclaimers
In addition to the primary responsibilities outlined, the successful candidate may be expected to take on other tasks and assignments asrequired, including but not limited to duties outside the typical scope of the role to support overall team operations and organizational needs. Flexibility and adaptability to evolving job demands are essential.
Employment Type: Full-Time
Martin Marietta logo

About Martin Marietta

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Martin Marietta is an American-based company and a leading supplier of building materials - including aggregates, cement, ready mixed concrete and asphalt.

Industry

Coal, metals and minerals mining

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1994

View All Martin Marietta Jobs

What Martin Marietta Materials employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply