ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Rope Shovel Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mesabi Metallics

Maintenance Electrician-Mobile Equipment

MN · On-site

$26.75 - $34.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... rope shovel operating at 7,200 volts, electric drills, and support vehicles. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in high-voltage DC and AC electric drive systems, autonomous vehicle ...

Pae

Crane Operator

Chicago, IL

Snow shoveling, ice-chipping, and other forms of manual labor required. * Performs physical ... Proficient in performing safety inspections of crane, heavy equipment, wire rope, hooks, slings and ...

Amentum Services, Inc.

Crane Operator

Chicago, IL · On-site

Snow shoveling, ice-chipping, and other forms of manual labor required. * Performs physical ... Proficient in performing safety inspections of crane, heavy equipment, wire rope, hooks, slings and ...

Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort

Lift Operator

Twin Bridges, CA

$18/hr

SUMMARY Assists guests in getting on and off of surface lifts/tow rope by operating lift including ... shoveling and raking of snow and ice on a regular basis to maintain loading ramps. 3. Identify and ...

FiOptix

Technician I/Coax

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$20/hr

This position is responsible for establishing communication systems by installing, operating, and ... Ability to pull rope/cables and dig with shovel * Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather

Guestservices

Level 1 Lift Technician - Giants Ridge

Biwabik, MN

$19 - $24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... towers, carriers, haul rope areas, safety devices, and communication systems as directed ... The ability to follow established policies and procedures when operating a snowmobile and/or UTV on ...

Pacific Air Forces

$19.97 - $23.30/hr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

Learn more about this agency Duties Help 1. Assist in operating snow-making equipment for creating ... rope tow, pick-up truck with snowplow, snowmobiles, high pressure air/water pumps, air compressors ...

All JobsConstruction JobsGeneral Construction JobsHandyman JobsRope Shovel Operator Jobs

Rope Shovel Operator information

See salary details

$10

$17

$23

How much do rope shovel operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for rope shovel operator in the United States is $17.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rope shovel operator?

Rope shovel operators are skilled professionals who operate large electric mining shovels, known as rope shovels, to excavate and load earth, minerals, or other materials in mining sites. These operators control the movement of the shovel’s bucket to dig, lift, and dump materials into haul trucks or other equipment. They play a critical role in surface mining operations, ensuring efficiency and safety while handling massive machinery. Rope shovel operators must have strong attention to detail, mechanical aptitude, and follow strict safety protocols. Their expertise is essential for maintaining productivity and preventing equipment damage or workplace accidents.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a rope shovel operator?

To thrive as a Rope Shovel Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, operational experience with heavy equipment, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with mining-specific machinery, safety protocols, and sometimes certification in heavy equipment operation are important for the role. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are essential soft skills for ensuring safety and productivity. These skills and qualifications are crucial to manage complex machinery safely, maximize efficiency, and minimize operational risks in mining environments.

What challenges might a rope shovel operator face, and how can they be addressed?

Rope Shovel Operators often face challenges such as working in harsh weather conditions, managing equipment wear and tear, and safely maneuvering large machinery in tight spaces. Effective communication with ground crews and maintenance teams is crucial to address unexpected issues promptly and minimize downtime. Staying vigilant about safety protocols and participating in ongoing training can help operators overcome these challenges and maintain high productivity levels.

What is the difference between Rope Shovel Operator vs Excavator Operator?

AspectRope Shovel OperatorExcavator Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized training, certifications in heavy equipmentHigh school diploma, operator certifications, training in excavator operation
Work EnvironmentOpen-pit mines, large-scale mining sitesConstruction sites, mining, infrastructure projects
Industry UsagePrimarily in mining and quarryingConstruction, mining, demolition
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared due to similar heavy equipment operationRelated but more versatile

Rope Shovel Operators and Excavator Operators both operate heavy machinery in construction and mining. Rope Shovel Operators typically work in open-pit mines with large, specialized equipment, requiring specific certifications. Excavator Operators work across various industries, including construction and mining, with more versatile machinery. While both roles demand heavy equipment skills, their work environments and equipment types differ significantly.

More about Rope Shovel Operator jobs

What job categories do people searching Rope Shovel Operator jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Rope Shovel Operator jobs are:

Rope Shovel Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rope Shovel Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,442 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Maintenance Electrician-Mobile Equipment

Mesabi Metallics

MN • On-site

$26.75 - $34.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

About Mesabi Metallics
When you join the team at Mesabi Metallics, you become part of a pioneering group advancing sustainable mining practices and driving innovation in the iron ore industry. Our commitment extends to providing a safe work environment, supporting environmental stewardship and generating value for all stakeholders. You will be joining us at a pivotal moment in Minnesota's mining history: Mesabi Metallics' cutting-edge iron ore mining and pelletization project is currently under construction. Once completed, it will mark the first new mine and pellet plant in Minnesota in nearly 50 years.
More importantly, you'll be immersed in a positive, supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters your professional growth. Our culture is shaped by our core values which are sustainability, integrity, inclusivity, innovation, teamwork, determination and performance, and our employees are empowered to make a difference every day.
At Mesabi Metallics, you are part of a legacy of excellence, playing a key role in shaping the future of global infrastructure and industry.
Position Summary
The Maintenance Electrician - Mobile Equipment plays a critical role in maintaining maximum availability and reliability of Mesabi Metallics' world-class mobile mining fleet. This role is responsible for the diagnosis, repair, preventive maintenance, and overhaul of all electrical systems on heavy mobile mining equipment, including ultra-class 400-ton Komatsu autonomous haul trucks, the electric rope shovel operating at 7,200 volts, electric drills, and support vehicles. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise in high-voltage DC and AC electric drive systems, autonomous vehicle technology interfaces, and industrial electrical systems in a demanding open-pit mine environment.
Job Responsibilities
Reporting to the Maintenance Shift Supervisor - Mine, the Maintenance Electrician - Mobile Equipment will be responsible for the following:
Electrical Maintenance & Repair
  • Diagnose, troubleshoot, and repair electrical faults on mobile mining equipment including Komatsu 930E-5 400-ton haul trucks, P&H 2800XPB electric rope shovel, and related mobile fleet.
  • Maintain, repair, and overhaul AC/DC electric drive systems, electric wheel motors, alternators, traction motors, and associated control systems on ultra-class haul trucks.
  • Perform electrical maintenance on the 7,200V electric rope shovel systems including high-voltage trailing cables, transformer connections, and power distribution components.
  • Inspect, test, and replace electrical components such as contactors, relays, circuit breakers, inverters, rectifiers, and motor control centers.
  • Troubleshoot and repair programmable logic controllers (PLCs), variable frequency drives (VFDs), and onboard machine control systems.

Autonomous & Advanced Technology Systems
  • Support maintenance and troubleshooting of the Komatsu FrontRunner Autonomous Haulage System (AHS) onboard electronics, sensors, radar systems, and communication interfaces.
  • Collaborate with OEM technicians and automation engineers on software updates, calibration, and diagnostic procedures for autonomous truck systems.
  • Maintain GPS, proximity detection, collision avoidance, and machine monitoring systems on mobile equipment.
Preventive & Predictive Maintenance
  • Execute scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) on all electrical systems per OEM specifications and the site's computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
  • Conduct predictive maintenance activities including thermographic inspections, vibration analysis, and oil sampling to identify potential failures before they occur.
  • Accurately record all maintenance activities, parts used, and equipment conditions in the CMMS (SAP or equivalent).
  • Participate in Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for repetitive or significant electrical failures.
Safety & Compliance
  • Strictly adhere to all site safety standards, MSHA regulations (30 CFR), NFPA 70E electrical safety requirements, and Mesabi Metallics safety policies at all times.
  • Maintain and enforce Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures on all high-voltage and high-energy equipment.
  • Participate in pre-shift safety meetings, Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs), and safety inspections.
  • Promptly report all near-misses, incidents, and unsafe conditions; contribute to a culture of zero-harm.
  • Work safely around high-voltage systems up to 7,200V per established energized electrical work procedures.
Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
  • Work closely with mechanical maintenance, operations, and engineering teams to minimize equipment downtime and maximize fleet availability.
  • Mentor apprentice electricians and provide technical guidance to less experienced team members.
  • Support commissioning and startup activities for new equipment and system upgrades.
  • Identify and recommend opportunities for electrical system improvements, upgrades, and cost savings.

Skills and Qualifications
  • Demonstrated proficiency in troubleshooting AC/DC electric drive systems and electric traction motor systems.
  • Working knowledge of high-voltage systems (480V-7,200V) and safe work practices in high-voltage environments.
  • Experience with PLC-based control systems (Allen-Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent) and VFD troubleshooting.
  • Proficiency reading and interpreting complex electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and P&IDs.
  • Experience with Komatsu electric drive haul trucks (930E series or equivalent) or similar ultra-class mining trucks.
  • Familiarity with autonomous haulage systems (Komatsu FrontRunner AHS or similar).
  • Experience on electric rope or hydraulic shovels (P&H, Bucyrus, Caterpillar, or equivalent).
  • CMMS experience (SAP PM, Maximo, or equivalent). • MSHA Part 46 or Part 48 training certification.
  • Experience in taconite, iron ore, or other hard-rock mining environments.
  • Strong knowledge of MSHA regulations, NFPA 70E, and mining industry safety standards.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to operate light-duty vehicles on a mine site.
  • Ability to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Education
  • Journeyman Electrician license (Minnesota or equivalent state) or equivalent combination of training and experience.
  • Associate's degree or technical diploma in Electrical Technology, Industrial Electronics, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum 5 years of experience as an industrial or mining electrician, with at least 2 years on heavy mobile mining equipment

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. regularly; occasional lifting up to 75 lbs. with assistance.
  • Ability to climb, kneel, crouch, and work in confined or elevated spaces on large mobile equipment (heights up to 30+ feet).
  • Must be able to work safely in an active open-pit mine environment subject to year-round northern Minnesota weather extremes (temperatures ranging from -30°F to +95°F).
  • Must wear all required PPE including hard hat, safety glasses, hearing protection, steel-toed boots, high-visibility vest, and arc-flash rated clothing as required.
  • Exposure to dust, noise, diesel exhaust, and vibration consistent with open-pit mining operations.
  • Ability to pass and maintain MSHA-required physical standards for underground and surface mine operations.

Salary Range:
  • $38 - $50 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:
  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical and dental coverage with an HSA option.
  • Retirement Plan: 401(k) with 4% company match.
  • Lincoln STD, LTD, & Life Insurance: Coverage provided by Mesabi Metallics.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO):
    • 0-3 Years: 96 hours per year.
  • Plus 9 paid holidays and 2 floating holidays.

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute to our success.

Apply