Smelter Operator Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Permanent, full-time employment with a leading global mining company at Kennecott Utah Copper, located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah. Balanced work–life rhythm with a rotating 12‑hour day/night roster, providing predictable time off for family, community, and life outside work. No previous mining experience required — full training and structured support provided to help you build a long-term career.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Women are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to gender or any other protected characteristic. Hiring decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

We're Finding Better Ways™ to provide the materials the world needs, now and in the future. Our values — care, courage and curiosity — guide how we work and how we treat each other.

We are looking for motivated and safety‑focused individuals to join our Surface Mining Operations team as Haul Truck Operators, supporting safe, consistent production at one of the world's most iconic open‑cut copper mines.

As a Haul Truck Operator, you'll play a critical role in the day‑to‑day movement of material across the pit. This includes safely operating large haul trucks to transport ore and waste between loading areas, dumps, stockpiles, and crushers, while following site procedures, traffic management plans, and safety systems.

This role is well suited to reliable team players who take pride in following rules, working to procedure, and looking out for their teammates. Prior haul truck or heavy equipment experience is valued, but for the right candidates, comprehensive site‑based training will be provided.

You will work a rotating 12‑hour shift roster (days and nights), contributing to a 24/7 production operation. The role requires working in varying weather conditions and maintaining concentration over extended periods in a structured, high‑risk environment.

This is a great opportunity to start or build a long‑term career in mining, with exposure to world‑class operations, modern equipment, and clear pathways into other operational roles.

Reporting to the Supervisor – Surface Mine Operations, and working within a collaborative and safety‑driven team, you will be responsible for:

• Safely operating haul trucks in line with site procedures and production requirements
• Actively participating in and promoting our "Keep Each Other Safe" safety culture
• Following supervisor instructions and standard operating procedures
• Working closely with dispatch, shovel operators, supervisors, and maintenance teams
• Conducting pre‑start checks and identifying hazards or equipment issues
• Following radio protocols, haul road rules, and fatigue‑management requirements
• Contributing to a respectful, inclusive, and supportive work environment
• Maintaining a strong focus on safety, situational awareness, and consistent production

• A strong commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
• A valid US Driver's License
• Willingness to learn, take direction, and work as part of a team
• Flexibility to work rotating 12‑hour day and night shifts
• A positive, respectful, and inclusive attitude
• Experience in heavy machinery, farming, transport, or other shift‑based roles is advantageous but not required

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without current or future visa sponsorship.

Even if your experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply — transferable skills and the right attitude are highly valued.

• A work environment where safety is always the number one priority.
• Competitive hourly salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus.
• Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
• Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program.
• Attractive share ownership plan.
• Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
• A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you're able to spend quality time with your new family.
• Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life's challenges.

Our Kennecott mine is a world-class, fully integrated copper mining operation, including a concentrator, smelter, and refinery, located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903 and is one of the top producing mines in the world, comprising approximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.

Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove advertised roles prior to the advertised closing date.

About Rio Tinto Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs – striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can't do it on our own, so we're focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E-Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.