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Tailings Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Turner Staffing Group

Water Tailings Engineer

Kearny, AZ · On-site

$80K - $99K/yr

Tailings and Water Management * Serve as the Responsible Tailings Facility Engineer for Ray and ... Develop and implement structured training programs for TSF operators and engineers, ensuring ...

Capstone Mining

Tailings & Water Engineer

Miami, AZ · On-site

Tailings Management System: Apply and monitor Capstone's Tailings Management System to align with ... Mentor junior engineers and provide training for supervisors and operators on water system ...

ASARCO LLC

Tailings Water Engineer

Kearny, AZ · On-site

ASARCO is seeking a Responsible Tailings and Water Operations Engineer (RTWOE) to oversee mine ... Develop and implement structured training programs for TSF operators and engineers, ensuring ...

P&C Recruiting and HR

ID

$115K - $125K/yr

The Senior Tailings Engineer will have an opportunity to influence and drive technical decisions pertaining to tailings and waste rock management at all of the company's operating sites and will gain ...

Phoenix Tailings

9.5. R&D Engineer

Woburn, MA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production ... Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting laboratory equipment, test systems, sensors ...

Phoenix Tailings

9.5. R&D Engineer

Woburn, MA

$90K - $110K/yr

About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production ... Experience operating, maintaining, or troubleshooting laboratory equipment, test systems, sensors ...

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Tailings Operator information

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How much do tailings operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for tailings operator in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as executive positions (CEOs, CFOs), specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. Certain highly skilled roles in finance, law, or technology, especially with bonuses or profit sharing, may also reach this level, often requiring advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Tailings Operator and how does this role contribute to overall site safety?

Tailings Operators are responsible for monitoring and managing the flow and storage of tailings—residual materials left after the extraction of minerals in mining operations. On a daily basis, they inspect pipelines, pumps, and containment areas, conduct sampling, log data, and ensure all equipment is functioning safely and efficiently. Their role is crucial to maintaining environmental compliance and site safety, as they proactively identify and address potential leaks or failures in the tailings management system. Collaboration with environmental engineers and other operations staff is common, ensuring that best practices are upheld and regulatory requirements are consistently met.

What are tailings operators?

Tailings operators are professionals responsible for managing and operating tailings storage facilities at mining sites. They oversee the safe handling, transportation, and disposal of tailings, which are the waste materials left after the extraction of minerals. Their work includes monitoring equipment, inspecting containment structures, ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and responding to emergencies. Tailings operators play a critical role in minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring the safety of mine operations.

What is a tailing operator?

A tailings operator is responsible for managing and controlling the storage and disposal of tailings, which are the residual materials left after mineral processing. They monitor equipment, ensure safety protocols, and maintain the tailings storage facilities to prevent environmental hazards.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Some high-paying roles for a Tailings Operator or similar industrial positions can reach around $2,000 per day, especially with overtime, specialized skills, or in remote locations. These jobs often require extensive experience, certifications, and adherence to safety standards in mining or processing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Tailings Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Tailings Operator, you need a solid understanding of mining operations, environmental regulations, and tailings management processes, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with heavy equipment, tailings monitoring systems, and safety certifications such as MSHA or WHMIS is typically required. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure the safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible management of tailings storage facilities.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

A Tailings Operator can potentially earn around $10,000 a month with experience, specialized skills, and working in high-paying industries such as mining or construction. These roles often require technical knowledge, safety certifications, and physical stamina but may not require a college degree. High earnings are typically associated with overtime, shift work, or supervisory responsibilities.

What is the difference between Tailings Operator vs Mine Technician?

AspectTailings OperatorMine Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentProcessing plants, tailings pondsMining sites, processing facilities
Employer & IndustryMining companies, mineral processingMining companies, mineral extraction

While both roles work within the mining industry, a Tailings Operator primarily manages tailings ponds and processing operations, focusing on waste material handling. A Mine Technician supports various technical tasks on-site, including equipment maintenance and safety checks. The roles share similar certifications and work environments but differ in specific responsibilities and focus areas.

More about Tailings Operator jobs
What states have the most Tailings Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Tailings Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Tailings Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Tailings Operator jobs are:
Tailings Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tailings Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Temporary. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Tailings Foreman

Origin Mining Company

Golden Valley, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Lead day-to-day tailings facility operations.

  • Direct and coordinate contractors performing earthworks, dam raises, and related construction activities.

  • Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company standards, permits, and regulatory requirements.

Job description

Scope:
The Tailings General Foreman is responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the mine's tailings management facility. As the site's primary owner of tailings operations, this role oversees tailings deposition, contractor activities, dam construction support, and execution of the tailings management plan.
Working closely with Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, Engineering, and the Engineer of Record (EoR), the Tailings General Foreman ensures tailings are produced, classified, and deposited in accordance with design requirements while supporting the ongoing development of the facility.
This is a hands-on, site-based leadership role requiring strong operational experience, sound technical judgment, and a proactive approach to risk management.
Duties and Responsibilities: 
Tailings Operations
  • Lead day-to-day tailings facility operations.
  • Ensure proper classification and routing of tailings material, including coarse material for dam construction and fines for deposition areas.
  • Coordinate tailings deposition activities in accordance with approved operating plans and EoR design parameters.
  • Support tailings lifts, waste rock relocation, and facility development activities.
  • Monitor operational performance and implement improvements where required.
Contractor & Cross-Functional Coordination
  • Direct and coordinate contractors performing earthworks, dam raises, and related construction activities.
  • Work closely with Mill Operations to ensure suitable tailings material is available for construction and deposition requirements.
  • Coordinate with Maintenance to align equipment availability and repairs with operational priorities.
  • Partner with Environmental personnel to ensure monitoring and compliance obligations are met.
Safety, Compliance & Risk Management
  • Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with company standards, permits, and regulatory requirements.
  • Maintain alignment with EoR recommendations and facility operating criteria.
  • Identify and mitigate operational risks that could impact tailings facility integrity.
  • Participate in inspections, audits, investigations, and emergency preparedness activities.
  • Maintain accurate operational records and reporting.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
  • 5–10+ years of experience in tailings operations within a mining environment.
  • Experience supporting tailings deposition, dam construction, or tailings facility management.
  • Strong understanding of tailings operations, slurry management, and operational risk.
  • Experience managing contractors and coordinating across multiple departments.
  • Strong planning, organizational, and communication skills.
  • Working knowledge of mining, environmental, and tailings regulatory requirements.
Physical Demands: 
To be eligible for this position, an individual must possess the following requirements to perform the essential job functions:
  • Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking on uneven surfaces, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motion.
  • Ability to work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather.
  • Able to operate a telephone and mine phone/radio with sufficient voice and hearing to carry on a conversation for the purpose of communicating information.
  • Able to hear sufficiently to distinguish various pitches of warning alarms.
  • Able to lift up to 25 pounds periodically.

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