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Tailings Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freeport McMoRan

Tailings Dam Operator Trainee

Bagdad, AZ · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

May communicate with thickener operator on flows to tailings dam * Responsible for learning the monitoring system on tailings line and may assist in performing adjustments as necessary * May operate ...

Freeport McMoRan

Tailings Dam Operator Trainee

Bagdad, AZ · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

May communicate with thickener operator on flows to tailings dam * Responsible for learning the monitoring system on tailings line and may assist in performing adjustments as necessary * May operate ...

Freeport McMoRan

Tailings Dam Operator Trainee

Bayard, NM · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

... operator on flows to tailings dam Responsible for learning the monitoring system on tailings line and may assist in performing adjustments as necessary May operate mobile equipment such as bulldozers ...

Freeport McMoRan

Tailings Dam Operator Trainee

Bayard, NM · On-site

$21 - $27/hr

May communicate with thickener operator on flows to tailings dam * Responsible for learning the monitoring system on tailings line and may assist in performing adjustments as necessary * May operate ...

ASARCO LLC

Tailings & Operations Manager

Sahuarita, AZ · On-site

The Manager - Tailings and Water Services is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing ... The Manager will lead a team of operators and technicians while collaborating cross-functionally ...

CSG

Tailings Governance Engineering

Queen Creek, AZ · On-site

$104K - $134K/yr

The role would suit an experienced tailings professional who enjoys being close to an operating asset but wants to remain focused on technical leadership, governance, planning and assurance rather ...

Capstone Mining

Tailings 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 ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Sr. Tailings Engineer

Republic, WA · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

The Sr. Tailings Engineer works closely with Operations, Environmental, and Project teams to ensure ... Follows operating procedures and complies with all regulatory requirements. Kinross Leadership ...

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 ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Sr. Tailings Engineer

Republic, WA

$101K - $139K/yr

The Sr. Tailings Engineer works closely with Operations, Environmental, and Project teams to ensure ... Follows operating procedures and complies with all regulatory requirements. Kinross Leadership ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Sr. Tailings Engineer

Republic, WA · On-site

$101K - $139K/yr

The Sr. Tailings Engineer works closely with Operations, Environmental, and Project teams to ensure ... Follows operating procedures and complies with all regulatory requirements. Kinross Leadership ...

P&C Recruiting and HR

ID

$101K - $139K/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 ...

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How much do tailings operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 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 is a tailings operator?

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 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 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 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.

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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?

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Tailings Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tailings Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Tailings Foreman

Golden Valley, AZ • On-site

Origin Mining Company
See more jobs at Origin Mining Companyexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

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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