ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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

... 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 ...

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

$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 · 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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 · On-site

$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

4.3. Production Engineer I

Exeter, NH · On-site

About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly-growing clean mining and metals production ... Work closely with shift leads and operators to ensure operational excellence * Support new process ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTailings Operator Jobs

Tailings Operator information

See salary details

$10

$20

$29

How much do tailings operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 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 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 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 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.

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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% 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 Dam Operator Trainee

Freeport McMoRan

Bagdad, AZ

$21 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 138 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 41 rated mining

Job description

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you'll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today! 

Where You Will Work 

Looking to live in a small town with big opportunities? Our Bagdad operations in Arizona offers housing at a subsidized rate, a family-friendly atmosphere and numerous amenities including an aquatic center, golf course and fitness center.Located 100 miles northwest of Phoenix, Bagdad is home to the world's first commercial - scale concentrate leach processing facility, as well as one of the longest continuously operating solvent extraction/electrowinning plants in the world.Visit theBagdad town website to learn more.

What You Will Do
  • Performs duties related to the operation and maintenance of tailings compoundments 
  • May assist with and perform:  
    • Minor repairs on valves, spigots and pressure systems  
    • Drain valve replacements and plugging and patching leaks  
    • Routine inspections of dams and competition required documentation  
    • Maintenance activities 
  • Responsible for having knowledge of:  
    • Mantling and dismantling spigots on tailing lines  
    • Proper lock-out procedures of tailings line to perform valve replacements 
    •  Procedures for controlling pressure of slurry into tailings dam and changing pressure on main tailings line  
    • Algae pond process which includes monitoring and setting flow rates into correct lines  
  •  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 mobile equipment such as bulldozers, loaders, water trucks, motor graders, boom trucks, dump trucks, light duty vehicles, fusion machines, forklifts, and utilize hand and power tools  
  • Perform area housekeeping  
  • Perform other duties as required 
What You Bring To Freeport
  • Three (3) months experience in an industrial environment 
  • Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (this includes Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP Exists) and have experience demonstrating the required aptitude. The selected candidate shall demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills while also passing a written assessment where required. This exam is based on skills/abilities and/or academic knowledge; as well as safety. 
  • Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety-related instructions and procedures in English 
  • Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures and applicable safety standards 
Preferred Qualifications
  • High School diploma or GED 
  • Construction or Carpentry background

What We Offer You 

The estimated pay range for this role is currently$21.00 - $27.00/hour. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role. 

  • Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits 
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance 
  • 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match 
  • Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave 
  • Tuition assistance 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle 
  • Internal progression opportunities 
  • Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package! 

What We Require 

  • Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam. 
  • Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing. 
  • Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation. 
  • Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com. 

What Freeport-McMoRan employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply