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Tailings Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Phoenix Tailings

9.2. Senior R&D Chemist

Woburn, MA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production ... Build process-performance relationships that connect chemistry, operating conditions, recovery ...

Phoenix Tailings

9.2. Senior R&D Chemist

Woburn, MA · On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

About Phoenix Tailings Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production ... Build process-performance relationships that connect chemistry, operating conditions, recovery ...

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Tailings Operator information

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How much do tailings operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 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 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 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? 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 35% Full Time, 63% 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.
5.2. Business Development Manager

5.2. Business Development Manager

Phoenix Tailings

Washington, DC • On-site

$130K - $170K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About Phoenix Tailings 
Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup dedicated to sustainable and economic critical metals production. Our mission is to be the world’s first fully clean mining and metals production company—producing the resources needed for the next generation of our economy. We are building the domestic supply chain for critical metals that power modern technology, industrial growth, and national resilience. 
 
Why Phoenix Tailings 
At Phoenix, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone—or without people who push one another to move faster and think bigger. We work at the intersection of technology, infrastructure, and markets that matter. If you are excited about building commercial momentum for a first-of-its-kind industrial company and want to see your work directly translate into real-world impact, Phoenix Tailings is the place to do it. 
 
Our Values:  
● You are only crazy if you are wrong, it’s ok to be wrong
● Lead with Compassion
● Be Resourceful
● Listen
● Hustle
 
Who We Are Looking For: 
Phoenix Tailings is looking for a Business Development Manager to help drive commercial growth through customer engagement, strategic partnerships, and market development. This role is hands-on and externally facing, focused on advancing opportunities from early conversations through structured commercial agreements. You will work closely with senior business development leadership and internal teams to turn market interest into long-term relationships and revenue. 
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities with customers, partners, and strategic stakeholders 
  • Advance commercial discussions from initial outreach through deal structuring and execution 
  • Support negotiation and execution of commercial agreements, including supply, offtake, and strategic partnerships 
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with customers and partners across the value chain 
  • Develop market intelligence and customer insights to inform commercial strategy and positioning 
  • Prepare customer-facing materials, proposals, and presentations to support deal progression 
  • Coordinate internally to ensure commercial commitments align with operational and technical capabilities 
Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience in business development, commercial strategy, or customer-facing roles 
  • Proven experience advancing and closing commercial or strategic opportunities 
  • Experience working in industrial, energy, materials, infrastructure, or government-adjacent markets 
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills with external stakeholders 
  • Ability to support contract discussions and commercial negotiations 
  • Comfort operating in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with evolving priorities 
  • Strong sense of ownership and accountability for commercial outcomes 
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package  may vary based on experience and qualifications.
Pay Range: $130,000- $170,000 total cash compensation plus equity
  • Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee
  • Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company. 
  • Time Off: Unlimited PTO. 
  • Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career. 
 
At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.  
 
Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline). 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.