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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 ...

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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How much do tailings operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% As Needed, 3% Full Time, 11% Temporary, 43% Contract, and 38% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,738 per year, or $20.1 per hour.
4.5. Production Engineer II

4.5. Production Engineer II

Phoenix Tailings

Exeter, NH • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

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.  
 
Why Phoenix Tailings 
At Phoenix Tailings, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.  
 
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 hands-on, driven, and curious Production Engineer II to join our team and help scale the first clean production of rare earth and critical metals. This role is embedded directly into the operations of our 24/7 Exeter production facility.. As a core member of our production team, you'll be responsible for running, improving, and scaling next-generation metal processing equipment. You'll work shoulder-to-shoulder with operators, engineers, and leadership to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production of materials essential to the modern economy.  
Key Responsibilities:
  • Operate, monitor, and support daily production of clean rare earth and critical metals 
  • Conduct process checks, equipment adjustments, and in-line quality verification to maintain production targets 
  • Troubleshoot mechanical and operational issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability 
  • Collect and analyze production data to identify trends and support continuous improvement 
  • Assist in implementing new processes and scaling up pilot operations to commercial throughput 
  • Lead or contribute to process improvement initiatives focused on safety, throughput, and efficiency 
  • Perform safe startup, shutdown, and changeover of production systems in coordination with plant leadership 
  • Work closely with shift leads and operators to ensure consistent, high-performance operation 
  • Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and training documentation 
  • Enforce and promote best practices in safety and environmental compliance 
Qualifications:
  • B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related field 
  • 2-4 years of experience in a manufacturing, production, or process engineering role (preferably in a hands-on environment) 
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and comfort working directly with industrial equipment 
  • Ability to analyze data and translate findings into actionable process improvements 
  • Self-driven, organized, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving production setting 
  • Excellent communication skills and comfort working collaboratively on the production floor 
  • Willingness and ability to work in a 24/7 operational facility (rotating shifts required) 
We offer a competitive compensation package that is based on expertise. We also offer the following benefits:
  • 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. 
  • Great team: Working with fun, hard-working, kind people committed to making a difference!
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. 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.
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