Heavy Equipment Operator

marianaminerals; Moab (UT); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing and relocation assistance

Job summary

Mariana Minerals is seeking skilled Heavy Equipment Operators to join our team and run a range of equipment across active mine areas. You will be responsible for safe operation, inspections, and collaboration with maintenance to minimize downtime while meeting production needs.

We value versatility, reliability, and a strong safety mindset as we work toward autonomous mining capabilities and responsible mineral sourcing.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating multiple heavy equipment types (loaders, dozers, graders, excavators, water trucks, drill rigs).
• Experience in mining, quarry, or construction environments preferred.
• MSHA certification or willingness to obtain before start.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate loaders, bulldozers, excavators, graders, water trucks, and blasthole drill rigs.
• Work across all mine areas including pits, dumps, haul roads, and process areas.
• Maintain production while minimizing downtime, fuel use, and wear.
• Perform and document pre-shift and post-shift inspections.
• Support maintenance with troubleshooting and basic servicing.
• Follow MSHA/OSHA safety procedures and report hazards.

Skills

Heavy equipment operation

Safety awareness

Machinery troubleshooting

Education

MSHA Part 46 or Part 48 certification

Job description

About Mariana Minerals

Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

Mariana Minerals is looking for skilled Heavy Equipment Operators to join our team. We need versatile operators who can run a range of heavy equipment loaders, dozers, graders, and more — and move wherever the crew needs them. If you take pride in your work and like the variety of running different machines, this role is for you.

We're also building toward something big: becoming the world's first fully autonomous mine. It's a chance to grow your skills while being part of where the industry is headed.

Responsibilities:

• Safely operate heavy equipment including loaders, bulldozers, excavators, graders, water trucks, and blasthole drill rigs

• Work across all mine areas as needed, including active pits, dumps, haul roads, and process areas

• Operate equipment efficiently, keeping production steady while minimizing downtime, fuel use, and wear on the machine

• Perform and document accurate pre-shift and post-shift inspections on all assigned equipment

• Conduct ground support tasks such as shoveling, spotting, barricading, and general labor when required

• Assist maintenance personnel by communicating equipment issues, supporting troubleshooting, and performing basic servicing

• Follow all MSHA, OSHA, and company safety procedures (including lockout/tagout and traffic rules), actively participate in safety meetings, and immediately report hazards, near misses, or equipment damage while ensuring operations meet environmental/regulatory standards

Required Qualifications & Experience:

• Proven experience operating multiple types of heavy equipment (loaders, dozers, graders, excavators, water trucks, drill rigs, etc.) and are comfortable moving between machines as needed

• Experience operating heavy equipment in a mining, quarry, construction, or similar industrial setting highly preferred.

• MSHA Part 46 or Part 48 certification (or willingness to obtain prior to start)

• Strong mechanical aptitude and basic troubleshooting skills

• Ability to read and interpret basic operational instructions, safety data sheets, and equipment gauges

• Valid driver's license

Working Environment and Schedule:

• Schedule: 7 days on / 7 days off, 12-hour shifts. As operations expand, schedules will rotate between day and night shifts, with availability for on-call coverage as needed.

• Housing & Relocation: Housing and relocation assistance options available

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds

• Able to sit for extended periods (up to full shift length) while operating machinery

• Manual dexterity and coordination for operating controls, levers, and pedals

• Adequate visual acuity, depth perception, and hearing (with correction/aids if needed) to safely operate equipment

• Ability to work in all weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, and tolerate exposure to fumes, dust, diesel, solvents, sulfuric acid, and other hazardous materials

• Must wear and utilize all required PPE

Our culture is built on four principles:

Everyone Gets Home Safe. We never put speed or cost ahead of people.

Extreme Ownership. We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.

Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate. We simplify …,

Share Your Legos. We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.

Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply!