Hydromet EW Operator I

Freeport-McMoRan; Morenci (AZ); On-site; USD 33,062 - 44,083; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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, and parental leave

Tuition assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home, and vehicle

Internal progression opportunities

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan is looking for candidates to operate and maintain equipment in the electro-winning process in Morenci, Arizona. The role requires six months of experience in hydromet processing operations and a high school diploma or GED. Responsibilities include monitoring processes, performing cell maintenance duties, and operating mobile equipment. The estimated hourly pay is between $24.00 and $32.00, with additional benefits including a $750 monthly housing allowance for on-site workers.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience in hydromet processing operations.
• Ability to pass a written assessment on knowledge and safety.

Responsibilities

• Operate process equipment and maintain electrolytic cells.
• Monitor electro-winning processes and make adjustments.
• Harvest copper cathodes.
• Perform cell maintenance duties.
• Operate mobile equipment such as cranes and forklifts.

Skills

Hydromet processing operations

Electro-winning processes

Equipment operation

Cell maintenance

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

At Freeport‑McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production, and fosters a culture supported by our core values. You’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their careers.
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Where You Will Work

Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Safford, Arizona on U.S. Highway 191, Morenci operations (an open‑pit copper mining complex) has been in continuous operation since 1939. The operation consists of two concentrators, a crushed‑ore leach pad and stacking system, a low‑grade run‑of‑mine (ROM) leaching system; four SX plants; and three EW tank houses that produce copper cathode. Morenci is a unique company town where employees and their families can reconnect with nature through hiking, fishing, camping, hunting, and numerous parks. The company offers several amenities, including company housing or a $750 monthly housing allowance for on‑site workers, a newly constructed daycare and community center, library, health‑care facilities, state‑of‑the‑art fitness centers, a movie theater and a skate park, and a Parks and Recreation Division that plans activities for all ages.

What You Will Do

• Operate process equipment in the electro‑winning process and maintain electrolytic cells at a skilled level.
• Monitor the electro‑winning processes and make adjustments as needed.
• Harvest copper cathodes.
• Perform cell maintenance duties including setting a jumper frame, draining cells, inspecting for damage, fixing leaks, hydro‑blasting, cleaning, repairing/replacing level boxes, and replacing buffer sheets and boards.
• Fabricate starter sheets, operating a rigidizer, a loop slitter, and an upender.
• Press cathodes, detect and correct improper plating conditions, operate a cathode press, and ensure proper cathode alignment.
• Collect and run plant samples.
• Handle shipping tasks for copper cathodes such as weighing bundles, banding bundles, and loading trucks.
• Assist maintenance personnel with equipment maintenance activities.
• Operate a stripping machine to strip copper sheets, if required.
• Operate mobile equipment such as overhead cranes and forklifts.
• Maintain area housekeeping.
• Perform other duties as required.

What You Bring To Freeport

• Six (6) months of experience in hydromet processing operations.
• Completed academic and practical competencies required (including Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP exists) and experience demonstrating the required aptitude. The selected candidate must apply knowledge and skills while also passing a written assessment where required – a skills/abilities and/or academic knowledge exam, including safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.

What We Offer You

The estimated pay range for this role is currently $24.00 - $32.00/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.

• Eligible for a $750 monthly housing allowance for on‑site workers, if they meet program guidelines.
• 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, and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home, and vehicle.
• Internal progression opportunities.

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, including 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 ongoing drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Freeport‑McMoRan is an 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 [e-mail].