Leading Hand - Mechanical Tradesperson (Mt Holland)

Covalent Lithium; Holland (MT); On-site; USD 63,000 - 84,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

LiFT program discounts

Flexible work arrangements

Wellbeing programs and EAP

Parental leave and family support

Novated leasing and FIFO parking

Job summary

Covalent Lithium, a Western Australia lithium producer, seeks a Mechanical Fitter (Leading Hand) to support the Mechanical Supervisor in keeping mining and refining equipment reliable. The role includes stepping up duties when required and night-shift support for shutdowns.

This is a permanent position, ex FIFO from Perth to the Mt Holland mine site on an 8:6, 7:7 roster. Qualifications include Certificate III in Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years in mining or processing.

Qualifications

• Completion of Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical) with at least 3 years post-trade experience in mining or processing.
• Lead hand experience of 1–2 years or equivalent is preferred.
• Hands-on maintenance with crushing, screening, milling and conveying systems.
• Current WA C-class Driver's Licence is required.
• High Risk Licences: Dogging, EWP and Forklift as applicable.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Supervisor Mechanical with work instruction and planning.
• Support a crew of up to 8 and supervise as needed.
• Relief supervisor duties during absence.
• Daily pre-starts, toolbox talks and safety compliance (Take 5, JHAs).
• Execute planned and breakdown maintenance to maximise asset reliability.
• Record maintenance actions and equipment history in the CMMS.
• Ensure site safety, risk management and environmental compliance.
• Participate in shutdowns and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Foster a strong safety culture and collaborate with operations teams.
• Maintain high housekeeping standards in work areas.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

Maintenance planning

Safety awareness

Communication

Education

Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical)

Tools

Pronto CMMS

SAP S4 Hana

Job description

About Us

Covalent Lithium is a fully integrated lithium mining and refining operation in Western Australia. As a joint venture between Wesfarmers and SQM (Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile), we combine global lithium expertise with strong Australian operational capability across our Mt Holland Mine and Concentrator and Kwinana Refinery.

Following a successful ramp-up, Mt Holland is now running at full production - an achievement driven by the capability, commitment and collaboration of our people. With an approved expansion set to double spodumene concentrate production, we're entering an exciting new phase of growth and unlocking the full potential of our world-class Earl Grey lithium deposit.

Guided by our values of Purpose, Care, Accountability and Collaboration, we're building a safe, inclusive and high-performing workplace where people can make an impact and grow their careers. Whether you're taking the next step in your career or bringing your experience to a growing business, Covalent offers the opportunity to play a meaningful role in an operation spanning the entire lithium value chain - from mine to refinery.

We support, empower and reward our people with a range of benefits:

• Competitive remuneration and annual incentive opportunities for eligible employees
• Access to discounts, recognition and rewards through our LiFT program
• Flexible work arrangements where suitable
• Dedicated wellbeing programs, Employee Assistance Program and discounted health insurance
• Equal access to paid parental leave, financial support for growing families & return-to-work support
• Salary sacrifice options, including superannuation and novated leasing
• Discounted FIFO parking with Perth Airport

The Role

The Mechanical Fitter (Leading Hand) is part of the team reporting to the Mechanical Supervisor. The objective of this role is to provide support to the Mechanical Supervisor to maintain the equipment utilised in meeting production targets of Covalent's Mt Holland Mine operations in accordance with safety, environmental and statutory requirements. Step up duties can be called upon as required in the absence of the Mechanical Supervisor, along with providing night shift support to the shutdown team.

This is a permanent opportunity, on an 8:6, 7:7 roster, ex FIFO from Perth to our Mt Holland mine site

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Supervisor Mechanical in the delivery of work instruction and planning requirements.
• Support supervise & task allocate a crew of up to 8
• Relief (Step Up) Supervisor duties as required.
• Daily pre-start, toolbox talks and safety compliance (Take 5, JHA;s, Hazard Reporting)
• Execute planned and breakdown maintenance to maximise reliability and quality of fixed plant assets
• Complete maintenance activities in accordance with work instructions, OEM recommendations, and site procedures.
• Identify and report equipment defects, reliability concerns, and opportunities for improvement.
• Accurately record maintenance activities and equipment history in the CMMS.
• Ensure compliance with site safety standards, risk management processes, and environmental requirements.
• Participate in shutdowns, project work, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Drive a strong safety culture - lead by example
• Work collaboratively with operations, reliability, planning, and other maintenance personnel to achieve plant performance objectives.
• Maintain high standards of housekeeping within work areas and workshops.

Role Requirements

• Minimum 1-2 years leading hand experience (or similar)
• Completion of Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical) and a minimum of 3 years post trade experience in a mining or processing plant environment.
• Hands on experience with crushing, screening, milling and conveying systems maintenance.
• A Current Western Australian 'C' Class Driver's Licence
• Statutory Supervisor appointment (Section 26)
• Current Working at Heights Ticket
• Current Confined Space Entry Ticket
• HR (Heavy Rigid) Driver's Licence (desirable)
• High Risk Crane (CN) Licence (desirable)
• High Risk Dogging Licence (required)
• High Risk Elevated Work Platform (EWP) Licence (required)
• High Risk Forklift Licence (required)
• Polywelding & Electrofusion HDPE Certification (desirable)
• Experience with a computerised maintenance management system (CMMS) such as Pronto or SAP (S4 Hana desirable).
• Computer competent.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate problem-solving capabilities.
• Proven ability to effectively plan and prioritise work to successfully meet deadlines.
• Sound understanding of relevant legislative requirements.
• Sound knowledge of proactive maintenance principles.

A competitive remuneration package commensurate with the role, candidate experience, skills and qualifications will be offered.

Our team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Candidates from all backgrounds and ages are encouraged to apply, including First Nations People, those who identify as LGBTIQ+, people with disabilities and those with neurodiverse, intersectional, or multiple diverse characteristics.

Covalent Lithium is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, with a focus on our employees. We recognise skills, expertise, commitment and living our values of Purpose, Care, Accountability and Collaboration. Our goal is to attract, develop, motivate, reward, and retain the best people in the industry.