Paste Plant Operator

Bunker Hill Mining; Kellogg (ID); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Bunker Hill Mine in Kellogg, Idaho, seeks a Paste Plant Operator to safely and efficiently run the surface paste plant system, producing backfill material for underground operations. The role requires flexibility for day/night shifts and independent work on a rotating schedule.

The operator will monitor processes, perform inspections, coordinate cement deliveries, and troubleshoot equipment while adhering to safety and regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Previous operator experience in mining, mineral processing, paste plant, mill, or other manufacturing or industrial plant environments.
• Basic mechanical aptitude with a willingness to learn about plant systems and processes.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing competing priorities.
• Basic computer skills for data entry, reporting, and inventory tracking.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety with a proven record of safe work practices.
• History of reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow operating procedures and safety documentation.
• Ability to accurately complete logs, reports, and inspection documentation.
• Familiarity with cement handling, slurry or pumping systems, regulated industrial or mining environments, and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures is preferred.
• Ability to work 12-hour, rotating day and night shifts.

Responsibilities

• Learn, operate, monitor, start, stop, and control the surface paste plant system used to produce and pump backfill material underground.
• Monitor process parameters and maintain operations within established operating limits.
• Perform routine workplace and equipment inspections to identify safety, environmental, or operational hazards.
• Document inspection results and communicate outstanding issues at the end of each shift.
• Conduct detailed inspections and coordinate corrective actions or maintenance follow-up as required.
• Identify equipment issues and initiate maintenance requests.
• Coordinate, receive, and track cement deliveries to ensure accurate inventory control and reporting.
• Perform sampling activities at required intervals in accordance with procedures.
• Apply process knowledge and equipment fundamentals to troubleshoot operating issues.
• Execute lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures in compliance with site safety standards.
• Operate plant systems in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies and procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with team members to complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Maintain reliable attendance and consistent adherence to safe work practices.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Work on a rotating schedule that includes both day and night shifts.

Skills

Operator experience

Mechanical aptitude

Independent working

Data entry/reporting

Safety focus

Attendance/punctuality

Reading operating procedures

Log/inspection documentation

LOTO procedures familiarity

12-hour shifts

Job description

Position Overview

The Paste Plant Operator at Bunker Hill Mine is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the surface paste plant system that produces engineered backfill material supporting underground mining operations. This role is critical to maintaining production continuity, ground stability, and regulatory compliance. This role works both independently and collaboratively on a rotating schedule that includes day and night shifts in an industrial environment.

Position Overview

The Paste Plant Operator at Bunker Hill Mine is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the surface paste plant system that produces engineered backfill material supporting underground mining operations. This role is critical to maintaining production continuity, ground stability, and regulatory compliance. This role works both independently and collaboratively on a rotating schedule that includes day and night shifts in an industrial environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Learn, operate, monitor, start, stop, and control the surface paste plant system used to produce and pump backfill material underground.
• Monitor process parameters and maintain operations within established operating limits.
• Perform routine workplace and equipment inspections to identify safety, environmental, or operational hazards.
• Document inspection results and communicate outstanding issues at the end of each shift.
• Conduct detailed inspections and coordinate corrective actions or maintenance follow-up as required.
• Identify equipment issues and initiate maintenance requests.
• Coordinate, receive, and track cement deliveries to ensure accurate inventory control and reporting.
• Perform sampling activities at required intervals in accordance with procedures.
• Apply process knowledge and equipment fundamentals to troubleshoot operating issues.
• Execute lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures in compliance with site safety standards.
• Operate plant systems in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies and procedures.
• Collaborate effectively with team members to complete tasks safely and efficiently.
• Maintain reliable attendance and consistent adherence to safe work practices.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
• Work on a rotating schedule that includes both day and night shifts.

Experience Requirements

• Previous operator experience in mining, mineral processing, paste plant, mill, or other manufacturing or industrial plant environments.
• Basic mechanical aptitude with a willingness to learn about plant systems and processes.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while managing competing priorities.
• Basic computer skills for data entry, reporting, and inventory tracking.
• Strong commitment to workplace safety with a proven record of safe work practices.
• History of reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to read, understand, and follow operating procedures and safety documentation.
• Ability to accurately complete logs, reports, and inspection documentation.
• Familiarity with cement handling, slurry or pumping systems, regulated industrial or mining environments, and lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures is preferred.
• Ability to work 12-hour, rotating day and night shifts.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to safely perform all essential job functions in varying environmental conditions, including extreme temperatures.
• Ability to work in outdoor and industrial environments with exposure to noise, dust, and vibration.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders, and work on elevated platforms for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment within site-defined limits.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) for extended durations.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to operate controls, valves, tools, and instrumentation.
• Ability to work 12-hour, rotating day and night shifts.

About Us

Bunker Hill Mine is a historic underground silver-lead-zinc operation located in Kellogg, Idaho, at the heart of the Silver Valley. With more than a century of mining heritage, Bunker Hill has played a foundational role in the region. Today, we are focused on building its future. Operated by Bunker Hill Mining Company, the mine is being revitalized through modern engineering, advanced technology, and best-in-class safety and environmental practices. Guided by experienced leadership, strong values, and a clear vision, we are creating a responsible and sustainable operation for the long term. Joining our team means being part of an exciting restart—helping to build a safe, high-performing operation and shaping the next generation of responsible mining in the Silver Valley.

Our success is driven by the values we live in every day. We empower our people to behave like an owner and act with a sense of urgency while doing things safely. We assume good intent, expect every employee to be a team player, and hold one another accountable while treating others with respect and kindness. We are committed to continuous improvement and delivering results—supporting our community, advancing responsible mining, and providing our employees with a best-in-class work environment.