Plant Operator

Stanford Climate Ventures; Boulder (CO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Medical, Dental, Vision plans

Flexible Time Off

Paid Parental Leave

Paid Sick Leave

Company Holidays

Job summary

Stanford Climate Ventures is seeking a Plant Operator in Boulder, CO, to support operations in a fast-growing technology environment. The ideal candidate will be focused on safety and have experience with industrial equipment operation, along with strong problem-solving skills.

This full-time, on-site role emphasizes collaboration across teams to enhance operational efficiency and technology improvements. The position offers competitive compensation and benefits, contributing to a mission-driven team redefining U.S. supply chain resilience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience operating industrial equipment like pumps, compressors.
• U.S. citizenship required.
• Ability to interpret technical documentation such as P&IDs.

Responsibilities

• Operate equipment safely and efficiently.
• Troubleshoot process and equipment related problems.
• Participate in plant hazard studies and audits.

Skills

Safety consciousness

Maintenance and operational experience

Problem-solving skills

Mechanical inclination

Education

Technology Diploma or equivalent

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

PLC/DCS systems

Job description

About Alta

Alta Resource Technologies (Alta) is a next generation mining company that uses synthetic biology to separate critical minerals from conventional and unconventional resources, including e-waste. Founded in 2023, the company is expanding its team in Boulder, CO. The exponential growth of new tech industries, as well as the information technology sector, are driving historic growth in mineral demand and stressing existing supply streams. Meeting new demand, diversifying the supply chain, and producing minerals in a more sustainable manner requires the rapid development, deployment and scaling of new technologies. This mineral challenge represents a historic opportunity for technology development and value creation. Alta is proud to be at the vanguard of this mega trend.

About the Role

Alta is seeking a talented and safety-conscious Plant Operator to join our growing Operations team. This role will support the safe operation, maintenance and improvement of our Demonstration Facility and contribute to technology improvement. A successful candidate should have a strong focus on safety and environmental responsibility with operational and maintenance experience working with process equipment such as pumps, compressors, tanks, instrumentation and controls. There should be a strong desire to collaborate across disciplines including R&D and engineering to acquire critical information to inform commercial design. Key tasks include equipment operation, maintenance, sample collection, sample analysis and reporting.

The role requires full-time, on-site presence at our Boulder Facility.

Key Responsibilities

Plant Operation

• Operate all equipment within the process from the PLC and/or the field. This includes but is not limited to loading equipment with raw materials, operating valves, pumps, compressors and other chemical plant equipment.
• Perform all work safely using sound operating principles, using SOPs and reporting all HSE incidents in a timely fashion.
• Ensure all equipment monitoring requirements are fulfilled including recording equipment and process information (for example monitoring pumps and operating parameters by reading gauges in the field or in the computer system).
• Troubleshoot process and equipment related problems (including but not limited to piping, tanks, pressure vessels, pumps, compressors, HVAC, instrumentation and controls).
• Collaborate with engineers and R&D team to execute test and production plans.
• Work within the Permit to Work process to issue work permits and ensure equipment is prepared for safe maintenance.
• Perform routine maintenance on equipment.
• Rearrange plant equipment such as piping and pumps to make modifications to the process based on approved design changes.
• Collect samples and perform chemical analyses including recording and communicating results.
• Participate in plant hazard studies, audits and other initiatives.

Plant Systems:

• Support the implementation of Process Safety and relevant HSE procedures.
• Support the development and implementation of Operations and Maintenance procedures.
• Support Operational Readiness activities for the Demo plant.

Technology Improvement:

• Contribute to technology improvement and optimization studies/projects.
• Implement strategies developed by the Process Engineer and R&D teams.

Work Environment:

• Work is mostly performed in indoor environment with adequate ventilation with occasional outdoor work.
• May involve exposure to fumes or airborne particles such as dust.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided, and all personnel are required to wear PPE.

Required Qualifications

• Technology Diploma or equivalent with at least 2 years of experience operating industrial equipment such as pumps, compressors, valves, tanks, instrumentation and controls.
• High School Diploma or GED with at least 3 years of experience operating industrial equipment such as pumps, compressors, valves, tanks, instrumentation, and controls.
• Mechanically inclined and can troubleshoot and fix equipment.
• Basic math skills and able to calculate rates and ratios (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and decimals).
• Ability to interpret technical documentation such as P&IDs.
• Comfortable communicating clearly in group settings.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• U.S. citizenship required.

Preferred, But Not Required

• Operational experience with unit operations such as adsorption, column separation, chromatography, solid/liquid separation, solids handling, rotary kilns/calciners and other hydrometallurgy-related unit operations would be an asset.
• PLC/DCS programming and troubleshooting knowledge would be an asset.
• Hands‑on experience working on scaling‑up technology from pilot to commercial scale.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead a breakthrough program redefining U.S. supply chain resilience in critical materials.
• A mission-driven, high-trust team operating at the intersection of innovation, national security, and sustainability.
• High Impact & Visibility: direct interaction and reporting to executive leadership.

Compensation & Benefits

The starting pay range for this position is $60,000 – $100,000 and is commensurate with educational background and work experience.

• 401(k)
• Medical, Dental, Vision plans (or equivalent)
• Flexible Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Company Holidays

EOE

Alta Resource Technologies is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We believe that varied perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthen our team and drive better outcomes for our clients and partners.

We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Our hiring decisions are based solely on qualifications, merit, and the needs of the business. Alta participates in e-Verify for all positions.

If you require accommodations at any point in the hiring process, please let your recruiter know.

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