Process Operations Technician - Hydromet CLP

Freeport-McMoRan; Morenci (AZ); On-site; USD 88,827,648 - 117,481,728; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance program

Medical, dental & vision benefits

Life and disability insurance

401(k) plan with employer match

Paid time off & holidays

Tuition assistance

Employee Assistance Program

Discounted insurance plans

Internal progression opportunities

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan is seeking an experienced operations professional at the Morenci complex to support daily production plans, perform safety audits, and optimize processing performance. You will mentor teams, troubleshoot equipment, and coordinate with supervision to meet safety and production targets.

The role requires hands-on operation of processing equipment and strong English communication. On-site work offers housing allowance eligibility and comprehensive benefits, with opportunities for

Qualifications

• Three years of related operational experience including supervisory or lead experience.
• Academic and practical competencies required; ability to pass a written assessment where required.
• Knowledge of operation and principles of pressure vessels, thickeners, cooling towers, pumps, valves, and lab equipment.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Ability to resolve day-to-day questions about equipment, materials, methods and procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• Assist area supervisors to support daily production/operation plans and safety audits.
• Review routine and non-routine analytical data and reporting; ensure equipment operates properly.
• Communicate with operators to ensure equipment is functioning; monitor data gathering systems.
• Operate plant and equipment as necessary and mentor processing teams.
• Participate in audits and implement corrective actions with safety and environmental standards.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance to address safety concerns and improve production.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Operational experience

Effective communication

Computer literacy

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

Job description

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, 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 monthly housing allowance of $750 for eligible on‑site employees), a newly constructed daycare and community center, library, health‑care facilities, state‑of‑the‑art fitness centers, a movie theater and a skate park. The Parks and Recreation Division plans activities for people of all ages.

What You Will Do

Highly skilled employee who provides ongoing support for daily production/operation plan by assisting area supervisors. Perform as safety contact and execute safety audits, investigations and resolve safety issues and concerns through collaboration with the site’s Safety Department. Review routine and non‑routine chemical or metallurgical analysis and reporting. Communicate with operators to ensure equipment is operating properly. Operate plant and equipment as necessary. Monitor a wide variety of data gathering equipment. Assign operators to areas per the supervisor’s instruction. Follow up to ensure supervisor expectations are being met. Provide mentoring and coaching through collaboration with processing departments and support groups.

• Support site objectives through the performance of a variety of roles to develop broad understanding of processes, procedures, and initiatives (e.g., fill in supervisor, process operator, equipment operator) while assisting in completion of production plans with direction from the area supervisor and coordinating equipment operation and production improvements.
• Participate in audits (e.g., grating, fatal risks, MSHA, safety, environmental), provide feedback and training on proper procedures, observe compliance with safety and environmental requirements, ensure housekeeping standards, check for hazards, and follow up on corrective actions.
• Assist in troubleshooting process performance and quality issues (e.g., throughput, downtime, recovery), meet with supervisors each shift to review plans, assignments, and training, notify maintenance of breakdowns and follow up on repairs.
• Collaborate with operations and maintenance to address safety concerns identified in inspections and audits, perform as relief or fill‑in supervisor, occasionally operate processing equipment (e.g., CLP control room, thickeners, tanks, pumps, cooling tower, steam generator, lab), assist with investigations and Root Cause Analyses, and perform other duties as requested.

What You Bring to Freeport

• Three (3) years of related operational experience including supervisory or lead experience.
• Must have completed academic and practical competencies required and demonstrated the ability to apply knowledge and skills while passing a written assessment where required.
• Skilled in operation and principles of pressure vessels, thickeners, cooling towers, pumps, valves, and lab equipment.
• Knowledge of operational areas, policies, processes and procedures.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods and techniques.
• Skill in resolving day‑to‑day questions and problems regarding equipment, materials, methods and procedures.
• Skill in effective communication both verbal and written.
• Ability to develop and maintain awareness of occupational hazards and safety precautions.
• Skill in following safety practices and recognizing and controlling hazards.
• Skill in the use of computers.
• Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety‑related instructions in English.
• Ability to communicate in English regarding job assignments, procedures, and safety standards.
• Additional certifications or licensure appropriate to the job may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Experience in sulfide oxidation processes such as smelting or pressure oxidation operations.
• Experience with pressure oxidation and/or autoclave operations and understanding of associated risks and risk management processes.
• Strong knowledge of autoclave and pressure oxidation safety.
• Knowledge of hydrometallurgy process.
• Skilled in SAP.
• Completed leadership training courses.

What We Offer You

The estimated pay range for this role is currently $31.00- $41.00/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. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.

• Employees who are required to work on‑site are eligible for a $750 monthly housing allowance, provided 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, parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle.
• Internal progression opportunities.
• Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

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, which may include 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 promotes a drug/alcohol‑free work environment using mandatory pre‑employment drug testing and ongoing drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.

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].