Process Operator

Greentown; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 37,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

Stock options

Unlimited PTO

Learning & development opportunities

Job summary

Phoenix Tailings is seeking hands-on Process Operators for our Rochester Freedom Facility. You will operate a section of the separations circuit, walk the circuit to inspect equipment, take samples, log readings, and adjust flows under direction from control room and engineers.

The role involves field observations to understand process performance, with emphasis on safety, shift handoffs, and adherence to procedures. Opportunity to contribute to a growing, mission-driven company.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Process-technology coursework, technical training, or experience in a continuous-process operating environment is highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Operate an assigned section of the separations circuit using approved procedures and operating direction from the control room and process engineers.
• Walk the circuit to inspect pumps, tanks, piping, and sensors, identifying leaks, equipment problems, and changes in process conditions.
• Take process samples, complete operating logs, and record instrument readings accurately so engineering and operations can assess circuit performance.
• Make approved flow and operating adjustments, verify the field response, and report deviations that require additional technical direction.
• Support safe startup and stable shift operations through equipment checks, clear shift handoffs, and consistent chemical-handling and work-control practices.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Process-technology coursework

Tools

Pumps

Tanks

Valves

Piping

Job description

About Phoenix Tailings

Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup focused on building a domestic supply of critical materials.

Our Freedom Facility in Rochester, New York will be a commercial-scale rare earth separation facility designed to expand U.S. capacity to process and separate rare earth materials.

Rare earths are essential inputs for many of the technologies that power modern life. They are used in high-performance permanent magnets found in electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, advanced electronics, aerospace systems, and defense applications.

Today, much of the world's rare earth processing and separation capacity is concentrated overseas. Building more of this capability in the United States is important for strengthening domestic supply chains, reducing reliance on foreign processing, and supporting the advanced manufacturing, energy, technology, and national-security industries that depend on these materials.

The Freedom Facility will be designed to produce thousands of tons of separated rare earth oxides annually, making Rochester an important part of Phoenix Tailings' expansion of domestic rare earth processing capacity.

Why Phoenix Tailings

At Phoenix, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.

Our Values

• You are only crazy if you are wrong, it's ok to be wrong - Say what you think even when it’s uncomfortable
• Lead with Compassion - Show up for your teammates, make the people around you better.
• Be Resourceful - Find a way with what you have, don't wait for more.
• Listen - Understand before you act, ask good questions before deciding.
• Hustle - Put your heart into every interaction, no matter how small.

Who We Are Looking For

As we build towards operations in 2027 and 2028, we are beginning to meet with individuals who may be interested in joining Phoenix Tailings.

Phoenix Tailings is looking for hands-on individuals interested in future Process Operator opportunities at our Rochester Freedom Facility.

Process Operators will operate an assigned section of the separations circuit and translate process direction into field action. The work includes walking the circuit, taking samples, recording data, adjusting flows, and checking sensors and abnormal conditions.

This is an opportunity to help operate a new facility, putting technical direction into practice and providing the field observations needed to understand how the process is running.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operate an assigned section of the separations circuit using approved procedures and operating direction from the control room and process engineers
• Walk the circuit to inspect pumps, tanks, piping, and sensors, identifying leaks, equipment problems, and changes in process conditions
• Take process samples, complete operating logs, and record instrument readings accurately so engineering and operations can assess circuit performance
• Make approved flow and operating adjustments, verify the field response, and report deviations that require additional technical direction
• Support safe startup and stable shift operations through equipment checks, clear shift handoffs, and consistent chemical-handling and work-control practices

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent; process-technology coursework, technical training, or experience in a continuous-process operating environment is highly valued
• Working knowledge of pumps, tanks, valves, piping, and basic process flow gained through chemical manufacturing, water treatment, refining, or related operations
• Ability to collect samples, interpret instrument readings, maintain accurate logs, and recognize conditions outside approved operating limits
• Ability to follow operating and safety procedures, make directed process adjustments, and communicate equipment conditions clearly during shift operations
• Able to life up to 50 lbs

What We Offer:

This pay range reflects best estimate for the total cash compensation which includes salary + discretionary bonus for this role. Total package may vary based on experience and qualifications.

• Pay Range: $27/hr - $42/hr
• Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee
• Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
• Time Off: Unlimited PTO.
• Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career.

At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining. Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).

Please note: This posting is intended to help Phoenix Tailings connect with people interested in future opportunities at our Rochester facility. Hiring timelines, responsibilities, qualifications, and organizational needs may continue to evolve as the Freedom Facility progresses toward startup and operations.