Recycling Operator

Mariana Minerals; Moab (UT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Mariana Minerals, a software-first minerals company, seeks a Recycling Plant Operator to safely and efficiently process copper. You will operate heavy equipment, ensure scrap quality, and bridge raw material intake to hydrometallurgical processing.

This hands-on role requires following SOPs, maintaining equipment, recording data, and collaborating with engineers to improve throughput, yield, and safety across our Moab, Utah recycling operations.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s in manufacturing or mechanical fields is a plus.
• Hands-on experience in industrial, manufacturing, or heavy assembly environments.
• Ability to read and follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify machine faults by sight and sound.

Responsibilities

• Safety & Compliance: Strictly adhere to all environmental, health, and safety protocols (PPE, Lockout/Tagout, Job Safety Analysis).
• Data & Reporting: Accurately record production data, material metrics, and tool health using digital dashboards and software tools.
• Equipment Operation: Safely operate copper shredding, sorting, baling, and hydrometallurgical processing equipment (including conveyors, pumps, and filters).
• Material Processing: Inspect, sort, and grade incoming copper scrap according to established chemical and physical specifications; remove contaminants.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, replacement of wear parts, and basic mechanical troubleshooting on plant machinery to resolve downtime.
• Process Improvement: Collaborate with the engineering team to identify continuous improvement opportunities related to throughput, yield, and safety.
• Numerical Control (NC): Operate and program numerical control (CNC) equipment to support localized machining, tooling adjustments, and part fabrication for the recycling process.

Skills

Hands-on experience

Mechanical aptitude

Education

High School Diploma

Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or mechanical fields

Tools

CNC equipment

Job description

About Mariana Minerals

Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data‑driven decision‑making.

Role Summary

The Recycling Plant Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient, and high‑quality processing of copper. This plant serves as the seed for all future recycling technology and operations globally. In this hands‑on role, you will operate heavy material‑processing equipment, ensure strict quality standards for incoming scrap, and execute production workflows. You will serve as the frontline operator bridging the gap between raw material intake and advanced hydrometallurgical processing.

Key Responsibilities

• Safety & Compliance: Strictly adhere to all environmental, health, and safety protocols (PPE, Lockout/Tagout, Job Safety Analysis). Immediately report hazards or near‑misses.

• Data & Reporting: Accurately record production data, material metrics, and tool health using digital dashboards and software tools.

• Equipment Operation: Safely operate copper shredding, sorting, baling, and hydrometallurgical processing equipment (including conveyors, pumps, and filters).

• Material Processing: Inspect, sort, and grade incoming copper scrap according to established chemical and physical specifications; remove contaminants.

• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Perform routine preventative maintenance, cleaning, replacement of wear parts, and basic mechanical troubleshooting on plant machinery to resolve downtime.

• Process Improvement: Collaborate with the engineering team to identify continuous improvement opportunities related to throughput, yield, and safety.

• Numerical Control (NC): Operate and program numerical control (CNC) equipment to support localized machining, tooling adjustments, and part fabrication for the recycling process.

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent (bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or mechanical fields is a plus).

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience in industrial, manufacturing, or heavy assembly environments.

• Ability to read, understand, and strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and safety guidelines.

• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify machine faults using sight and sound.

Physical Demands

• Ability to perform physically demanding work, including routinely and safely lifting up to 50 lbs.

• Ability to stand, walk, and navigate uneven terrain for up to 12‑hour shifts.

• Ability to frequently bend, stoop, crouch, and reach.

• Must wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including hard hats, safety glasses, steel‑toed boots, and respirators (PAPR) as required by the area.