Shovel Operator II at Freeport-McMoRan Morenci, AZ

null; Morenci (AZ); On-site; USD 35,817 - 49,593; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Medical benefits

Life insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Employee assistance program

Discounted insurance

Internal progression

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan Morenci in Morenci, AZ is seeking an experienced shovel operator to support loading haulage equipment in a copper mining operation. The role focuses on safe, efficient loading and requires attention to grade, clear communication, and adherence to LOTOTO and safety protocols.

Candidates should have at least two years of mobile equipment operating experience, knowledge of shovel controls and GPS, and the ability to work a non‑standard schedule in a 24/7 operation; on‑site housing

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of mobile equipment operating experience.
• Knowledge of shovel control system/gauges and online GPS (CAES) system.
• Pass a medical and safety assessments as required.
• Must have completed Line of Progression requirements for internal employees.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge and safe performance of procedures: start‑up and shut‑down, LOTOTO, emergency protocols, and loading dispatch.
• Operate shovel and related equipment to load haulage equipment safely and efficiently.
• Maintain clean loading areas, manage grade, and assist with pre‑shift inspections.
• Train and mentor other equipment operators and participate in safety programs.

Skills

Mobile equipment operation

Shovel operation

Safety procedures

English communication

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

Requisition ID: 138203
Location: Morenci, AZ, US, 85540

Where You Will Work

Located approximately 50 miles northeast of Safford, Arizona on U.S. Highway 191, Morenci operations is an open‑pit copper mining complex that has been in continuous operation since 1939. The operation includes two concentrators, a crushed‑ore leach pad and stacking system, a low‑grade run‑of‑mine leaching system, four SX plants, and three EW tank houses that produce copper cathode. Morenci is a company town that offers amenities such as company housing or a $750 monthly housing allowance for on‑site employees who meet program guidelines, a newly constructed daycare and community center, library, healthcare 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.

Description

Safely performs duties related to the operation of hydraulic and/or electric shovels for the purpose of the correct, and timely loading of haulage equipment at a highly skilled level.

Responsibilities

• Knowledge and safe performance of procedures: start‑up and shut‑down, mounting and dismounting, Lock‑Out Tag‑Out Try‑Out (LOTOTO), emergency protocols, run‑away procedures, handling power cable, setting and releasing brakes, horn signals, high wall safety, moving and set‑up, loading dispatch, grade control, tooth metrics, dipper trips, and working with auxiliary equipment.
• Perform tasks such as maintaining a clean loading area, controlling tails, creating good set‑ups, digging sequence for loading on both sides and on the single side, moving when swing arc exceeds ninety degrees, managing dipper fill factor, deep bank penetration without stalling, establishing and maintaining grade, and moving cable towers.
• Create and maintain proper grade on benches and drop cuts and maintain proper slopes when digging finals.
• Perform safe operation and management of shovel loading area.
• Operate mobile equipment and communicate through the computer dispatching system or two‑way radio.
• Perform pre‑shift inspection of equipment and may perform minor maintenance and operations support activities.
• Train and mentor other equipment operators.
• Perform other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• Two (2) years of mobile equipment operating experience.
• Knowledge of equipment components such as bucket, hoist cables, boom suspension cables, hoist drum/gear case, swing motor/gear case, circle gear, power cable, dipper trip system, crowd belts, saddle blocks/sticks, and tracks.
• Knowledge of equipment maintenance practices that reduce component damage and wear.
• Knowledge of shovel control system/gauges and online GPS (CAES) system.
• Must have completed the required academic and practical competencies, including Line of Progression requirements for internal employees, and demonstrate the required aptitude.
• Passed a written assessment when required, covering skills, abilities, academic knowledge, and safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.
• Qualified Shovel Operator II with 2 years of experience.

Criteria and Conditions

• Understand and apply verbal and written work and safety‑related instructions in English.
• Communicate in English regarding job assignments, procedures, and safety standards.
• Work in potentially stressful environments.
• Self‑explain: This is a safety‑sensitive role performed in a mine or manufacturing plant setting, with exposure to temperature and humidity extremes, moving mechanical parts, risk of electrical shock, toxic chemicals, explosives, fumes, or airborne particles.
• Stand, sit, demonstrate manual dexterity, climb stairs and ladders, work on uneven surfaces and elevated platforms.
• Lift up to fifty (50) pounds during the work day.
• Work non‑standard schedules, including shift work other than day shift, in a 24/7/365 operation.
• Personal protective equipment required regularly: hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, safety footwear, and, as needed, respirator, rubber steel‑toed boots, gloves, fall protection, protective clothing, goggles, face shield and other equipment.

What We Offer You

The estimated pay range for this role is $26.00 - $35.50 per 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. The role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance.

• Employees required to work on‑site are eligible for a $750 monthly housing allowance, if 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 and parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle.
• Internal progression opportunities.

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 in 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, where allowed by law.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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].