Smelter Operator 3 Trainee

Sibanye Stillwater; Columbus (MT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Sibanye-Stillwater seeks a Smelter Operator 3 Trainee for our Metallurgical Complex in Columbus, MT. The role involves 12-hour rotating shifts, operator control of pumps, filtration and process equipment, and data analysis of process control parameters.

The trainee will learn to read P&IDs and PFDs, handle heavy equipment like forklifts and backhoes, and perform routine maintenance and safety tasks in a high‑volume metallurgical environment.

Qualifications

• Basic math skills (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages).
• Understand pumps, flow processes, valves, and measurement units (psi, gpm, amps).
• Able to operate equipment such as forklift and man lift.
• Follow verbal and visual safety instructions and comply with OSHA standards.

Responsibilities

• Read Process Flow Diagrams and Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams.
• Operate pumping, agitation, filtering equipment; perform circuit monitoring tests.
• Record and analyze process control data and parameters.
• Operate valves and instrumentation; understand operation theory.
• Handle heavy equipment like backhoe, man lift, forklift; perform painting and cleanup.

Skills

Math skills

Pumps/valves

Forklift/mana lift

Safety procedures

Reading diagrams

Tools

Pumping equipment

Job description

Smelter Operator 3 Trainee

Location:

Metallurgical Complex - Columbus, MT

Schedule:

Rotating - Super 7 (12-hour shifts)

Job Responsibilities and Duties:

• Read and understand Process Flow Diagrams and Piping and Instrument Diagrams.
• Operate various types of pumping and agitation equipment.
• Operate filtering equipment.
• Perform circuit monitoring tests and control analyses.
• Record, calculate and analyze process control parameters and other data.
• Operate valves and instrumentation.
• Understand the theory of operations.
• Operate some heavy equipment such as a backhoe, man lift, and forklift.
• Any other miscellaneous duties which will include painting, clean up, etc.
• Crushing and sizing.

Qualifications and Skills:

Required:

• Qualification guidelines pursuant to Article 10, Job Postings, of the current CBA.
• Comprehend and apply basic math skills (e.g. addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, percentages, fractions, etc.).
• Working knowledge of pumps, flow processes, (e.g. through- put), valves, and electrical and understanding units of measurement (e.g. psi, flow rate, gpm, amps, etc.).
• Operate equipment (forklift, man lift), and basic power and hand tools.
• Able to understand and follow both verbal and visual instructions regarding plant safety and operations.
• Able to satisfy a Pulmonary Function Test within OSHA standards.

Preferred:

• Metallurgical processing plant experience, or;
• Other relevant industrial experience.

Sibanye-Stillwater is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All employment decisions at Sibanye-Stillwater are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation or preference, marital or family status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.