Tailings & Operations Manager

Asarco; Sahuarita (AZ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

ASARCO LLC is seeking a Manager – Tailings and Water Services to oversee operations, maintenance, and compliance of tailings pump stations and deposition systems at a large-scale copper concentrator.

The role leads operators and technicians, coordinating with environmental and engineering teams to ensure safe, reliable tailings transport and regulatory adherence, while supporting budgeting and long‑term capital planning.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in mining operations, including 3 years in tailings management or slurry transport systems.
• Experience leading teams in a high-reliability industrial environment.
• Engineering degree or equivalent; certifications such as MSHA Part 48/OSHA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of tailings pump stations and deposition systems.
• Monitor KPIs for pump utilization, availability, downtime, and water reclaim efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with tailings deposition plans, TSF lift schedules, and geotechnical recommendations.

Skills

Tailings management

Slurry transport

SCADA

Regulatory compliance

Leadership

Budgeting

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Engineering degree

MSHA Part 48

OSHA training

Tools

SCADA

CMMS

Radar monitoring systems

Job description

The Manager – Tailings and Water Services is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the daily operations, maintenance, and compliance oftailingspump stations and deposition systems at a large-scale copper concentrator. This role ensures safe and efficient transport of tailings in alignment with deposition plans, environmental and regulatory requirements, and engineering standards.

The Manager will lead a team of operators and technicians while collaborating cross-functionally with environmental, geotechnical, water management, and operations teams tomaintainsystem reliability, facility stability, and regulatory compliance. The role also supports tailings storage facility (TSF) lift construction, reporting, and continuous improvement initiatives.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead day-to-day operations of the tailings pump station, including high-pressure and low-pressure pump systems, pipelines, sumps, and distribution infrastructure.
• Monitorsystem performance through KPIs such as pumputilization, availability, downtime, and water reclaim efficiency to ensure uninterruptedtailingstransport.
• Ensure compliance with tailings deposition plans, TSF lift schedules, and geotechnical recommendations using monitoring systems such as radar and piezometers.
• Develop andmaintainpreventative and predictive maintenance programs for mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical systems.
• Enforce compliance with MSHA, OSHA, and site safety standards through active leadership, inspections, and corrective actions.
• Respond to operational issues including blockages, leaks, overflows, and equipment failures.
• Maintaincompliance with tailings management standards including GISTM, CDA, and environmental permit requirements.
• Supervise, train, and develop tailings personnel, including operators, shift leads, and maintenance staff.
• Collaborate with environmental, geotechnical, and water balance teams to ensure safe and sustainable deposition practices.
• Participatein budgeting, forecasting, and long-term planning fortailingsinfrastructure and capital projects.
• Interface with regulators, auditors, and external stakeholders during inspections and incidentresponse.
• Maintainaccurateoperational, safety, and compliance records.
• Coordinate access and readiness of containment systems, emergency infrastructure, and operational areas.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for cross-functional communication related totailingssystem performance and availability.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of tailings management systems, slurry transport, and deposition practices.
• Understandingof centrifugal pumps, pipeline hydraulics, instrumentation, and pump station operations.
• Knowledge of tailings storage facility design,monitoringsystems, and geotechnical considerations.
• Familiarity with MSHA regulations, OSHA standards, and environmental compliance requirements.
• Experience with monitoring and control systems such as SCADA, CMMS, and operational reporting tools.
• Knowledge of GISTM and industry best practices fortailingsmanagement.
• Strong leadership and team development skills with the ability to drive a safety-first culture.
• Ability to analyze performance data and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong communicationskills with the ability to collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders.
• Ability to manage budgets, resources,and competingoperational priorities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 7 years of experience in mining operations, including at least 3 yearsintailings management or slurry transport systems.
• Demonstratedleadership experience in a high-reliability industrial environment.
• High school diploma or GEDrequired;associate or bachelor’sdegree in engineering or related field preferred.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and tailings-related environmental requirements.
• Relevant certifications such as MSHA Part 48, OSHA training, First Aid/CPR, or incident investigation training preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND SCHEDULE

• Outdoor mine site environment with exposure to varying weather and operating conditions.
• Physical requirements include walking on uneven terrain, climbing, and working around heavy equipment.
• Fixed schedule with on-call responsibilities during critical operations or shutdowns.
• Travel across site infrastructure includingtailingsfacilities, pump stations, and construction zones.

Pay Type

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

ASARCO LLC provides equal opportunity for all individuals without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, military status, veteran status, familial status, or any other characteristic(s) protected by local, state, or federal law(s).

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