Underground (UG) Operator I

Freeport-McMoRan; Empire (CO); On-site; USD 35,817 - 45,460; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing allowance

Health benefits package

401(k) plan with match

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Freeport-McMoRan is hiring a heavy equipment operator for on‑site work at our Henderson mine and mill complex, west of Denver. The role focuses on safe, efficient operation of dozers, haul trucks, loaders and support equipment in a 32,000 metric ton per day operation.

Candidates bring at least six months of mobile equipment experience, pass required assessments, and comply with company safety standards, with housing accommodations available for on‑site staff.

Qualifications

• Six (6) months of mobile equipment operating experience.
• Candidates must demonstrate required aptitude and pass a written assessment when required.
• Line of progression for internal employees may apply and safety is emphasized.

Responsibilities

• Operate heavy equipment in support of production, including dewatering, material delivery, berm maintenance, and surface work.
• Operate equipment such as haul trucks, water trucks, dozers, excavators, graders, and loaders at a skilled level.
• May assist with training and mentoring other operators and perform pre‑shift inspections.

Skills

Mobile equipment experience

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

At Climax Molybdenum, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career.

We accept applications on an ongoing basis.

Where You Will Work

Our Henderson mine and mill are an hour drive apart – separated by the Continental Divide and a 15-mile conveyor system (10 miles underground). The Henderson mine is an underground molybdenum mining operation located approximately 42 miles west of Denver and 10 miles west of Empire. It has been in operation since 1976 and today consists of a large block‑cave, underground mining complex feeding a concentrator with a current capacity of approximately 32,000 metric tons per day. It can produce approximately 15 million pounds of molybdenum per year. The Henderson mill is located 15 miles west of the mine, between Dillon and Kremmling.

Both sites are surrounded by US Forest Service land of the Arapaho National Forest, making it easy for our employees and their families to enjoy year‑round hiking, cross‑country skiing, and snowshoeing in the area. Explore the opportunity to advance your career at one of our sites – the Henderson mine or mill and live life at the top!

Employees who are required to work on‑site are eligible for a $1,450 monthly housing allowance, provided they meet program guidelines.

What You Will Do

• Operate heavy equipment in support of production including de‑watering, materials delivery, maintaining berms, and surface maintenance at a skilled level.
• Operate heavy equipment which may include but is not limited to: haul trucks, water trucks, rubber tire dozers, track dozers, excavators, motor graders and front‑end loaders.
• May assist with training and mentoring of other equipment operators.
• Responsible for understanding changes to assigned work areas and any potential hazards.
• Responsible for knowing the following procedures: start‑up and shut‑down, parking, mounting and dismounting, Lock‑Out Tag‑Out Try‑Out (LOTOTO), emergency, fire, working with ground personnel, and Blue Stake.
• May perform the following duties: road building, managing stockpiles, road surface maintenance, building and maintaining road berms, loading trucks, and trenching.
• Responsible for understanding equipment components and practices that reduce component damage and wear.
• May perform operations support activities such as barricading shovels and assisting with power cable moves.
• Performs pre‑shift inspection of equipment.
• Communicates through computer dispatching system or two‑way radio.
• May perform minor maintenance activities.
• Performs other duties as required.

What You Bring To Freeport

• Six (6) months of mobile equipment operating experience.
• Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (this includes Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP Exists) and have experience demonstrating the required aptitude. The selected candidate shall demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge and skills while also passing a written assessment where required. This exam is based on skills/abilities and/or academic knowledge; as well as safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED.

What We Offer You

The estimated pay range for this role is currently $26.00 - $33.00/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. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.

• Employees who are required to work on‑site are eligible for a $1,450 monthly housing allowance, provided 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, parental leave.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle.
• Internal progression opportunities.
• Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!

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, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365‑day operation.
• Freeport‑McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol‑free work environment using mandatory pre‑employment drug testing and on‑going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please be advised that 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].