JOB SUMMARY:
This position will conduct engineering duties necessary for the planning and construction of a developmental surface lithium mine. The engineer will plan and track short-range production during construction and into the mine production phase, working daily with operations personnel, corporate engineering staff, and on-site contractors. The engineer will produce progress reports and report variances to the plans.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Track production/construction activities and compare to plan
- Update short-range plans to maintain project schedules
- Prepare equipment scheduling to maximize efficiency
- Ore Grade Control planning and scheduling to optimize efficiency while meeting the quality requirements of our customer
- Plan and track waste streams from the plant as it transitions into production
- Assist in the preparation of long-term plans and annual work plans, including monthly updates
- Perform and prepare reports for end-of-period material reconciliation
- Provide support to the operations and maintenance departments as directed
- Design and oversee construction projects, including buildings, concrete, and water management facilities
- Assist in engineering studies such as operating budgets, optimization studies, and equipment evaluations
- Provide technical support for environmental engineering projects associated with mine permitting and regulatory compliance, including surface and groundwater management, soils handling, waste management, and blasting
- Perform job duties in accordance with MSHA law and regulations, established company safety procedures, and state and federal regulations
- Other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Advanced knowledge of computer applications is required
- Microsoft Office Applications
- AutoCAD
- Project Scheduling Software
- Geologic modeling and mine planning software (Vulcan a plus)
- Strong written and interpersonal communication skills are required
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Familiarity with the application of large earthmoving equipment in a surface mining environment
- Familiarity with budgeting and financial analysis is desirable
- Knowledge of civil/environmental engineering applications and environmental and safety regulations
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- A Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geological Engineering, Construction Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
- Experience with construction and/or project management is desirable
RELOCATION:
Assistance with relocation is available
ANALYSIS OF PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF POSITION:
This position requires a combination of onsite office-based work and fieldwork in a surface mining environment. The incumbent must be able to sit for extended periods and frequently stand and walk on uneven terrain. Duties include occasional climbing of ladders and access equipment, lifting 30-40 pounds, and working in outdoor conditions, including extreme heat, cold, dust, noise, and high-altitude environments typical of Nevada mining operations. Regular travel across the mine site and adherence to MSHA safety standards are required.
Physical Requirements/Frequency:
- Rarely (0 – 10%): Crawling (confined access situations)
- Occasionally (11- 33%): Kneeling/crouching (field inspections, troubleshooting); pushing/pulling (light equipment, sampling devices); reaching-above/below shoulder (equipment access, truck cabs); riding in heaving equipment (haul trucks, graders); entering/exiting equipment (3-point contact climbing required); working at elevations/heights (pit walls, elevated platforms); bending/stooping (inspecting ground, samples, equipment); lifting (up to 30-40 pounds: core boxes, tools, sampling gear); carrying (PPE kits, survey gear, laptops); climbing (accessing shovels, highwalls, stairs/ladders); standing (pre-shift meetings, pit observations, mine site walk-throughs)
- Frequently (34 – 66%): Navigation of active mining areas (around haul trucks); walking (pit floors, waste dumps, uneven and rocky terrain); walking on uneven ground (loose ore, benches, slopes); driving light vehicles (long distances across mine site (minimum of 10 miles/day); sitting (engineering design, scheduling, reporting, AutoCAD, Vulcan, Microsoft Office Applications)
- Constantly (67-100%): Fine motor skills-typing, instruments (engineering software, GPS/survey tools); vision (hazard recognition, surveying, reading plans/screens); hearing (radio communication, alarms, heavy equipment); communication (coordination with operators, supervisors, contractors); depth perception (working near edges, haul roads, highwalls); situational awareness (MSHA safety environment)
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Must be able to maintain constant awareness of mobile equipment traffic, safely navigate uneven ground, withstand temperature extremes and weather exposure, and wear and function in required PPE: hard hat, steel-toe boots, high-visibility clothing, long-sleeved shirts, and safety glasses.
Must be able to work rotating shifts, and be prepared to travel 60+ miles one way to the work location.
