Position Title: Care and Maintenance Operator (Troy / Montanore — Dual-Site)
Reports To: Troy/Montanore Site Supervisor / Site Lead
Job Locations:
This position is shared across two remote Hecla mine sites in northwest Montana
and is assigned to either location depending on daily and weekly operational
needs, staffing coverage, and project priorities:
* Troy Mine Site — remote mine site near Troy, Montana.
* Montanore Project / Libby Adit Site — remote mine site located approximately
25 miles (about 45 minutes’ drive time) from Libby, Montana. Site access is
over 10 miles of paved road and 15 miles of dirt road.
The Operator should expect to travel between sites as directed and be prepared
to work at whichever site they are assigned on a given day.
Job Summary and Objectives:
Safely maintain the Troy Mine Site and the Montanore/Libby Adit Site, including
surface facilities, underground drifts/workings, and associated water management
infrastructure at each location. Complete required duties and tasks with minimal
management oversight and limited assistance from other Operators, performing a
wide variety of tasks unassisted and adapting to the specific needs of whichever
site is assigned that day or week.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
* Equipment operation experience, with specific proficiency operating a road
grader (used for grading and maintaining site access roads at both
locations); experience with other heavy equipment (loaders, plows, etc.) also
required.
* Basic welding skills, for general equipment and infrastructure repair and
maintenance.
* Basic computer knowledge, sufficient to operate WTP PLC/control systems,
complete daily run sheets and compliance reporting, and document inspections
and equipment hours.
* Scaling experience, with working knowledge of how to assess underground
ground conditions (loose rock, vent bag and utility integrity) and take
appropriate action or escalate concerns to the site lead.
* MSHA training required must maintain current certification.
* Valid driver’s license required, with the ability to travel between sites and
make fuel/supply runs to town as needed.
* Minimum of five (5) years of relevant mining, maintenance, or heavy equipment
experience required.
General / Shared Responsibilities (Both Sites):
* Work with minimal supervision and make sound, independent decisions.
* Work well with others in a small team, as staff size is limited at both
sites; communication with co-workers is key to this position.
* Participate in daily safety/prep meetings and weekly safety meetings.
* Maintain a high standard of housekeeping in the workplace; maintain a clean
work area and remain accountable for company and personal tools used.
* Comply with applicable environmental, safety, and MSHA laws, rules, and
regulations, as well as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work area
instructions; participate in safety and environmental activities.
* Conduct all activities in an environmentally responsible manner and remain
aware of procedures that minimize environmental impact.
* Lead by example, adhering to and ensuring compliance with rules and
regulations established by the Hecla Montana projects team.
* Participate in Risk Assessment activities and in the development of SOPs as
required.
* Perform basic maintenance and upkeep of underground workings, including: pump
operation and troubleshooting, operating underground mining equipment,
installing/maintaining/repairing utilities, scaling, and other underground
maintenance tasks.
* Perform basic maintenance and upkeep of surface facilities, including: snow
plowing/shoveling, operating diesel-fired generators, operating heavy
equipment (including a road grader for site/access road maintenance), and
environmental monitoring and general manual labor.
* May perform a variety of additional functions on or off the project site,
including but not limited to: use of hand tools and power tools, basic
welding for equipment/infrastructure repair, operating a chainsaw, general
mine site labor, and providing overall project support as needed.
Site-Specific Focus: Montanore / Libby Adit:
* Water Treatment Plant (WTP) operations: PLC and full plant operation, daily
compliance reporting, general maintenance/repair, and basic water quality lab
testing.
* Startup and daily operation of the portal, underground ventilation fan, and
underground pumps (bottom pump first, then upper pump once sump level
allows).
* Generator operation and monitoring, including 24/7 monitoring and after-hours
callout in cold weather.
* Coordination with the Sheriff's office (monthly radio checks) and completion
of MSHA, SWPPP, and SPCC documentation and inspections on their required
cadence.
Site-Specific Focus: Troy:
* Underground condition checks and scaling; monitoring of underground pumps,
water levels (LE's and I-Bed decline), and the emergency pump in the decline.
* Inspection of tailings dike perimeter, decant and toe ponds, environmental
pumps, weather station, and related water-management infrastructure.
* Piezometer well measurements (monthly) and inspection of tailings lines
during high-flow periods (typically mid-April through July).
* Assisting and overseeing contractors during reclamation, geotechnical
monitoring, and water quality sampling events.
* Winter road plowing to maintain access to the service adit, and
weekend/on-call emergency response coverage.
Physical Requirements:
* Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs. regularly.
* Must be able to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time.
* Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain and in confined spaces.
* Must be able to safely climb and descend ladders.
* Must be able to recognize and deal with hazards safely and appropriately.
* Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions.
Standards and Regulations:
Must perform all duties in a safe, environmentally conscious, and productive
manner. Must be able to recognize and deal with hazards safely and
appropriately. Must comply with all company (Hecla) policies and procedures and
all applicable regulatory requirements, especially those regarding Safety, Human
Resources, and Environmental matters, and must follow and understand MSHA rules
and regulations.