Demo

Operator, Control Room

FQM Zambia
Colon, MI Full Time
POSTED ON 4/9/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/7/2026
At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job Description

General Role Purpose (brief description of this job)

Reporting to the Supervisor Cyclone House, the Operator Control Room is responsible for overseeing the process control of the area of operations utilizing a PCS7/Siemens plant management systems focusing on achieving consistent and maximized production.

Qualifications (required For Job) & Knowledge & Experience

High School Diploma

Completion of 1-year post-secondary education, preferably in the field of Business Management, Computer Sciences, or Engineering Technology. Trade certifications may be considered so long as the candidate meets other criteria in computer literacy and communication skills.

Minimum of 5 years of experience direct experience as an operator in a process plant(s).

3 years experience as a Control Room Operator.

Training and working knowledge of plant control software (SCADA), specifically PCS7 and/or Siemens WinCC control systems.

Database and computer competency in PI Process Book and MS Office highly regarded.

Strong drive and initiative with a personal sense of ownership and accountability.

Strong understanding of production strategies for large-scale, continuous operating mineral processing plants and knowledge of the operation and maintenance of cyclone equipment highly regarded.

Strong verbal and written communication skills, and able to assemble data and provide clear and accurate operational performance reports in both an upward and downward direction.

Skilled in the ability to strongly influence people, efficiently coordinate and assign work to a field operating team to deliver desired outcomes.

Good cognitive and analytical skills to identify and report process shortfalls, equipment bottlenecks.

Strength in multi-tasking to coordinate and monitor processes simultaneously without disrupting the normal flow of information.

Ability to maintain high standard of control operations with limited supervision

Ability to maintain self-discipline within a stressful environment.

Possess demonstrable aptitude for process control and computer systems.

Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.

Fluency in English is required and proficiency in Spanish highly regarded. A willingness to undertake language training desirable.

Core Specific Responsibilities & Expected Deliverables

Operate within and observe all relevant and applicable laws of Panama.

The role has process control accountability for the area assigned responsibility.

Strictly comply with HSE procedures and standards in particular a high standard of housekeeping.

Operate within and observe all relevant and applicable laws of Panama.

The role has process control accountability for the area assigned responsibility.

Strictly comply with HSE procedures and standards in particular a high standard of housekeeping.

Execute real time monitoring and control to deliver and exceed the KPI’s of area throughput, specific area equipment utilization and critical control loops in desired modes.

Perform regular loop through all pertinent and relevant graphics on PCS7/Siemens to assess compliance of available information to normal operating ranges and behaviour – troubleshoot, report, regulate and assist in resolution of any non-compliance.

Ensure that shutdown and start-up procedures in all areas of control are executed safely and promptly.

Operate the equipment according to the procedures given in the operating strategies and instructions.

Run the control system in the desired mode at all time, or report and escalate the specific reason for inability to do so.

Perform regular checks of all equipment operating trends to ensure optimal operating conditions.

Manage control panel by trends, warnings and alarms and be proactive in reducing alarms through collaboration with Process Plant Control Room Operators.

Diagnose plant defects with field operations and ensure they are immediately escalated to the Foreman.

Actively communicate with field operators on relevant information available on PCS7 and actions required to conduct or improve field operations.

Demonstrate intelligent understanding and management of plant constraints and ensure accurate plant loss reporting.

Execute the daily instructions of the Supervisor.

Report, in real time events, that may impact to production and work collaboratively with the Foreman Shift to deliver maximum safe production.

Liaise with Foreman Shift Operations to deliver optimized plant flow sheet.

Ensure all log- and check-sheets are competed in a timely and accurate manner.

Conduct timely, documented and accurate shift handovers reporting performance KPIs, tasks performed, equipment status and focus items.

Coordinate with plant maintenance personnel to conduct both ad-hoc corrective and planned maintenance.

Contribute to field operator development by training and coaching in the control aspects of operations and field equipment.

Propose and develop continuous improvement activities to deliver improved performance.

Be an active contributor to the ‘team’ environment of TMF personnel striving to consistently deliver and exceed expectations.

Undertake nominated training activities to maintain and up-skill required competencies.

Execute duties with the focus to reduce operational costs.

Assist and/or carry out logistical activities, such as transportation and/or driving of vehicles, personnel, materials, equipment and supplies to and from work areas, camps and other company facilities, as required by the supervisor.

Perform Other Related Duties As Required.

Behavioural Traits / Personal Characteristics

Bolder: Flexible, versatile, and prepared to take on challenges as needed.

Smarter: always looks for efficiencies and better ways of doing things

Driven: Sets high standards, is motivated and determined.

Together: communicates well with peers and understand others views.

Operational Requirements

Cobre Panama is a remote site. This exciting position is based on-site and will be focusing on driving and delivering operational accountability and ownership across various units at Cobre Panama site. Rosters and working hours may vary depending on business requirements.

Environmental Responsibilities

Comply with current environmental regulations in Panama

Comply with the commitments contained in the Environmental Impact Studies and other additional studies in this regard, which apply to your area and activities.

Comply with the provisions of the Minera Panama Environmental Management System.

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Salary.com Estimation for Operator, Control Room in Colon, MI
$43,196 to $53,850
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