Dredge Operator, TEMP

• Operate the SRS Crisafulli FLUMP dredge at Pond 7 to remove accumulated tailings sediment, following the established Dredge Standard Operating Procedure.
• Assemble, inspect, and help maintain all dredge components including discharge piping, fire hose sections, Victaulic manifold, sediment bags, and traverse cable system prior to and during operation.
• Prepare and manage polymer flocculant solutions.
• Continuously monitor sediment bag fill rates, float tube connections, sample tube connections, and flocculation quality during dredge operation.
• Perform regular dewatering of sediment bags to achieve target moisture content prior to sediment being returned to the Tailings Disposal Facility (TDF).
• Conduct pre-operation inspections of all electrical connections, piping, hoses, wire traverse assemblies, and fittings.
• Maintain awareness of environmental hazards including pond liner integrity, risk of tailings slurry release, and proper spill prevention and response procedures.
• Don and maintain all required PPE including life jacket, Tyvek sleeves, chemical rubber gloves, hearing protection, and rain gear as conditions require.
• Foster a strong safety culture, promoting and exemplifying safe work practices throughout daily operations.
• Be a part of a team you can rely on; a team that will have your back.

Applicants must possess current authorization to work in the United States. Hecla Greens Creek is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Temporary Dredge Operator will report to the Environmental Manager and work closely with Environmental and Surface Operations personnel. This seasonal, temporary role is responsible for the daily operation of the FLUMP dredge system at Pond 7 of the Greens Creek Mine. The operator ensures the safe, effective removal of tailings sediment from Pond 7 to maintain the capacity and function of the stormwater system and protect the environment. This position performs the following duties:

• Operate the FLUMP dredge system in accordance with the site Dredge SOP, including daily setup, operation, monitoring, and shutdown procedures.
• Prepare polymer flocculant solution for optimal sediment dewatering.
• Inspect all mechanical, electrical, and piping components of the dredge system prior to each use and document findings.
• Monitor sediment bags continuously during operation, address blockages or kinks in fire hose lines promptly, and conduct regular dewatering to achieve target moisture content.
• Comply with all lockout/tagout procedures and electrical safety standards during all phases of dredge operation.
• Use bear spray, air horn, and binoculars during sediment bag inspections and dewatering activities in accordance with site wildlife safety protocols.
• Coordinate with Surface Operations for excavator-assisted dredge placement and sediment return to the TDF.
• Complete all required documentation and communicate operational status, issues, and environmental concerns to the Environmental Manager in a timely manner.

SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Include, but are not limited to:

• Display due diligence in safety, health, and environmental matters and lead by example to ensure the successful implementation of the Safety & Health Management System and Environmental Management System.
• Promote open communication and cooperation with all site personnel.
• Undertake safety and health audits and inspections and interact with personnel concerning improving work practices and following up on action items.
• Support all personnel in achieving and maintaining desired safety, health, and environmental outcomes.
• Recognize superior safety, health, and environmental performance to help increase commitment and participation.
• Identify and immediately report environmental hazards including potential pond liner damage, tailings slurry release, or oil spill from dredge equipment.
• Maintain awareness of and respond appropriately to wildlife hazards; carry bear spray and air horn during sediment bag inspections and dewatering operations.
• Manage, notify, report, and investigate incidents and hazards in a timely manner as required.
• Manage compliance with safety and health and environmental requirements and ensure issues are being addressed prior to commencement of work (such as permits completed, isolations checked, and tagging completed).
• Monitor the safe use and control of all dredge tools and equipment.
• Assist in preparing and contributing to safety, health, and environmental reporting as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals.
• Willingness to work 12-hour shifts, up to 6 days per week, in an outdoor industrial environment in Southeast Alaska.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be frequently required to stand and walk on uneven terrain near water bodies; use hands and fingers to handle equipment, hoses, fittings, and tools; reach with hands and arms; climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The employee must be able to talk and hear. Regular lifting and carrying of hoses, fittings, and equipment is required.

Other Physical Demands

Vision:

• Able to judge distances and spatial relationships to avoid accidents while driving and walking underground and on the surface
• Have clarity of vision while operating machinery, reading gauges, and placing tools
• Have clarity of vision for distances while navigating within the mine and access roads efficiently and safely
• Able to adjust varying points of reference while safely navigating the terrain, maintaining awareness of traffic, and operating tools and machinery
• Able to identify vehicles, machinery, and people in peripheral vision

Speaking:

• Able to clearly communicate with co-workers and supervisors on the radio and in person.

Hearing:

• Must wear hearing protection while operating the dredge and associated pump equipment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT & JOB SCHEDULE

Employees will be exposed to outdoor work environments in Southeast Alaska, including wet and humid conditions, extreme rain, and cold temperatures. Work is performed near Pond 7, an active water body containing process water and tailings slurry. Hazards include moving mechanical parts, high-pressure hose connections, electrical equipment, chemical exposure (polymer flocculant), potential spill/release events, and wildlife. The noise level during dredge and pump operations can be very loud; hearing protection is required.

Work schedule is up to 12-hour shifts with the option of working up to 6 days per week. Workdays have the option of staying at company camp or a daily commute from Juneau by boat and bus to the Greens Creek Mine site on Admiralty Island. This is a temporary, seasonal position tied to the active dredging season, typically May 1^st to September 30^th.

ABOUT US

Greens Creek

The Greens Creek Mine, located on Admiralty Island, 18 miles south of Juneau, is an underground polymetallic mine employing approximately 500 people. The mine is owned and operated by Hecla Mining Company, headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Established in 1891, Hecla has a rich history as a distinguished and respected precious metals producer. Winner of numerous safety and environmental awards, Greens Creek is proud to seek new team members committed to professional growth and success.

Community

Juneau, Alaska's capital, is the third largest city in the state. Like Alaska, Juneau is full of contrasts, a sophisticated cosmopolitan city in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Nestled at the base of mountains overlooking the Gastineau Channel, Juneau is surrounded by intercoastal waterways, lush rain forests, rugged mountainsides, and awe-inspiring glaciers. This small city has it all, the adventure of the "last frontier" as well as a good education system, year-round cultural and sports activities, a wide variety of entertainment, world class fishing and wildlife viewing, temperate weather, and a keen sense of community. Juneau is rich in mining history and Greens Creek is proud to contribute to that heritage by operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Compensation & Benefits

Hecla Greens Creek offers competitive pay based on experience and an excellent low-cost benefits package for medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as other coverages such as disability coverage and life insurance. Retirement benefits include a pension plan and 401(k) with company match.

Applications & Resumes

Applicants must possess current authorization to work in the United States. Resumes are welcome but must be attached to an application form. Applications are available at the Juneau Job Center or http://www.hecla.com/careers/