What are the responsibilities and job description for the Upstream Specialist position at Lithium Americas?
Company Overview
Lithium Americas is a North American resource and materials company focused on developing, building and operating lithium deposits and chemical processing facilities. The company’s flagship asset, Thacker Pass, is located in Humboldt County in northern Nevada and is the world’s largest known measured lithium source and reserve. We are focused on safely and responsibly developing Thacker Pass to production to help strengthen national security and enable cleaner energy sources. We are committed to minimizing environmental impact, creating family-supporting jobs and maximizing sustainable value for our stakeholders.
Lithium Americas is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia and operates in the U.S., with offices in Reno, NV and Winnemucca, NV. The Company’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol LAC.
Our Purpose, Vision and Values
Our purpose, vision and values are the guiding principles that will serve as the cornerstone of our company’s future direction and operations, aligning our team and organization towards our common goals.
Our Purpose is to safely and sustainably produce lithium from Thacker Pass to enable North America to reduce dependence on foreign critical minerals and drive value for our stakeholders.
Our Vision is to be North America’s leading lithium producer to enable cleaner energy sources.
Our Values include Act with Integrity, Be Responsible and Act with Care, Commit to Excellence and Drive Innovation, and Be a Collaborative Partner.
Role
We are seeking an Upstream Specialist/Relief Supervisor to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for supporting Lithium Americas’ efforts in safely and effectively operating the Upstream areas of the Lithium Carbonate Process Plant at Thacker Pass. This position plays a key part in ensuring consistent, compliant, and reliable performance across Upstream unit operations, including Beneficiation, Classification, Leach and Neutralization, CTFS Filtration, Limestone, Storage Facilities and Ponds, Quinn Water System, Quicklime, and Magnesium Precipitation. The Upstream Specialist/Relief Supervisor will directly support the four Process Plant production crews and will serve as a Relief Supervisor when assigned in the absence of a Lithium Carbonate Process Plant Supervisor. This role will help maintain and continuously improve operating practices that support stewardship, safety, quality, and overall plant performance.
The role is based at our Winnemucca, NV office and reports to the Lithium Carbonate Plant Manager. Occasional travel to other LAC offices, project sites, or vendor locations may be required.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the operations team in commissioning and starting up the Lithium Carbonate Plant at Thacker Pass, bringing all Upstream areas to design capacity.
- Ensure consistent production output, product quality, and on-time availability across all Upstream unit operations.
- Review, improve, develop, implement, and train teams on processes and procedures that maximize stewardship, safety, quality, compliance, and productivity within Upstream operations.
- Develop and maintain Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA) testing programs for the Lithium Carbonate Process Department.
- Update and ensure adherence to training procedures, training programs, and progression pathways throughout the Upstream areas, providing timely feedback to participants and trainers.
- Conduct periodic audits and reviews of training records, trainers, and trainees to ensure program effectiveness and compliance.
- Implement strategies that support departmental initiatives and provide clear direction and focus for the Upstream operations crews.
- Maintain all Upstream areas in compliance with MSHA, OSHA, NDEP, EPA, DOT, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
- Develop systems and processes to track and optimize productivity, operational standards, key metrics, and performance targets to ensure effective utilization of assets.
- Allocate and utilize resources efficiently to achieve optimal operational performance.
- Builds and maintains trusted relationships across all teams while championing a culture that reflects and supports our Purpose, Vision, and Values.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in chemical, Mechanical, Metallurgical Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
- Two or more years of supervisory-level experience in the mining or chemical processing industries.
- Strong team building, decision-making, and people-management capabilities.
- Solid understanding of business and management principles, including budgeting, strategic planning, resource allocation, and human resources.
- Strong knowledge of chemical and metallurgical processing engineering principles.
- Experience with large-scale chemical, acid, mineral, or hydrometallurgical/fertilizer processing facilities is preferred.
- Demonstrated commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and production performance.
- Personal alignment with Lithium Americas’ Purpose, Vision, and Values.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to motivate teams toward shared goals.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while prioritizing and advancing critical-path activities in a fast-paced environment.
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to challenge assumptions, think creatively, and develop innovative solutions.
- Self-starter with high motivation, strong initiative, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment.
- Personal commitment to Lithium Americas’ Purpose, Vision, and Values.
Working at Lithium Americas
At Lithium Americas, we believe our people are our most valuable asset. We offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment, with opportunities for long-term growth and skills development.
We are committed to building a diverse and respectful workplace and strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Lithium Americas is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, age, veteran status, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.