What are the responsibilities and job description for the Utility Technician position at Phoenix Tailings?
About Phoenix Tailings
Phoenix Tailings is a rapidly growing clean mining and metals production startup focused on building a domestic supply of critical materials.
Our Freedom Facility in Rochester, New York will be a commercial-scale rare earth separation facility designed to expand U.S. capacity to process and separate rare earth materials.
Rare earths are essential inputs for many of the technologies that power modern life. They are used in high-performance permanent magnets found in electric vehicles, wind turbines, robotics, advanced electronics, aerospace systems, and defense applications.
Today, much of the world's rare earth processing and separation capacity is concentrated overseas. Building more of this capability in the United States is important for strengthening domestic supply chains, reducing reliance on foreign processing, and supporting the advanced manufacturing, energy, technology, and national-security industries that depend on these materials.
The Freedom Facility will be designed to produce thousands of tons of separated rare earth oxides annually, making Rochester an important part of Phoenix Tailings' expansion of domestic rare earth processing capacity.
Why Phoenix Tailings
At Phoenix, we believe that nothing great is ever accomplished alone or without the passion of people who push and motivate one another. If you are someone who shares our relentless pursuit of a better future, passion for innovation, and are excited about working with some of the top innovators in the world, then this is the place for you.
Our Values
- You are only crazy if you are wrong, it's ok to be wrong - Say what you think even when it’s uncomfortable
- Lead with Compassion - Show up for your teammates, make the people around you better.
- Be Resourceful - Find a way with what you have, don't wait for more.
- Listen - Understand before you act, ask good questions before deciding.
- Hustle - Put your heart into every interaction, no matter how small.
Who We Are Looking For
As we build toward operations in 2027 and 2028, we are beginning to meet with individuals who may be interested in joining Phoenix Tailings. We encourage interested candidates to apply, learn more about what we are building, and stay connected as we develop our facility.
Phoenix Tailings is looking for hands-on individuals interested in future Utility Technician opportunities at our Rochester Freedom Facility.
Utility Technicians will provide flexible support across the plant, preparing reagents, filling tanks, cleaning residue, moving materials, and completing basic field troubleshooting so operators can remain focused on the process.
This is an opportunity to contribute to a new facility through practical work that keeps plant activities moving and supports the operating team.
\n- Prepare reagents and fill process tanks according to written instructions, verifying materials and quantities before transferring them into the process
- Move materials by forklift and assist with receiving and plant logistics, following training and authorization requirements for material-handling equipment
- Clean equipment, remove residue, and maintain organized work areas using the handling and disposal procedures established for the materials involved
- Inspect routine field conditions and complete basic troubleshooting, reporting leaks, equipment problems, or unfamiliar conditions to the operating team
- Support operators with routine process tasks, record completed work, and follow chemical-handling, protective-equipment, and site safety procedures
- High school diploma or equivalent; experience in manufacturing, warehousing, construction, military service, utilities, or other hands-on work is helpful
- Ability to follow written procedures, measure materials accurately, and learn safe reagent preparation and chemical-handling practices; chemistry experience is helpful but not required
- Practical mechanical aptitude and the ability to use basic tools, recognize abnormal equipment conditions, and seek assistance when needed
- Dependable work habits, accurate recordkeeping, and readiness to complete required training before operating forklifts or other material-handling equipment
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
discretionary bonus for this role. Total package may vary based on experience and qualifications.
Pay Range: $25/hr -$38/hr
• Healthcare: 100% Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employee
• Stock Options: Ownership in a fast-growing venture-backed company.
• Time Off: Unlimited PTO.
• Learning: Learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and career.
At Phoenix Tailings, we have an open culture that values learning, and we are looking to grow
the team with enthusiastic individuals who share our vision of sustainable mining.
Phoenix Tailings, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at all levels. All
qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age,
disability or genetic information, or any other applicable protected characteristics, and these
characteristics will not be a factor for consideration of any work-related decisions (including but
not limited to hiring, firing, compensation, and discipline).
Please note: This posting is intended to help Phoenix Tailings connect with people interested in future opportunities at our Rochester facility. Hiring timelines, responsibilities, qualifications, and organizational needs may continue to evolve as the Freedom Facility progresses toward startup and operations.