Mine Water Treatment Plant Operator

Skeena Gold + Silver Limited is a Canadian mining company with a portfolio of exploration and development projects located in northwest British Columbia, Canada. Our current focus is on the revitalization of the high-grade, past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine. Skeena is committed to leading the industry in reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion and we work in close collaboration with our Indigenous partners, leveraging their traditional knowledge and respect for the land.

As a Skeena employee, you will become part of a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven work environment. Together, alongside colleagues of diverse backgrounds and experience you will help us operate safely, protect the environment, positively contribute to our local communities and build a state of the art mine in Canada. Come join our team to be a part of this amazing opportunity!

Job Title: Mine Water Treatment Plant Operator

Reporting directly to Site Maintenance Manager, the Mine Water Treatment Plant (MWTP) Operator is responsible for the safe and reliable day-to-day operation and monitoring of Skeena Gold + Silver's Mine Water Treatment Plant at the Eskay Creek Mine. The Operator will work closely with the water treatment contractor, Site Maintenance, Operations, and Environment teams to ensure the plant operates safely, reliably, and in accordance with environmental and operational requirements. The role is responsible for routine plant inspections, equipment operation, process monitoring, chemical handling, reporting, housekeeping, and supporting maintenance activities.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

Plant Operations

• Perform daily inspections and monitoring of the MWTP, including pumps, tanks, piping, chemical systems, Geotubes, and associated equipment
• Safely start, stop, and operate treatment equipment in accordance with approved procedures
• Monitor plant operating conditions including flow, pH, turbidity, tank levels, chemical dosing, pump performance, and Geotube performance
• Identify abnormal operating conditions and escalate issues to supervision or the contractor
• Support approved process adjustments and corrective actions during process disturbances

Chemical and Geotube Operations

• Safely handle, prepare, transfer, and monitor treatment chemicals, including NaOH, sodium bicarbonate, Metalsorb, coagulant, and polymer
• Monitor chemical inventory and communicate replenishment requirements
• Assist with bulk chemical deliveries and transfers
• Monitor Geotube filling and dewatering performance
• Assist with Geotube installation, removal, sludge handling, and disposal as required
• Maintain safe and organized chemical and Geotube work areas

Equipment and Maintenance

• Complete routine operator inspections and basic troubleshooting
• Identify equipment deficiencies and initiate maintenance requests
• Support Site Maintenance and contractors during maintenance activities
• Participate in lockout/tagout activities as required
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and complete operator-level preventative maintenance

Monitoring and Reporting

• Accurately complete plant operating logs, inspections, and shift reports
• Record plant performance and operational data
• Report abnormal operating conditions, equipment failures, incidents, and environmental concerns
• Participate in daily operational meetings and provide effective shift handovers
• Support water sampling and testing activities as trained and authorized
• During the transition period, the contractor may retain responsibility for specialized process monitoring, water testing, and technical support, while Skeena personnel progressively develop competency to assume additional responsibilities

Safety and Environmental Compliance

• Follow all Skeena health, safety, environmental, and operational requirements
• Participate in toolbox meetings, JSEAs, inspections, and safety initiatives
• Safely handle chemicals and follow applicable SDS, WHMIS, and PPE requirements
• Identify and report spills, leaks, uncontrolled discharges, or environmental risks
• Maintain safe access and housekeeping around the treatment plant and Geotube areas
• Exercise Stop Work Authority when unsafe conditions are identified

Additional Responsibilities

• All other duties as reasonably assigned

The Ideal Candidate

Education / Qualifications:

• EOCP Water Treatment or Wastewater Treatment certification, or equivalent
• Must possess a valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence
• Ability to work a rotational schedule at a remote mine site

Experience / Skills

• Experience operating a water treatment, wastewater treatment, industrial process, or similar facility
• Strong mechanical aptitude with proven troubleshooting and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to follow operating procedures and understand process equipment
• Experience working safely with industrial chemicals
• Strong safety and environmental awareness
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining quality operating standards
• Effective team player with the ability to work collaboratively and support others as required
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities
• Previous mine water treatment experience is considered an asset
• Experience with chemical dosing, coagulation/flocculation, pumps, and solids dewatering is considered an asset
• Experience with Geotubes or similar dewatering systems is considered an asset

Work Location & Conditions

This is a site-based camp job at Eskay Creek Mine site. This position involves working at a remote mine site on a 15 days on/13 days off rotation.

The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is located within the Coast Mountains of Northwestern British Columbia and Tahltan Territory. Ground transportation will be provided from local communities to the Eskay Creek Site facilities. For those applicants located elsewhere in western Canada, flight transportation from major urban centers will be provided to the Terrace or Smithers airports, from which shuttles will provide transportation to the Eskay Creek Camp facilities. Travel time and expenses are subject to Skeena’s Travel Policy.

There will be exposure to extreme temperatures in all seasons including working outdoors in snow, mud, ice, and water conditions, walking to and from different locations on uneven ground, prolonged periods of standing and physically handling/lifting/moving heavy objects.

Compensation

The expected hourly rate for this position is CAD $45, in line with the competitive job market for such roles carried out in British Columbia. Salary ranges are guidelines and any job offer received by a candidate will be determined on a number of factors such as relevant education, training, and/or experience.

All Applicants MUST be legally entitled to work in Canada. Priority hiring consideration will be given to Indigenous Nations members who reside within the territories our projects are located.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.