Control Room Operator

Phoenix Tailings•Rochester, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Phoenix Tailings is seeking experienced operators interested in future Control Room Operator opportunities at its Rochester Freedom Facility, a commercial-scale rare earth separation facility being developed to expand U.S. processing capacity. As a senior operator with plant-level visibility through the human-machine interface (HMI), alarms, and process trends, the Control Room Operator will direct field operators by radio and coordinate with Controls and Automation support when operating issues arise. The role will help the operating team maintain a clear view of plant conditions and connect control room information with coordinated field action. This posting is intended to connect Phoenix Tailings with people interested in future opportunities. The company is building toward facility operations in 2027 and 2028; hiring timelines, responsibilities, qualifications, and organizational needs may evolve as the facility progresses toward startup and operations. The stated pay range is $36–$50 per hour. The range reflects estimated total cash compensation, including salary and a discretionary bonus, and may vary based on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience in chemical, refinery, water-treatment, or other continuous-process operations.
Experience serving as a senior operator or supporting control room operations.
Understanding of how changes in one area affect the wider process.
Ability to interpret HMI displays, alarms, and process trends, compare them with field observations, and recognize abnormal or unreliable readings.
Sound operating judgment, clear radio communication, and the ability to coordinate field actions and document decisions during changing plant conditions.

Nice To Haves

Process-technology training is highly valued.

Responsibilities

Monitor plant conditions through the HMI, alarms, and operating trends to maintain visibility across the separations circuit.
Evaluate alarms and changing trends, prioritize field checks, and coordinate operating responses within approved procedures and technical direction.
Direct field operators by radio to inspect equipment, verify instrument readings, and complete approved adjustments, and confirm the resulting plant response.
Coordinate with Controls and Automation when sensors, displays, communications, or control responses appear inconsistent with field conditions.
Maintain clear operating records and shift handoffs, and escalate unresolved process deviations and equipment concerns to engineering and shift leadership.