Pilot Plant Technician

Lithium Americas

3d•Onsite

About The Position

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. 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 The Plant Technician will be tasked with supporting Lithium Nevada’s efforts at the Lithium Americas Technical Center in Reno, NV. You will act as an operator/technician to run and troubleshoot pilot scale equipment relevant to lithium mineral processing. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, crushers and pulverizers, classification equipment, heated and stirred reaction vessels, crystallizers, solid/liquid separators (filters, thickeners), and ion exchange columns. A major aspect of the role is the ability to operate and troubleshoot pieces of equipment in real time. The successful candidate will possess a strong desire to learn and be part of a flexible team, where priorities and procedures may change frequently. The position will be based in Reno, Nevada. Schedule will normally be typical M-F, though rotating schedule and night shifts may be required as necessary. Occasional travel to other LAC offices, project sites, or vendor locations may be required.

Requirements

Degree in science/engineering or relevant experience in a process plant or manufacturing environment preferred.
Effective and open communication.
Ability to multi-task and run several projects/tasks in parallel.
Be a self-starter: highly motivated, able to work independently, with high energy.
Maintains a positive, professional attitude and contributes to a respectful, supportive work environment.
Ability to lift/move objects of up to 50lbs.
Communication (verbal & written)
Interpersonal skills (internal & external)
Problem solving
Organizing & planning
Collaboration
Conceptual, innovative, & creative thinking skills
Willingness to travel up to 5% of time on the job (Key areas may include travel to: between LAC sites in Nevada (Reno, Winnemucca, etc.).
Personal commitment to Lithium Americas’ Purpose, Vision, and Values.

Responsibilities

Run and troubleshoot pilot plant equipment that includes key unit operations in a clay extraction process.
Perform regularly scheduled inspections.
Operate mobile equipment such as forklifts, scissor lifts, etc.
Act as a critical team member on an operations crew.
Work and collaborate with engineers and analytical chemists to execute specific research projects.
Take samples frequently and prepare them for handoff to the analytical laboratory.
Cross-train and provide analytical assistance to the laboratory if needed.
Take notes/record data throughout operations.
Be comfortable with general tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, etc.).
Solve problems and contribute ideas to improve equipment or processes.
Help ensure a safe working environment and provide a daily commitment to zero harm to employees, contractors, environment at the Technical Center.
Build and maintain trusted relationships across all teams while championing a culture that reflects and supports our Purpose, Vision, and Values.
Perform other duties as assigned.