Tailings Basin - Operator/Maintainer

Mesabi Metallics Company LLC • Nashwauk, MN

1d • $110,000 - $145,000

About The Position

The Tailings Basin Operator/Maintainer is responsible for the safe operation, inspection, troubleshooting, and minor maintenance of equipment throughout the Tailings Basin. This hybrid role combines Tailings Basin operating responsibilities with hands-on maintenance to support operational reliability. The employee operates and monitors tailings systems, identifies and corrects minor equipment issues, and works with Operations, Maintenance, and Reliability teams to maximize tailings pipeline availability and support safe, efficient production in a continuous 24/7 mining environment.

The role includes following safety and environmental procedures; operating and inspecting Tailings Basin equipment and systems; responding to alarms and abnormal conditions; supporting startups, shutdowns, process adjustments, and production objectives; documenting operating and inspection information; and maintaining communication with the control room, supervisors, and maintenance teams. Minor maintenance includes lubrication, replacing hoses and fittings, basic pump and valve maintenance, minor repairs and adjustments, and assisting with preventive and predictive maintenance and larger maintenance events. The position also monitors and inspects tailings pipelines and pumping operations and operates heavy equipment in support of Tailings Basin activities.

This position reports to the Tailings Basin Supervisor. The work involves frequent lifting, pushing, and pulling, work in confined spaces and at heights, extended periods of standing and other physical activity, and outdoor work in year-round temperature extremes. Base pay is $30.00 per hour, with overtime at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate for hours over 40 in a workweek. Incentives include a biweekly Winners Circle production incentive and a discretionary annual Triple Crown profit-sharing opportunity. The posting gives an annual compensation reference of $110,000–$145,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience using hand and power tools.
• Ability to read and understand equipment manuals, procedures, and work instructions.
• Ability to lift, push, and pull components up to 50 pounds independently; team lifts are required for components over 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in confined spaces, at heights, in pits, and under raised equipment while following blocking and safety protocols.
• Ability to stand, kneel, crouch, and work overhead for extended periods throughout the shift.
• Ability to work safely outdoors year-round, including in extreme cold (-30°F) and heat (100°F+).

Nice To Haves

• Previous experience in mining, mineral processing, manufacturing, or heavy industrial operations.
• Experience performing minor mechanical maintenance activities.

Responsibilities

• Follow company, MSHA, and environmental policies and procedures.
• Conduct workplace examinations, identify unsafe conditions, and exercise Stop Work Authority when necessary.
• Maintain housekeeping standards and support dust control, spill prevention, and environmental compliance.
• Participate in safety meetings, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Operate and monitor equipment and systems within the Tailings Basin.
• Conduct routine equipment inspections and document findings.
• Monitor systems and respond to alarms or abnormal operating conditions.
• Assist with plant startups, shutdowns, and process adjustments.
• Record production data, shift activities, and equipment observations.
• Communicate with control room personnel, supervisors, and maintenance teams.
• Support production objectives while ensuring quality specifications are achieved.
• Monitor tailings pipeline and pumping operations.
• Replace hoses, fittings, and gaskets; perform greasing and lubrication.
• Tighten or replace guards, handrails, and hardware.
• Perform basic pump and valve maintenance, basic carpentry, and minor repairs or adjustments.
• Assist with lockout/tagout activities.
• Clean and service equipment during scheduled downtime and use hand and power tools safely.
• Identify equipment deficiencies and generate maintenance notifications or work requests.
• Assist during outages, shutdowns, pipeline change-outs, and major repairs.
• Participate in preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Inspect for plugging, wear, leaks, and abnormal equipment conditions.
• Perform inspections and minor maintenance on the tailings pipeline.
• Operate heavy equipment, including pipe handlers, bulldozers, excavators, and graders, as needed to support Tailings Basin activities.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental coverage with an HSA option.
• 401(k) plan with a 4% company match.
• Lincoln short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage provided by Mesabi Metallics.
• Paid time off: 96 hours per year for employees with 0–3 years of service.
• Nine paid holidays and two floating holidays.
• Biweekly Winners Circle incentive tied to safe, quality production, with a guaranteed 70% target level through October 30, 2026, and later target arrangements described for the ramp-up and optimization phases.
• Discretionary annual Triple Crown profit-sharing opportunity of up to $22,750, with a portion tied to safety and ESG performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED