Position Title: Care and Maintenance Operator (Troy / Montanore — Dual-Site)
Reports To: Troy/Montanore Site Supervisor / Site Lead
Job Locations:
This position is shared across two remote Hecla mine sites in northwest Montana and is assigned to either location depending on daily and weekly operational needs, staffing coverage, and project priorities:
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Troy Mine Site — remote mine site near Troy, Montana.
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Montanore Project / Libby Adit Site — remote mine site located approximately 25 miles (about 45 minutes’ drive time) from Libby, Montana. Site access is over 10 miles of paved road and 15 miles of dirt road.
The Operator should expect to travel between sites as directed and be prepared to work at whichever site they are assigned on a given day.
Job Summary and Objectives:
Safely maintain the Troy Mine Site and the Montanore/Libby Adit Site, including surface facilities, underground drifts/workings, and associated water management infrastructure at each location. Complete required duties and tasks with minimal management oversight and limited assistance from other Operators, performing a wide variety of tasks unassisted and adapting to the specific needs of whichever site is assigned that day or week.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
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Equipment operation experience, with specific proficiency operating a road grader (used for grading and maintaining site access roads at both locations); experience with other heavy equipment (loaders, plows, etc.) also required.
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Basic welding skills, for general equipment and infrastructure repair and maintenance.
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Basic computer knowledge, sufficient to operate WTP PLC/control systems, complete daily run sheets and compliance reporting, and document inspections and equipment hours.
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Scaling experience, with working knowledge of how to assess underground ground conditions (loose rock, vent bag and utility integrity) and take appropriate action or escalate concerns to the site lead.
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MSHA training required must maintain current certification.
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Valid driver’s license required, with the ability to travel between sites and make fuel/supply runs to town as needed.
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Minimum of five (5) years of relevant mining, maintenance, or heavy equipment experience required.
General / Shared Responsibilities (Both Sites):
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Work with minimal supervision and make sound, independent decisions.
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Work well with others in a small team, as staff size is limited at both sites; communication with co-workers is key to this position.
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Participate in daily safety/prep meetings and weekly safety meetings.
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Maintain a high standard of housekeeping in the workplace; maintain a clean work area and remain accountable for company and personal tools used.
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Comply with applicable environmental, safety, and MSHA laws, rules, and regulations, as well as Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and work area instructions; participate in safety and environmental activities.
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Conduct all activities in an environmentally responsible manner and remain aware of procedures that minimize environmental impact.
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Lead by example, adhering to and ensuring compliance with rules and regulations established by the Hecla Montana projects team.
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Participate in Risk Assessment activities and in the development of SOPs as required.
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Perform basic maintenance and upkeep of underground workings, including: pump operation and troubleshooting, operating underground mining equipment, installing/maintaining/repairing utilities, scaling, and other underground maintenance tasks.
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Perform basic maintenance and upkeep of surface facilities, including: snow plowing/shoveling, operating diesel-fired generators, operating heavy equipment (including a road grader for site/access road maintenance), and environmental monitoring and general manual labor.
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May perform a variety of additional functions on or off the project site, including but not limited to: use of hand tools and power tools, basic welding for equipment/infrastructure repair, operating a chainsaw, general mine site labor, and providing overall project support as needed.
Site-Specific Focus: Montanore / Libby Adit:
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Water Treatment Plant (WTP) operations: PLC and full plant operation, daily compliance reporting, general maintenance/repair, and basic water quality lab testing.
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Startup and daily operation of the portal, underground ventilation fan, and underground pumps (bottom pump first, then upper pump once sump level allows).
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Generator operation and monitoring, including 24/7 monitoring and after-hours callout in cold weather.
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Coordination with the Sheriff's office (monthly radio checks) and completion of MSHA, SWPPP, and SPCC documentation and inspections on their required cadence.
Site-Specific Focus: Troy:
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Underground condition checks and scaling; monitoring of underground pumps, water levels (LE's and I-Bed decline), and the emergency pump in the decline.
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Inspection of tailings dike perimeter, decant and toe ponds, environmental pumps, weather station, and related water-management infrastructure.
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Piezometer well measurements (monthly) and inspection of tailings lines during high-flow periods (typically mid-April through July).
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Assisting and overseeing contractors during reclamation, geotechnical monitoring, and water quality sampling events.
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Winter road plowing to maintain access to the service adit, and weekend/on-call emergency response coverage.
Physical Requirements:
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Must be able to lift up to 70 lbs. regularly.
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Must be able to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time.
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Must be able to move safely over uneven terrain and in confined spaces.
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Must be able to safely climb and descend ladders.
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Must be able to recognize and deal with hazards safely and appropriately.
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Must be able to work in extreme weather conditions.
Standards and Regulations:
Must perform all duties in a safe, environmentally conscious, and productive manner. Must be able to recognize and deal with hazards safely and appropriately. Must comply with all company (Hecla) policies and procedures and all applicable regulatory requirements, especially those regarding Safety, Human Resources, and Environmental matters, and must follow and understand MSHA rules and regulations.
