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: Mill Grinding Operator
Reporting directly to Mill Operations Supervisor, the Mill Grinding Operator is responsible for the safe, efficient operation and monitoring of the comminution process at Eskay Creek.
During commissioning, this role will be working on various operational readiness activities. During wet commissioning, the incumbent will work directly with the EPCM and various trades to ready the equipment and processes under their care. Other duties assigned will support operational readiness.
During normal operations, the Grinding Operator will help maintain stable plant performance by monitoring process conditions, responding to operational changes, troubleshooting issues, and coordinating with operations, metallurgy, maintenance, instrumentation, and process control teams.
The successful candidate will use sound operating judgement, process data, and established procedures to optimize throughput, maintain circuit stability, and support safe production targets. The role requires strong communication, initiative, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently in a dynamic operating environment.
Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
Commissioning & Operations Readiness
- Participate in pre-operational inspections, system walkdowns, equipment checks, and punch-list verification for the grinding circuit and associated mills, lubrication systems, water, and slurry pumping systems.
- Work with EPCM representatives, vendors, trades, Process Control, and Instrumentation teams during loop checks, functional testing, equipment commissioning, and staged start-up activities.
- Identify, document, and communicate equipment defects, process risks, and improvement opportunities observed during commissioning.
- Support the development, review, and validation of operating procedures, Safe Work Instructions, inspection checklists, and operator training materials.
- Read and interpret P&IDs, process flow diagrams, equipment manuals, and operating procedures to develop a thorough understanding of the grinding circuit.
- Complete equipment familiarization and competency-based training required for safe handover into operations.
- Perform equipment and fluid conveyance labeling, and other duties as required.
Grinding Circuit Operation
- Conduct routine field inspections of grinding mills, lubrication systems, pumps, hydro cyclones, conveyors, air systems, piping, valves, samplers, associated equipment.
- Perform, or assist with mill grinding media charging by using overhead cranes, forklifts, or loaders.
- Make authorized field adjustments and complete operating rounds to maintain stable circuit performance within established operating limits.
- Collect representative process samples, complete required field tests, and communicate observations and results to the control room and Metallurgy.
- Recognize abnormal equipment or process conditions, initiate appropriate corrective action, and promptly escalate issues that may affect safety, recovery, concentrate quality, environmental compliance, or production.
- Swiftly and efficiently respond to operational upset conditions to minimize downtime and optimize return to service time.
- Coordinate circuit start-ups, shutdowns, equipment changeovers, isolations, and return-to-service activities with the Mill Supervisor, control room, and maintenance personnel.
- Maintain clean, orderly, and accessible operating areas through effective housekeeping, spill response, and winterization activities.
- Complete accurate shift logs, inspection records, and handover information, including equipment status, process concerns, outstanding work, and operational changes.
- Support troubleshooting and continuous improvement initiatives with Operations, Metallurgy, Maintenance, Reliability, Process Control, and Instrumentation teams.
- Follow site procedures, permits, lockout requirements, environmental controls, and emergency response protocols at all times.
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with planned shutdowns, inspections, maintenance preparation, equipment cleaning, and safe return-to-service activities.
- Perform energy isolation (lockout / tagout) activities as required to prepare machinery for maintenance.
- Participate in pre-shift meetings, field-level risk assessments, incident reporting, and workplace inspections.
- Provide operational support to adjacent process areas when trained and directed.
- All other duties as reasonably assigned
The Ideal Candidate
Education / Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent is required; post-secondary education in mineral processing, metallurgy, power engineering, or a related discipline is considered an asset.
- Preference will be given to candidates with certification in Edumine, Metso, or similar mineral processing comminution courses.
- Valid driver’s license is required.
Experience / Skills
- Previous mineral processing experience in a hard rock mining environment; direct operating experience with distributed control systems (such as Delta V), conventional grinding mills, lubrication systems, slurry & water pumps, hydro cyclones, sampling, overhead cranes, mobile equipment, and related process equipment is required.
- Experience with ISA mills or high intensity stirred media grinding mills is considered an asset.
- Experience supporting commissioning, start-up, or operational readiness activities is considered an asset.
- Ability to interpret operating procedures, P&IDs, process trends, equipment information, and safety documentation.
- Strong situational awareness and practical troubleshooting skills, with the ability to recognize process and equipment abnormalities and respond appropriately.
- Clear verbal and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with control room operators, supervision, technical services, and maintenance personnel.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple operating priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Demonstrated commitment to safe work, environmental stewardship, continuous improvement, and professional development.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a crew on a rotating day-and-night shift schedule.
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 range for this position is CA$39- CA$52. Individual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant education, training, experience, skills, qualifications, and job responsibilities. Skeena is committed to fair, equitable, and transparent compensation practices and to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate.
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 where our projects are located.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
