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Job Details

Entry-Level Metallurgist

  2026-01-06     HECLA MINING     Juneau,AK  
Description:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Entry-Level Metallurgist will complete a comprehensive 12-month operational training program on a FIFO schedule, learning all aspects of mill operations, safety procedures, and metallurgical fundamentals. Following successful completion of the training program, the position transitions to a 4/3 schedule based in Juneau, where the metallurgist will assist in metallurgical testing, process optimization, and quality control to ensure efficient extraction and recovery of metals from ore while maintaining strict adherence to all safety, health, and environmental standards.

SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Include, but are not limited to:

All Hecla personnel shall strive to achieve best practice in safety and health, and assist in the control of incidents, injuries and loss. Duties include, but are not limited to:
• Complying with all necessary requirements put in place to prevent incidents, injuries or losses
• Ensuring the safety and health of themselves and others in the workplace by being responsible for their actions and taking due care while performing their work
• Identifying, eliminating, and reporting hazards as soon as practicable
• Reporting incidents and accidents as soon as practicable
• Disclosing all information regarding incidents and cooperating in incident investigations
• Assisting in the resolution of health and safety matters in a positive and timely manner
• Using and maintaining PPE
• Providing suggestions for improving work processes
• Assisting Management by supporting change to achieve desired targets
• Ensuring that plant and equipment operate within their safe working limits
• Ensuring that correct equipment is used for the job
• Participating in risk assessment methodology
• Participating in safety initiatives
• Receiving training and instruction as required
• Maintaining good housekeeping standards

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
• Complete a 1-year structured operational training program covering all mill circuits including multiple rotations in grinding and flotation operations, and single rotations in ore pad, concentrates, batch plant, and tails operations
• Provide technical support to plant operators and contribute to training initiatives for operational staff, emphasizing safe work practices
• Actively promote a safety-first culture by identifying hazards, reporting incidents, and participating in safety audits and toolbox talks
• Conduct routine metallurgical sampling, testing, and analysis of ores, concentrates, and tailings
• Assist in monitoring and optimizing plant performance, including grinding, flotation, leaching, and smelting processes
• Prepare and maintain accurate technical reports, data logs, and documentation
• Support metallurgical projects aimed at improving recovery rates, reducing costs, and enhancing sustainability
• Collaborate with operations, maintenance, and environmental teams to ensure compliance with all safety protocols and regulatory standards
• Participate in troubleshooting process issues and recommend corrective actions
• Maintain a clean, hazard-free work area
• Conforms with HSEQ standards and practices relating to job assignments; prepares appropriate paperwork and reports relating to production activity, machinery and work area inspections; other duties as assigned by management
• Employees must comply with attendance, safety, environmental and HR policies. Successful candidate must demonstrate the following behavioral skills: productive communication, cooperation, productivity, initiative, creativity, dependability

Qualifications

Education Requirements

Bachelor's degree in metallurgical engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, or related field

Experience
• Commitment to safety and environmental stewardship
• Strong understanding of mineral processing principles and metallurgical fundamentals
• Proficiency in data analysis and basic laboratory techniques
• Excellent problem-solving skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work in remote mining locations and adapt to challenging environments
• Strong communication and teamwork skills

Preferred Skills
• Internship or co-op experience in mining or mineral processing
• Knowledge of safety standards and environmental regulations in mining
• Familiarity with metallurgical software and process simulation tools

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, employees may be frequently required to stand, walk or sit for extended periods of time; use hand and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; regularly required to talk and hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds. Specific vision requirements for this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Abilities Tested

Lifting Abilities:

I can lift with 2 hands from floor to waist: 55 lbs x 2

I can lift with 2 hands from floor to shoulders: 45 lbs x 2

I can lift with 2 hands from floor to crown: 45 lbs x 2

Pushing and Pulling Abilities:

I can push horizontally with hands placed between waist and mid-chest level to generate a peak force of 90 lbs with two hands

I can pull horizontally with hands placed between waist and mid-chest level to generate a peak force of 90 lbs with two hands

Carrying Abilities:

I can carry with 2 hands at self-selected height: 55 lbs for a distance of 10 feet.

Stair / Ladder Climbing Abilities:

Stair Climb: I can climb up and down a total of 49 steps

Ladder climb Test: I can climb up and down 10 rungs

Agilities:

Stooping and Twisting: From standing, I can perform alternate toe touches x 3 to each side.

Kneeling: From standing, I can kneel on one knee, return to full standing and then kneel on opposite knee. I can repeat kneeling test x 3, each knee.

Sustained Squatting: From standing, I can lower body into a functional squat position and hold posture for 30 seconds.

Repetitive Squatting: I can repeat squats x 3 reps.

Other Physical Demands

Vision - Constant:
• Able to judge distances and spatial relationships to avoid accidents while working in the mill
• Have clarity of vision while operating machinery, reading gauges, and taking samples
• Have clarity of vision for distances while navigating stairs and access ramps efficiently and safely
• Able to adjust varying points of reference while operating tools and machinery safely
• Able to identify vehicles, machinery, and people in peripheral vision

Speaking - Occasional:
• Able to clearly communicate with co-workers and supervisors on the radio and in person

Hearing - Occasional:
• Must wear hearing protection while working in the mill

Work Environment & Job Schedule

During the 12-month training program, employees will work on a FIFO schedule. Following successful completion of training, the position transitions to a 4/3 schedule (4 days on/3 days off) based in Juneau, Alaska. Relocation to Juneau is required upon completion of the training program.

Employees may be frequently exposed to underground work environments; outside weather conditions, wet and/or humid conditions; extreme cold, extreme heat, potentially hazardous wildlife; moving mechanical parts; high precarious places; fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; explosives and vibration. The noise level in most work environments is usually very loud. This position may occasionally require work on nights or weekends.

About Us

Greens Creek

The Greens Creek Mine, located on Admiralty Island, 18 miles south of Juneau, is an underground polymetallic mine employing approximately 425 people. The mine is owned and operated by Hecla Mining Company, headquarters in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Established in 1891, Hecla has a rich history as a distinguished and respected precious metals producer. Winner of numerous safety and environmental awards, Greens Creek is seeking new team members committed to professional growth and success.

Community

Juneau, Alaska's capital, is the third largest city in the state. Like Alaska, Juneau is full of contrasts, a sophisticated cosmopolitan city in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Nestled at the base of mountains overlooking the Gastineau Channel, Juneau is surrounded by intercoastal waterways, lush rain forests, rugged mountainsides, and awe-inspiring glaciers. This small city has it all, the adventure of the "last frontier" as well as a good education system, year-round cultural and sports activities, a wide variety of entertainment, world class fishing and wildlife viewing, temperate weather, and a strong sense of community. Juneau is rich in mining history and Greens Creek is proud to contribute to that heritage by operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Compensation & Benefits
• Comprehensive training and mentorship from experienced metallurgists
• A 12-month FIFO operational training program focused on plant operations and safety
• A strong safety culture and resources to ensure your well-being on site
• Opportunities for growth within the mining industry
• Competitive compensation and benefits package

Hecla Greens Creek offers competitive pay based on experience and an excellent low-cost benefits package for medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as other coverage such as disability coverage and life insurance. Retirement benefits include a 401(k) with company match.

APPLICATIONS & RESUMES

Applicants must possess current authorization to work in the United States. Resumes are welcome but must be uploaded online and attached to your completed online employment application. You may apply at

Hecla Greens Creek is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please visit Hecla's website atwww.hecla.com

and our recruiting page at


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