Position Overview:The Solvent Extraction (SX) Operations Trainer is responsible for developing and delivering comprehensive, process-driven training programs for SX operations personnel. This includes establishing standardized training curricula, validating operator competency, and supporting commissioning and optimization of SX circuits.
This role serves as a subject matter expert (SME) in solvent extraction processes, ensuring that operators demonstrate proficiency in process fundamentals, control strategies, troubleshooting, and safe operating practices. The trainer works cross-functionally with operations, maintenance, engineering, and metallurgical teams to align training with plant performance objectives and continuous improvement initiatives.
Position Responsibilities:- Develop, implement, and maintain standardized training programs specific to solvent extraction unit operations, including extraction, scrubbing, stripping, and organic handling systems.
- Create and manage detailed operator Line of Progression (LOP) frameworks, including competency assessments, qualification standards, and progression criteria within the Learning Management System (LMS).
- Review, and audit Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring technical accuracy, consistency, and alignment with current plant conditions and best practices.
- Deliver both classroom and field-based training covering SX chemistry, phase separation dynamics, reagent management, and process control philosophies.
- Interpret and train personnel on Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs) and Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams (P&IDs) specific to SX circuits.
- Support commissioning activities, including operator readiness, procedure validation, and training for new or modified systems.
- Conduct internal process audits and training effectiveness evaluations; provide data-driven recommendations for improvement.
- Lead or support root cause analysis and troubleshooting efforts related to SX performance issues, including phase disengagement, crud formation, and organic losses.
- Develop and maintain training matrices to ensure workforce competency across all SX process areas.
- Collaborate with site leadership, superintendents, and technical teams to ensure training aligns with production targets, safety standards, and operational priorities.
- Ensure compliance with MSHA, Cal-OSHA, and internal safety standards through structured training and verification.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives, including 5S, process optimization, and operational excellence programs.
- Participate in document control, policy deployment, and digital training platform management (e.g., LMS, Convergence Training).
- Promote a strong safety culture, including participation in Process Hazard Analyses (PHA), Pre-Startup Safety Reviews (PSSR), and near-miss reporting.
Basic Qualifications:- Minimum of 4+ years of experience in solvent extraction operations, hydrometallurgical processing, or a related technical field.
- Demonstrated experience in training, mentoring, or technical leadership within a processing or chemical plant environment.
- Strong working knowledge of solvent extraction principles, including mass transfer, phase equilibrium, and reagent chemistry.
- Proficiency in interpreting and utilizing PFDs and P&IDs.
- Working knowledge of regulatory requirements, including MSHA and Cal OSHA standards.
- Experience with Learning Management Systems (LMS) and digital training platforms.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint).
Desired Qualities:- Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Metallurgical Engineering, Chemistry, or related discipline.
- Experience in rare earth processing or similar hydrometallurgical operations.
- Prior involvement in plant commissioning or major process start-ups.
Working Conditions - Our facility sits at an elevation of 4,700 feet. Employees may be subject to extreme weather conditions when working in an outdoor setting (heat and cold, wind). Work is at an open pit mine or manufacturing/chemical plant setting, which may include exposure to moving mechanical parts, toxic chemicals, risk of electrical shock, explosives, fumes, or airborne particles.
Physical Demands -Manual dexterity; sense of touch; sense of smell; speaking clearly; hearing-speech range; hearing - all ranges; seeing, reading and comprehensions; seeing - distant/near; depth perception; color vision. While performing the job responsibilities, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to stand and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate laboratory equipment. The employee is occasionally required to walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Employees must pass a full-face respiratory fit test. Employees must be able to lift 50 lbs. Must be able to work in PPE level C. These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required of the employee.
