Excavator Operator

About This Role:

• To operate shovel at Newmont to deliver material to the appropriate destination in a safe and controlled manner.

In This Role You Will:

Excavator Truck Pre-Shift and On-Shift Activities

•  Attend all pre-shift instruction meetings.
• Communicate with and receive instruction from the Shift Supervisor and follow the specified instruction and working plan, prior to the execution of activities.
• Understand the assigned equipment to be used and the designated location of operation.
• Perform pre-start checks on the excavators and log results onto the JIGSAW system.
• Assess the working area and initiate area clearances for any detected health and safety threat.
• Follow laid-down excavating procedures and instructions.
• Monitor truck payload to minimize over-loading and under-loading. Remain accountable for the digging area of excavation to uphold the highest safety and productivity standards.
• Operate excavator machinery according to standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and standard task procedures (STP’s).
• Assure that floor grades / bench grades meet targets.
• Report any under-performance issues relating to truck drivers to the Supervisor.
• Signal Dispatcher on the two-way communication radio to inform of any detected machinery defects or issues.
• Report and escalate all accidents and incidents occurring in the shift immediately to the Dispatcher / Supervisor.
• Raise any machinery malfunctions or service requirements to the Supervisor before, during or after the shift.
• Meet and / or exceed established performance expectations set by management.
• Assist in developing peers to perform quality excavating duties.
• Perform other related activities, as assigned by the Shift Supervisor.

Excavator Post-Shift Handover

• Conduct post-shift inspections regarding hazards and defects identified and communicate these to Dispatch / Supervisor and the incoming operators for the smooth running of Operations.
• Communicate and provide work status handovers to incoming Excavator Operators.

Stakeholder Management and Engagement

• Liaise with the Geologist to understand the type of material to be excavated.
• Communicate the material types to Dispatch using via the two-way radio.
• Communicate any material changes to Dispatch and truck operators.
• Maintain communications between Dozers and Truck Operators.
• Ensure own excavating shift work meets established statutory standards.

Additional Responsibilities:

Health and Safety Management

• Follow all safety policies, procedures and legislation.
• Operate in a safe manner and take steps to prevent minimal wear and tear and / or damage to equipment.
• Ensure safe and efficient loading of material to avoid spillages.
• Inspect work areas and ensure all areas comply with internal Newmont and external regulatory standards.
• Adhere strictly to internal Newmont excavation standards.
• Provide hands-on assistance during excavation activities to fellow colleagues to ensure that safe work practices are followed.
• Attend daily morning safety meetings.

Your Training, Skills & Experience Checklist:

Formal Qualification (including Professional Registrations):

• Senior High School Certificate or West African Secondary School Certificate (WASSCE).

Additional Knowledge:

• Mineral Commission Operator Competency.
• Ghanian Driver’s License E.
• General understanding of mining operations.
• General knowledge in mid-to-heavy equipment operation.

Experience:

• A minimum of 3 - 5 years’ experience working with Code E Vehicles in a mining and heavy industry environment.
• Experience in working within an active open pit mine is preferable.

Technical Skills:

• Strong administrative skills.
• Sound listening and concentration skills.
• Sound planning, organizing and prioritizing skills.
• Sound analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to operate a two-way radio and follow instructions.

Behavioral Attributes:

• Analytical.
• Goal oriented.
• Takes initiative.
• Proactive.
• Attention to detail.
• Resilient.
• Safety conscious.
• Team player.

Working Conditions:

• Position is in the Ahafo North mine. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. 
  • Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Physical Demands: While performing the duties of the job, the employee is required to sit at a desk for extended periods, climb stairs, walk and stand.
  • Work Environment: The noise level in the field environment is minimal. Occasional exposure to noise, fumes, high temperature, moving machinery, hazardous materials, sharp edges, dust, pinch-points, vibration, slippery surfaces, extreme weather conditions.
  • Protective Equipment (PPE): Work requires mandatory PPE such as helmet, goggles, high visible clothing, safety harness, ear plugs and dust mask according to working conditions.