Shovel Drill Mechanic Apprenitice

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Shovel & Drill Mechanic Apprentice participates in a structured apprenticeship program designed to develop the skills, knowledge, and experience required to become a qualified Journeyman Shovel & Drill Mechanic. Under the guidance of experienced mechanics and supervisors, apprentices learn to troubleshoot, maintain, repair, and rebuild electric mining shovels, rotary drills, and related mining support equipment while completing required classroom and correspondence coursework.

The apprenticeship program consists of 8,000 hours of on-the-job training combined with required Penn Foster coursework and progressive skill development. Apprentices must demonstrate increasing proficiency in mechanical maintenance, troubleshooting, safety compliance, and equipment reliability throughout the program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Assist in diagnosing, troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing production of electric shovels, drills, and mining support equipment.

Learn and perform preventive maintenance inspections and repairs on electric shovels and drills.

Assist with major component replacement, repair, and rebuilding of P&H 4100 and 2800 electric shovels and EPIROC PV311 and PV351 drills.

Remove, install, disassemble, assemble, test, and adjust mechanical components and systems under the direction of qualified mechanics.

Diagnose and repair air, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems used on mining and construction equipment.

Learn to interpret hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical schematics to identify equipment issues.

Assist in troubleshooting equipment failures and recommend corrective actions.

Perform operational testing to verify repairs and adjustments.

Safely operate hand tools, power tools, lifting devices, and other maintenance equipment.

Safely lift, handle, secure, and maneuver large-scale mechanical components.

Develop an understanding of large gearbox and transmission systems used in mining equipment.

Accurately document maintenance activities, inspections, repairs completed, and additional work required.

Provide accurate parts information to planners and supervisors.

Complete daily workplace and equipment inspections.

Work safely at heights, from aerial lifts, and in confined spaces as required.

Maintain work areas in clean, organized, and safe condition.

Demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance with all company environmental policies.

Follow all company safety procedures and actively participate in safety initiatives and training programs.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

Apprenticeship Program Requirements

The Shovel & Drill Mechanic Apprentice Program includes:

8,000 hours of structured on-the-job training.

Completion of required Penn Foster correspondence coursework on personal time.

Progression through four apprenticeship tiers, each requiring:

2,000 hours of documented work experience; and

Completion of the corresponding coursework milestone.

Successful completion of periodic evaluations and performance reviews.

Demonstration of journeyman-level competency upon program completion.

Compliance with all apprenticeship program requirements established by ASARCO, applicable unions, and the Arizona State Apprenticeship Office.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn maintenance and repair techniques on large mining equipment.

Basic understanding of mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.

Ability to read and interpret technical manuals, schematics, diagrams, and maintenance procedures.

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanship.

Effective verbal and written communication skills.

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize assignments.

Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to solve practical problems and apply logical troubleshooting methods.

Ability to interpret written, oral, diagrammatic, and scheduled instructions.

Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and other maintenance-related software applications.

Ability to write routine reports, work orders, and correspondence.

Ability to perform mathematical calculations involving whole numbers, fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, and measurements.

Ability to read and understand safety rules, operating instructions, maintenance manuals, and company procedures.

Demonstrated commitment to workplace safety and environmental compliance.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

Ability to work in an active mining and industrial environment.

Ability to work outdoors in varied weather and temperature conditions.

Ability to work rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required in a 24-hour/7-day operation.

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, climb, crawl, and work in awkward positions for extended periods.

Ability to climb ladders and work at elevated heights.

Ability to work in confined spaces.

Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull heavy materials and equipment.

Ability to safely use personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators when required.

Ability to work in environments containing dust, fumes, odors, mist, gases, vibration, and noise.

Required Education and Experience

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Valid driver's license.

Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and interest in heavy equipment maintenance.

Ability to pass the required apprenticeship entrance examination.

Ability to successfully complete all apprenticeship program requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

Completion of a technical, vocational, trade school, or community college program in diesel technology, industrial maintenance, heavy equipment repair, automotive technology, welding, or a related field.

Previous experience working with heavy equipment, mining equipment, construction equipment, diesel engines, or industrial mechanical systems.

Prior mechanical maintenance, fabrication, or repair experience.

ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH & SAFETY

Complete all required environmental awareness training.

Complete all required Safety and Health Awareness training.

Complete applicable OSHA and/or MSHA training requirements.

Comply with all site safety rules, policies, procedures, and PPE requirements.

Participate in safety meetings, inspections, and incident prevention activities.

Demonstrate safe work practices and actively contribute to a culture of safety.

Career Progression

Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship program, all required coursework, evaluations, and demonstration of journeyman-level competencies, apprentices may be eligible for advancement to a qualified Journeyman Shovel & Drill Mechanic position.

A core value of ASARCO LLC is Safety First. The Company is committed to help employees continuously improve their efforts to work in the most safe, inclusive, socially and environmentally responsible manner practicable. Employee safety and health, both on and off the job, are critically important to the Company. Therefore, ASARCO LLC requires employees to have and effectively demonstrate good working knowledge of modern safety systems. Each employee will take prime responsibility for ensuring that s/he works within all required safety procedures and processes.

ASARCO LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates must possess a current and valid driver's license. Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and pre-employment physical including a drug screen (hair analysis).

ASARCO LLC offers an excellent low-cost benefits package for medical/prescription/ dental/vision, disability coverage, life insurance and other optional coverage and 401(k) plan with company match.

The Ray mine is located 64 miles southeast of Phoenix and 70 miles northeast of Tucson. We have a robust carpool / vanpool program and encourage employees to participate. Employees save more than 50% of their commuting costs while reading, sleeping or just enjoying the view.