Mintek has an exciting career opportunity for a Senior Operator: Mineralogy Group, which is open for internal candidates only. The incumbent must be able to undertake operational type work, has developed an empirical understanding of the purpose of the work undertaken. Such as to work on a wider range of equipment than at the O1 level.

• Performs a limited range of automatic operations, requiring the use of a limited range of machines or electronic equipment.
• A limited number of simple or closely related process operations, e.g. filtering, drying, splitting, screening, milling and mineralogical sample preparation equipment. Ability to work independently and as a team member. Using and taking readings from standard measuring devices such as scales and balances. Can operate a range of the equipment across a workgroup.
• Process sample by hand sorting, screening, blending, manual reduction of large rocks, drying and bagging.
• Process samples through simple processing equipment, e.g. screens, mills and filter presses. More complex requirements than those for O1 level staff
• Check the operability of equipment to ensure that these are ready for use
• Operate all equipment safely based on training and some written SOP’s.
• Ability to identify and deal with performance deviations, e.g. arrange for the equipment to be fixed, call supervisor etc.
• Work must be done without deviation from given standard procedures (written or taught), so as to ensure that same results would be obtained by someone else following the same procedure.
• Display understanding of the general purpose of the process, e.g. filtration is a physical separation process used to separate solid material from liquids (water), screening is undertaken to understand the particle size distribution of a sample, sample loss can result in inadequate sample etc.
• Apply knowledge and training to own work such that standards are maintained, e.g. if the equipment is damaged it could affect the outcome therefore wait for the equipment to be fixed before proceeding.
• Undertake basis data handling of results, including adding, subtracting, dividing, summing averaging etc of data.
• Reporting verbally or by filling in log sheets- Including basic mathematical calculations, reports may be computerised or in hardcopy form.

• Under general supervision, conduct basic maintenance of mineralogical sample preparation equipment.
• Process samples through laboratory or pilot scale equipment, e.g. mill, screen, filter, including weighing of samples.
• Conduct maintenance of laboratory equipment used (after training), e.g. cleaning equipment and replacing seals in mill pots.
• Ensure that all equipment settings are appropriate and are recorded so that repeat work can use the same settings
• Possess and display operating knowledge of a wide range of simple equipment in the group and must know how the equipment settings affect the performance (e.g. crusher settings etc).
• Report test results using report books, log sheets, spreadsheets etc. These may be simple hardcopies or may be computer based depending on the operational need.

• Have the knowledge and expertise necessary to lead a team of operators in problem solving and decision making. 
• Impart the knowledge and expertise necessary to lead a team of operators in problem solving and decision making.
• Be the member of an operator team to whom the other members most often turn for technical and procedural advice.
• Ensure predictability of results by the application of standard procedures. Work must be done without deviation from given standard procedures (written or taught), so as to ensure that same results would be obtained by someone else following the same procedure. 
• Ensure that equipment is used in such a way that results will be repeatable, i.e. take cognisance of equipment settings and record them. 
• Ensure that SOP’s and other standards are followed, and where applicable apply knowledge and training to work undertaken e.g. make sure that sample mass loss is reduced to an acceptable level during processing.

• Assist with managing productivity of staff, space and consumables etc, e.g. scheduling of mineralogical sa,ple preparation instruments with other operators, efficient sample handling; working out how to minimise backlogs in sample preparation; and organising equipment storage in laboratories etc. 
• Assist with managing productivity and output of staff reporting to the position or accepts responsibility for large cost consequences, e.g. keeping an oven on overnight when no samples need to be dried.

• Able to discover practical empirical relationships between process conditions and results (e.g. typical deviations in quality of samples produced from different particle sizes and different instrument operating conditions). 
• Applying this knowledge to proactively prevent problems.
• Understands why tasks and procedures are performed and how performance standards contributes to the team’s results
• Possess knowledge of a relatively wide range of equipment and unit operations, and through experience must know how to control performance standards, e.g. the effect of different equipment settings, the effect of variations in the way sample preparation is performed. Cannot be taught what to do in all circumstances so some application of understanding is required, e.g. contact supervisor because there is a suspected problem with equipment or test.
• Understands the purpose of processes affecting and leading to another process (e.g. milling is to increase liberation etc), of procedures (e.g. to ensure correctness and safety) and of good performance (e.g. that sample loss during splitting or screening can cause inaccurate results).

• Assist with quality checking the work of a variety of lower-level positions.

• Act as coordinator of a small team and co-ordinate the activities, including on the job task allocation and direction.
• Observe time keeping rules and leave procedures, following training.
• Supervise, coach and train and mentor other O level employees.
• Performance management, including appraisals and contracts.

• Conform to all relevant SHEQ procedures, guidelines and rules.
• Ensure that workplace inspections are conducted to ensure compliance and SHEQ briefings are regularly conducted on new issued.
• Practice good housekeeping and safe working procedures at all times, under general guidance and supervision of a superior, including safe stacking of samples, correct disposal of waste solid samples, keeping roads, walkways etc clear of samples.
• Keep workplace and communal facilities clean and tidy at all times.