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Great people, great

company, great future

We’re a great Australian success story, having rapidly grown

to be a major player in the global lithium market.

Excavator Operator

  • 494617
  • Port Hedland, WA, WA, Australia, 6721
  • Production
  • Permanent
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PLS is delivering on its vision to be a leading global producer of lithium, a mineral critical to enabling the world’s transition to a more sustainably powered future.

As the owner and operator of the Pilgangoora Operation, the world’s largest independent hard-rock lithium mine, we are expanding fast, investing boldly, and building a global portfolio that positions us at the forefront of the energy transition.

Most recently, we acquired Latin Resources, adding the Colina Project in Brazil to our portfolio — strengthening our international footprint and creating new pathways for growth.

With more than 900 people employed globally, we’re building a future-focused business where talented people can create real impact. At PLS, our Values aren’t just words on a wall, they drive how we work, how we lead, and how we grow: Safety First. Great People. We Deliver. One Team. Shaping Tomorrow.

If you want to be part of an organisation that is ambitious, innovative and shaping the next era of battery minerals, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to join us.

WHAT PLS OFFERS

  • 18 weeks parental leave for primary carers and 4 weeks for secondary carers
  • Health and wellbeing allowance
  • Quarterly short-term incentive bonus that recognises individual and business performance
  • PLS employee share scheme
  • Novated leasing through salary sacrifice
  • Newly refurbished facilities at Pilgangoora including gym, tennis, pickleball and volleyball courts, sports oval, and scenic walking tracks
  • Paid community leave
  • Monthly employee recognition awards
  • Access to PLS’ KidsCo School Holiday Program

THE OPPORTUNITY

Reporting to the Mining Production Supervisor - Load & Ancillary, the role of Production Excavator Operator offers you the chance to hone your Digging skills in a hard rock mining environment, using a variety of selective mining techniques, and really taking ownership of your pit.

As a valued member of PLS and our Mining Production team, you’ll work safely and collaboratively towards delivering targeted production outcomes and offer guidance and direction to your fellow Truck and Ancillary operators.

This is a permanent full-time role which operates on an 8:6 7:7 FIFO roster from Perth or DIDO in the Pilbara region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Operate heavy surface mining equipment, primarily 200T+ production Excavators in a hard rock open-cut mining environment.
  • Maintaining targeted dig rates, with a focus on ore hygiene and selective mining techniques.
  • Effectively and efficiently manage Dump Truck cycles.
  • Working in a collaborative manner with a Can-Do attitude and following industry best practices.
  • Actively contribute to a safe working environment for yourself and team members.
  • Assist with undertaking other tasks and operating mobile machinery as required.

ABOUT YOU

  • Experience operating 200T+ Excavators, ideally CAT 6020 Dig Units or similar, in a hard rock mining production environment.
  • Experience facing-up ore and the ability to focus on hygiene when digging ore to avoid contamination.
  • Experience operating other mining machinery such as Track Dozers, Graders and Loaders is advantageous.
  • You enjoy being part of a collaborative team and you’re passionate about achieving goals together.
  • A flexible approach to work and helping others, including operating other machinery and regular hot seating activities.
  • The ability to work 12.5-hour shifts, including nights.
  • A strong focus on safety and best practices within the mining industry.
  • A current WA Driver’s licence: HR preferred.

SUPPORTING A DIVERSE WORKFORCE

PLS is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all.

We encourage female candidates and First Nations peoples to apply. 

OUR RECRUITMENT PROCESS

As part of our recruitment process, there are several checks which may be conducted including police / criminal background checks, medical, drug and alcohol testing, due diligence checks, right to work checks, and/or reference checks.

We respectfully request agencies not to forward unsolicited resumes unless requested.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY 

PLS respectfully acknowledges the Nyamal and Kariyarra People of the Pilbara, and the Whadjuk Noongar People of the Perth region who are the traditional owners and first people of these lands. We would like to pay respect to the Elders past, and present and emerging for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of the Nyamal, Kariyarra and Whadjuk Noongar Peoples. 

If you are interested in learning more about PLS or registering for future opportunities, please visit our website www.pls.com

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We acknowledge the First Nations peoples of the lands on which we operate. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and acknowledge their enduring connection to Country.