Mine Dispatcher

POSITION SUMMARY

Mine Dispatchers perform an integral role as the central communication contact for the mine. Mine Dispatchers work with a variety of communication methods and computer software to assist Underground Operations and Supervisors in managing all daily shift tasks, tracking of operators, and ensuring equipment availability through continued communication with maintenance and support groups. Dispatchers will provide support to the Mine during emergency events. Mine dispatchers monitor traffic and equipment using video cameras, record data such as safety reports, and relay work orders and other messages to crews in the field. Safely, competently, and efficiently operate the Mine Dispatch Control Room including digital monitoring of all underground mining tasks, personnel trackers, and overall communication on the mine site.

SAFETY, HEALTH & ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

All Hecla personnel shall strive to achieve best practice in safety and health, and assist in the control of incidents, injuries and loss. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Complying with all necessary requirements put in place to prevent incidents, injuries or losses
• Ensuring the safety and health of themselves and others in the workplace by being responsible for their actions and taking due care while performing their work
• Identifying, eliminating, and reporting hazards promptly
• Reporting incidents and accidents promptly
• Disclosing all information regarding incidents and cooperating in incident investigations
• Assisting in the resolution of health and safety matters in a positive and timely manner
• Using and maintaining PPE
• Providing suggestions for improving work processes
• Assisting Management by supporting change to achieve desired targets
• Support Shifter in ensuring that people and [RR1] equipment operate within their safe working limits
• Participating in risk assessment methodology
• Participating in safety initiatives
• Receiving training and instruction as required
• Maintaining good housekeeping standards

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Tasks, Roles and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Support daily/shift plan and schedule, dispatch workers and work crews as well as equipment and service vehicles supporting requests and specifications or needs in coordination with Shifters[RR2]
• Serve as the central communication contact for mine production, maintenance coordination and safety[RR3]
• Capture, validate, and record mine site data, including equipment performance metrics and production statistics, and compile accurate shift and production reports
• Use of Scada, MST, CMMS, Ground-Hog and site Health and Safety system EHS Insight
• Computer skills with use of Microsoft systems and software
• Monitor traffic and heavy equipment through video cameras to ensure efficient use
• Facilitate decision-making for mine management and Tech Services[RR4] by Connecting Operations, Maintenance, and Tech Services so everyone is working off the same, current information
• Provide accurate information to ensure informed production decisions through (SIC) Short Interval Control structure
• Support in cases of emergency and provide information to aid in the process. Mine Dispatch operators play a critical role in managing emergency situations by establishing clear communication to work teams, improving safety, minimizing risks, and ensuring efficiency. Facilitating emergency response plans as required
• Conforms with Health and Safety [RR5] standards and practices relating to job assignments; prepares appropriate paperwork relating to shift activity and mine operations; other duties as assigned by management
• Employees must comply with attendance, safety, environmental and HR policies. Successful candidates must demonstrate the following behavioral skills: productive communication, cooperation, productivity, initiative, creativity, dependability

Common traits that successful Mine Dispatchers share are: [RR6]

1. Situational Awareness & Operational Understanding

• Strong understanding of mine operations (haulage, loading, production flow, constraints)
• Ability to track multiple moving pieces (equipment, crews, production targets) in real time
• Anticipates issues before they impact production (not reactive)

2. Real-Time Decision Support

• Quickly interprets data (production, delays, equipment status) and flags deviations from plan
• Provides clear, actionable updates to supervisors, management, and Tech Services
• Supports prioritization of resources based on operational needs

3. Communication Excellence

• Clear, concise, and confident radio communication
• Able to direct crews and equipment without confusion or hesitation
• Filters noise and communicates what actually matters
• Maintains professionalism under pressure

4. Data Accuracy & Discipline

• High attention to detail when capturing:
  • Production stats
  • Equipment status
  • Downtime and delay codes
• Ensures data integrity for reporting, planning, and decision-making
• Understands that bad data = bad decisions

5. Multi-Tasking & Stress Management

• Operates effectively in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment
• Can manage interruptions without losing track of priorities
• Maintains composure during breakdowns, delays, or emergencies

6. Systems & Technical Proficiency

• Experience with dispatch and reporting systems
• Strong computer skills (data entry, reporting, basic analytics)
• Ability to learn and adapt to new systems quickly

7. Coordination & Leadership Without Authority

• Acts as the central hub between Operations, Maintenance, and Tech Services
• Keeps all groups aligned to the plan
• Influences outcomes through communication, not position

8. Problem-Solving Mindset

• Identifies bottlenecks and inefficiencies in real time
• Adjusts dispatching strategies to maintain production flow
• Thinks in terms of "what's the next best move"

9. Accountability & Ownership

• Takes ownership of shift performance from a dispatch perspective
• Follows through on issues (not just logs them)
• Holds a high standard for accuracy, communication, and execution

QUALIFICATIONS

Education requirements

High school graduation or equivalent. Post-secondary training in communications, emergency management, or related field preferred.


Required Experience

• 2-5+ years in mining operations, preferably underground or in a high-production environment
• Previous experience in dispatch, control room, or coordination roles
• Demonstrated experience working with:
  • Mobile equipment operations (haul trucks, loaders, drills, support equipment)
  • Production tracking and reporting
  • Shift-based operations (24/7 environment)

Preferred Experience

• Hands-on background as an:
  • Operator
  • Shifter / Lead hand
  • Maintenance coordinator
• Experience using dispatch and reporting systems such as:
  • Groundhog or similar fleet management systems
• Experience supporting:
  • Production planning execution
  • Short interval control (SIC) or shift planning
  • Delay tracking and root cause identification

• Previous dispatch experience preferred
• Experience with computer systems and multiple software applications
• Ability to multi-task in a fast paced environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills

Other Qualifications

• Must pass pre-employment physical, drug screen and breathalyzer BAC testing
• Must be able to obtain ATF Employee Possessor Clearance
• Must complete MSHA training or provide documentation of completed training

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, employees may be frequently required to stand, walk, or sit for extended periods of time; use hand and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb and balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, and crawl. The employee must be able to talk and hear.


Abilities Tested

POET Test

Description

Abilities

You can:

Lift with 2 hands from floor to waist: 100 lbs x 2

Lift with 2 hands from floor to shoulders: 75 lbs x 2

Lift with 2 hands from floor to crown: 28 lbs x 4

Pushing and Pulling Abilities

You can:

Push horizontally with hands placed between waist and mid-chest level to generate a peak force of 110 lbs with two hands.

Pull horizontally with hands placed between waist and mid-chest level to generate a peak force of 110 lbs with two hands.

Carrying Abilities

You can:

Carry with 2 hands at self-selected height: 83 lbs for a distance of 20 feet.

Stair / Ladder Climbing Abilities

You can:

Climb up and down a total of 49 steps.

Climb up and down 60 rungs .

Agilities

You can:

Stooping and Twisting: From standing, perform alternate toe touches x 3 to each side.

Kneeling: From standing, kneel on one knee, return to full standing and then kneel on opposite

knee. Repeat kneeling test x 3, each knee.

Sustained Squatting: From standing, lower body into a functional squat position and hold posture for 30 seconds.

Repetitive Squatting: repeat squats x 3 reps.

Other Physical Demands Vision - Constant:

• Able to judge distances and spatial relationships to avoid accidents while driving and walking underground
• Have clarity of vision while operating machinery, reading gauges, and placing tools
• Have clarity of vision for distances while navigating within the mine and access roads efficiently and safely
• Able to adjust varying points of reference while safely navigating the terrain, maintaining awareness of traffic, and operating tools and machinery
• Able to identify vehicles, machinery, and people in peripheral vision

Speaking - Occasional:

• Able to clearly communicate with co-workers and supervisors on the radio and in person

Hearing - Occasional:

• Must wear hearing protection while working in the mine

WORK ENVIRONMENT & JOB SCHEDULE

Employees may be frequently exposed to underground work environments; outside weather conditions, wet and/or humid conditions; extreme cold, extreme heat, potentially hazardous wildlife; moving mechanical parts; high precarious places; fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; explosives and vibration. The noise level in most work environments is usually very loud. This position may require work on nights, weekends and rotating shifts; shift schedules may require residency in on-island camp during work rotations.

ABOUT US

Greens Creek

The Greens Creek Mine, located on Admiralty Island, 18 miles south of Juneau, is an underground polymetallic mine employing approximately 500 people. The mine is owned and operated by Hecla Mining Company, headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Established in 1891, Hecla has a rich history as a distinguished and respected precious metals producer. Winner of numerous safety and environmental awards, Greens Creek is seeking new team members committed to professional growth and success.

Community

Juneau, Alaska's capital, is the third largest city in the state. Like Alaska, Juneau is full of contrasts, a sophisticated cosmopolitan city in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. Nestled at the base of mountains overlooking the Gastineau Channel, Juneau is surrounded by intercoastal waterways, lush rain forests, rugged mountainsides, and awe-inspiring glaciers. This small city has it all, the adventure of the "last frontier" as well as a good education system, year-round cultural and sports activities, a wide variety of entertainment, world class fishing and wildlife viewing, temperate weather, and a strong sense of community. Juneau is rich in mining history and Greens Creek is proud to contribute to that heritage by operating in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Compensation & Benefits

Hecla Greens Creek offers competitive pay based on experience and an excellent low-cost benefits package for medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as other coverages such as disability coverage and life insurance. Retirement benefits includes a 401(k) with company match.