Superintendent, Dewatering

Job description

At First Quantum, we free the talent of our people by taking a very different approach which is underpinned by a very different, very definite culture – the “First Quantum Way”.

Working with us is not like working anywhere else, which is why we recruit people who will take a bolder, smarter approach to spot opportunities, solve problems and deliver results.

Our culture is all about encouraging you to think independently and to challenge convention to deliver the best result. That’s how we continue to achieve extraordinary things in extraordinary locations.

Job description:

Overall Job Purpose

(brief description of this job)

• As a key member of a Technical team and reporting into the Hydro Manager, the Dewatering Superintendent is responsible for input into the evaluation, design, operation and maintenance of infrastructure that supports dewatering activities.
• The Superintendent will be responsible for designing, selecting, installing, operating, and involvement in the maintenance schedules of pumps used in Trident’s mining operations.
• The role involves collaborating with other mining professionals, including engineers, planners, hydrogeologists and maintenance technicians, to ensure that pump systems are working efficiently and effectively to support productive mining operations.
• Ensure that technical mining infrastructure project designs are delivered, completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Overall technical support as well as execution of complex dewatering projects with regards to pump specs, electrical specs, VSD installations and staged pumping systems in dynamic-head scenarios.
• The Superintendent will identify opportunities to improve pump system efficiency, reliability, and safety, and work with other mining professionals to implement these improvements such as protection circuits, automated cut-off switches etc.
• Ensure all employees and a large complement of contractor staff are safety compliant, inducted and working under safe working practices with all key risk areas being identified and managed directly by the Superintendent.
• To actively engage with Mine Planning to pre-emptively determine where infrastructure movements may be necessitated in future and proactively plan, schedule and execute the movement of this infrastructure in a proactive and timeous fashion.

Specific Job Responsibility

(detailed description of key tasks expected to be performed by position holder)

• All operational aspects of the dewatering section with regards to pipe-welding, repositioning of pipes and pumps as well as boreholes.
• Short to medium plans of dewatering infrastructure and the design of pumping systems (pump, pipe, electrical, skid/float requirements), supplier engagement, budgeting, procurement and installation support on the ground – seeing through commissioning and into maintenance scheduling.
• The Superintendent will input into the design of pumping systems, including surface as well as borehole pumps, pipelines, valves, controls, electrical infrastructure as well as monitoring instrumentation / telemetry systems to ensure that they are efficient, reliable, and safe – and seeing these through execution.
• Working with Technical Planners, Engineers Hydrologists & Hydrogeologists, the Superintendent will assess the pumping needs of the operations, including the volume and head requirements along mining plans / forecasts, and select appropriate pump types, sizes, and configurations to meet these needs, along with pipe / reticulation systems.
• Pumping system performance monitoring: The Superintendent will monitor pump performance, including flow rates, pressure, and power / fuel consumption, to identify any issues or inefficiencies and to optimize pump system performance
• Pump installation and commissioning: The Superintendent will oversee the installation of pump systems, ensuring that they are installed according to design specifications and safety standards, and commissioning the systems to ensure that they are functioning properly, within design parameters at optimal performance.
• Maintenance of dewatering and lighting plant infrastructure. Fault diagnostics. Critical spares identification and compiling maintenance schedules. The Superintendent will develop and implement pump maintenance programs to ensure that pumps are operating efficiently and reliably. This may include scheduling routine maintenance, troubleshooting pump issues, and assistance with conducting repairs as needed.
• Creation of streamlined work processes and set-KPI’s of creating SOP’s for relevant tasks and work-flows.
• Carry out tasks allocated by the Hydro Manager in the context of assessing performance of the in-pit sump and pumping strategy as well as wet weather planning with the final objective of effectively contributing a fit for purpose implementation plan.
• Participate performance and maintenance analyses for improvement initiatives.
• Procurement of water related items and budget management
• Create project schedules and track project progress

Job Specific Competencies

(knowledge/ skills required for job success)

• Sound knowledge of the principles of a mining operation.
• Demonstrable experience and competency in dewatering pumping system design, commissioning and maintenance.
• A thorough understanding of the integration of the mining, dewatering, infrastructural and water-planning principles.
• Demonstrable mechanical, technical expertise and competency on electrical infrastructure and instrumentation.
• Input into the short as well as medium term dewatering strategies.
• Knowledge of engineering and planning techniques as they apply to open-cast mine operations
• Advanced computing skills including Microsoft Office suite
• CAD competent advantageous
• English language fluency

Key Job Attributes

(behaviours/ traits/ aptitudes etc… required for job success)

• Good interpersonal skills and able to communicate and liaise with various departments
• High level of autonomy
• Good physical health and fitness for in-pit work in challenging conditions
• Well-developed oral and communicational skills
• Strong drive and personal sense of ownership and accountability
• Ability to maintain self-discipline within a fast-paced stressful section
• Displays strong initiative and spirit for continuous improvement
• Be diligent and thorough in approach
• Self-assertive
• Be enthusiastic and pro-active in manner
• Excellent cognitive and analytical skills for identifying any shortfalls within the areas of responsibility of the water department
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and able to assemble data and provide clear and accurate operational project reports and plans
• Good swimmer – proximity to sumps and water bodies

Experience required to perform in this job

(i.e. years of experience performing the same or related areas)

• A minimum of 5 years’ direct experience in technical and/or operational roles, with regards to Dewatering and Electrical Infrastructure within a mining environment.

Qualifications

(Academic/ technical and or professional qualification required for the job)

• Academic qualification in Electrical, Mechanical or Mine Engineering.
• Eligibility for membership of the Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ ERB).
• Driver’s license