Specialist, Condition Monitoring

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:

Job Purpose:

Reporting into the Senior Specialist, Condition Monitoring, the Condition Monitoring Specialist is responsible for executing and coordinating predictive maintenance activities across fixed plant equipment to ensure safe, reliable, and optimized plant performance. The role provides technical support in vibration analysis, thermography, ultrasound, oil analysis, and other condition monitoring techniques.

In addition, the Specialist leads the Lubrication Team and the Conveyor & Chutes Inspection Team, ensuring all inspection and lubrication tasks are performed safely, on time, and to standard. The role also serves as acting lead for the Condition Monitoring team during the Senior Condition Monitoring Analyst’s absence, providing guidance, workflow coordination, and technical support.

Specific Job Responsibilities:

1. Safety, Compliance & Standards

• Ensure all condition monitoring, lubrication, and inspection activities are performed in compliance with site safety standards and procedures.
• Conduct field inspections safely, applying risk assessments and safe work practices.
• Support the enforcement of SOPs, work instructions, and engineering standards across the CM, lubrication, and inspection teams.
• Participate in safety meetings, incident investigations, and continuous improvement initiatives.

2. Condition Monitoring Execution

• Perform vibration analysis, thermography, ultrasound, oil sampling, and visual inspections on critical and non-critical equipment.
• Identify and diagnose equipment abnormalities, defects, and failure modes using predictive maintenance tools and techniques.
• Raise maintenance work requests and report findings clearly through CMMS (e.g., Pronto).
• Support root cause failure analysis (RCFA) for major breakdowns and repeated failures.
• Maintain data quality, trend histories, inspection routes, and equipment performance baselines.

3. Lubrication Team Leadership

• Lead and supervise the Lubrication Technicians, ensuring correct lubrication practices are followed.
• Verify correct lubricant grades, quantities, and application schedules according to OEM and engineering standards.
• Oversee oil sampling activities and ensure timely submission to laboratories.
• Monitor contamination control practices for gearboxes, hydraulic systems, and bearings (filters, breathers, cleanliness standards).
• Ensure lubrication tasks are completed on time and eliminate backlog.

4. Conveyor & Chutes Inspection Team Leadership

• Supervise the team performing conveyor belt inspections, chute inspections, and wear monitoring activities.
• Ensure inspection routes are completed properly and documented accurately.
• Identify abnormal wear trends, shell exposure, misalignment, and failure risks.
• Report findings, create work notifications, and follow up until issues are addressed.
• Support improvement actions such as redesign recommendations, liner performance optimization, and inspection tool upgrades.

5. Acting Lead for the Condition Monitoring Team

(When Senior Condition Monitoring Analyst is on leave)

• Coordinate daily tasks, inspection schedules, and workload distribution among CM Analysts.
• Review CM findings, approve work requests, and ensure timely reporting.
• Provide technical guidance and support troubleshooting activities.
• Represent the CM team in cross-departmental meetings and planning sessions.
• Ensure continuity of CM work and data quality during senior staff absence.

6. Reporting & Documentation

• Generate detailed condition monitoring reports, lubrication reports, and inspection summaries.
• Update CMMS with accurate inspection findings, WO feedback, and defect analysis.
• Track KPIs such as lubrication compliance, PM completion, defects raised, and CM route coverage.
• Support monthly reliability reporting and equipment health dashboards.

7. Continuous Improvement

• Recommend proactive improvements to CBM strategies, lubrication practices, and conveyor/chute inspection processes.
• Assist in developing new detection techniques, route optimization, and equipment performance alerts.
• Support training and upskilling of junior CM analysts, lubrication technicians, and inspection staff.

Job Specific Competencies:

• Advanced condition monitoring skills: vibration analysis (CAT II minimum), thermography (CAT I advantage), ultrasound (CAT I advantage), and oil analysis (CAT I minimum).
• Strong diagnostic skills in vibration, oil analysis, thermography, ultrasound, and mechanical inspections.
• Knowledge of lubrication best practices, contamination control, and predictive maintenance data analysis.
• Detailed knowledge of conveyor and chute wear mechanisms.
• Ability to develop and deliver technical training materials.
• Strong computer literacy (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, MS Project) and familiarity with industrial databases.
• Proficiency with CMMS systems, SCADA, OSIsoft PI, and online monitoring systems.
• Strong understanding of RCM, FMEA, MTA, and equipment strategy development methodologies.

Key Job Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail and high accuracy in data analysis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting.
• Self-driven, proactive, and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to lead teams, manage resources, and coordinate work efficiently.
• High level of discipline, initiative, and problem-solving ability.
• High level of accountability and reliability.
• Proactive problem-solver with strong analytical thinking.
• Safety-driven mindset with commitment to Zero Harm.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
• Adaptable and capable of handling additional responsibilities.

Experience required to perform in this job:

• Minimum 5 years of condition monitoring experience in the mining or heavy industrial environment.
• Experience with diagnostics of fixed plant equipment (mills, crushers, conveyors, pumps, gearboxes, etc.).
• Strong understanding of conveyor systems, chutes, and rotating machinery.
• Hands-on experience with predictive maintenance tools, CMMS systems, and plant monitoring systems.
• Experience in lubrication programs, contamination control, and predictive maintenance reporting.
• Proven experience supervising teams and managing maintenance or inspection activities.
• Experience with RCA, reliability improvement methodologies, and technical investigations.

Qualifications:

• Engineering Diploma or Degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, or related discipline.
• Grade 12 Certificate (minimum requirement).
• Advanced condition monitoring skills: vibration analysis (CAT II minimum), thermography (CAT I advantage), ultrasound (CAT I advantage), and oil analysis (CAT I minimum).
• Additional certifications in predictive maintenance techniques (NDT)are strongly advantageous.
• Leadership or supervisory training is an added benefit.
• Valid driver’s license with minimum 12 months experience.