Upstream Specialist

About the Role We are seeking an Upstream Specialist / Relief Supervisor to support safe, reliable, and compliant operations across the upstream areas of a large‑scale lithium carbonate processing facility. This role partners closely with production teams and serves as a Relief Supervisor when needed, helping ensure consistent performance, strong safety culture, and operational excellence during commissioning and steady‑state operations.
You will play a hands‑on role in startup, training, continuous improvement, and day‑to‑day operational support across multiple upstream unit operations.
Key Responsibilities

• Support commissioning, startup, and ramp‑up of upstream processing areas to design capacity
• Promote safe, environmentally responsible, and compliant operations across all upstream units
• Standardize, improve, and implement operating procedures, training programs, and best practices
• Support and coach production crews; step in as Relief Supervisor as assigned
• Develop and maintain training plans, progression pathways, and skills validation programs
• Monitor performance metrics and help optimize productivity, quality, and asset utilization
• Ensure compliance with applicable MSHA, OSHA, environmental, and operational regulations
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to drive continuous improvement and operational readiness

Upstream Areas Include Beneficiation, classification, leach & neutralization, filtration, reagent systems, water systems, ponds, and associated storage and support facilities.
Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemical, Mechanical, Metallurgical Engineering, or related discipline (preferred)
• 2+ years of supervisory or leadership experience in mining, chemical, or process manufacturing
• Strong understanding of chemical and metallurgical processing fundamentals
• Experience in large‑scale chemical, mineral, hydrometallurgical, or fertilizer facilities preferred
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and operational excellence
• Strong communication, leadership, and problem‑solving skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, startup or operational environment

Why Join

• Work on a high‑impact project critical to the future of clean energy and domestic supply chains
• Be part of a collaborative, safety‑driven operations team
• Long‑term growth opportunities in a large, complex industrial operation
  
  Please email grant.hilde@nesfircroft.com for a discussion about this role.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.