Dewatering Pump Operator (Contract)

About the role

The Dewatering Pump Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and monitoring of dewatering pumps, settler dams, sumps and associated equipment at the mine. The role ensures continuous water removal by following operating schedules, recording parameters and reporting any abnormalities.

Key responsibilities

• Start, stop and change over dewatering pumps according to the approved operating schedule and supervisor instructions.
• Prime, vent and place pumps into service safely, confirming correct rotation, duty and stable operation after start‑up.
• Monitor and record operating parameters such as suction and discharge pressures, flow, motor current, bearing and motor temperatures, and running hours.
• Monitor water levels in sumps, settler dams and operate pumps to maintain levels within required limits.
• Carry out routine first‑line checks including greasing, oil level checks, gland adjustment and cleaning of the pump station and surroundings.
• Inspect for leaks, unusual noise, vibration, overheating and other abnormal conditions and report defects promptly.
• Complete pump logsheets, shift reports and handover documentation accurately and legibly.
• Comply with permit‑to‑work, isolation, lock‑out/tag‑out and mine safety procedures and report incidents, near misses and unsafe conditions immediately.

Required profile

• WASSCE/SSSCE or equivalent secondary qualification with at least 3 years practical pump operating experience, OR a Craft/Technician Certificate in a mechanical or plant‑related discipline with at least 2 years relevant experience.
• MINCOM certification, permit‑to‑work system training, LOTO awareness, confined space awareness and first‑aid certification are highly desirable.
• Minimum 2–3 years of practical experience operating and monitoring dewatering pumps, pump stations and settler dams in a mining or heavy‑industrial environment.

Required skills

• Safe operation and monitoring of dewatering pumps, pump stations, sumps and settler dams.
• Start‑up and shutdown procedures, priming, venting and change‑over of duty and standby pumps.
• Monitoring of pressures, flows, temperatures, water levels and motor parameters.
• Routine first‑line maintenance such as greasing, oil checks, gland adjustment and cleaning.
• Accurate logsheet recording and early identification/reporting of abnormal operating conditions.