Operator, Cranes
Workplace Type: Onsite
About Newmont
At Newmont, we’re not just a world-leading gold and metals producer – we’re a team united by our commitment to shaping a more inclusive, sustainable, and responsible mining industry. Joining us means becoming part of a global, diverse workforce where everyone is valued, empowered, and encouraged to grow. Our people are the heart of our success, bringing exceptional skill, integrity, and dedication to everything we do as an organization and we’re dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.
About Lihir
Our Lihir Operation, located on the beautiful island of Niolam, approximately 800km north of Papua New Guinea's capital, Port Moresby, is one of the world’s largest gold mines. Set within a geothermically active, extinct volcanic crater, Lihir operates an open-pit mine producing refractory ore, which undergoes pressure oxidation and conventional leaching to recover gold. Our workforce includes both residential and commute rosters, creating a diverse and dynamic team. Lihir offers a range of recreational facilities, including a gym, sports club, restaurant, bar, swimming pool, tennis and squash courts, and a 9-hole golf course. For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Lihir fishing and boating clubs provide access to pristine waters and beaches, while our onsite deli and café serve fresh local and imported produce, barista-made coffee, and freshly baked goods.
We are proud to work closely with the local Lihirian community and value its vibrant culture. Through initiatives like our School to Mine program, we offer meaningful employment, training, and development opportunities for Lihirian men and women, as well as scholarships and vocational apprenticeships. We also partner with the New Ireland Province to ensure economic benefits flow directly to the community, strengthening our commitment to sustainable development and positive local impact.
Dimensions
Purpose
The Crane Operator will play a vital part in safely operating cranes and lifting equipment to support mining, maintenance, and infrastructure projects across our world-class site. Your expertise will help keep our operations running smoothly and safely.
Essential Duties
- Conduct Prestart Checks – Conduct comprehensive inspections of the crane that has been allocated for operation. Documenting crane maintenance status and reporting any faults or non-compliances.
- Plan and Risk Assess – Conduct site inspections prior to set up of the crane commences in which they will assess the site for hazards and determine the most suitable crane and approach for the lift.
Preparation and Set Up – Set up the crane correctly at all times according to WHS legislation, site policies and procedures and manufacturer’s instructions. - Operation – Operate the crane in accordance with WHS legislation, site policies and procedures and manufacturer’s instructions. Interpret load charts correctly to calculate safe working loads ensuring that all lifts are within the crane’s capacity. Monitor the rigging of loads and commence lifting only when safe to do so.
- Critical / Non-Standard Lifting – Understand the complexities of critical and non-standard lifting activities and comply with both site and industry standards while performing the lifts.
- Pack Up / Post Operational Checks – Strict adherence to WHS legislation and Newmont policies and procedures. Pack up and post operational checks performed as per the manufacture’s instruction. Reporting of any operational issues, faults or defects via supervision and documenting in the maintenance logbook.
- Team leadership – Act in a leadership capacity and make crucial decisions that maintain the safety of the surrounding work area.
- Ensure that all controls are always in place when the work area specific to their crane is operational.
Training & Experience
- 3 – 5 years relevant work experience essential in fixed plant maintenance and heavy industry.
- Must be familiar with and understand safe work procedures that are relevant to the operation of mobile lifting equipment.
- Proficient in English with excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Sound, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Ability to solve problems in often high-pressure situations.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Strong active listening & people skills
Working Conditions
This is a FIFO role on a 28/14 day and night rotational roster.
At Newmont, our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that everyone can work to their full potential, free from discrimination, while respecting the cultures, religions, and governance of the regions in which we operate. Guided by our values of Safety, Integrity, Sustainability, Responsibility, and Inclusion, our Lihir team – 90% of which are Papua New Guinean – is dedicated to creating a culturally rich and supportive environment where meaningful, long-term connections can be formed within the industry.
We believe in the strength of our people and the positive impact we can create together. Newmont employees are rewarded with a competitive salary, flexible packaging options, and programs that recognize those who go above and beyond. We know no candidate meets every qualification listed, so if you share our values and feel you can make a meaningful contribution, we encourage you to apply – we’d love to hear from you!
