Brian J. Elms
Safford
Summary
Senior maintenance and reliability professional with 15+ years at Freeport-McMoRan. Extensive experience supporting asset health, diagnostic maintenance, and reliability-based decision making across fixed plant and mobile mining equipment.
Overview
2026
2026
years of professional experience
Work History
Operations Mentor – Crushing & Conveying Maintenance
Freeport-McMoRan
01.2024 - Current
- Guided mentees in developing technical skills and understanding safety protocols.
- Facilitated workshops to enhance team collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Provided constructive feedback to improve performance and professional growth of mentees.
- Developed training materials for new employees, streamlining onboarding processes.
- Served as a role model for professionalism, integrity, and dedication within the mentorship program environment.
- Enhanced mentee performance by providing personalized guidance and support.
- Monitored mentee performance consistently, identifying areas of improvement and adjusting mentorship approaches accordingly.
Diagnostic Fixed Plant Mechanic
Freeport-McMoRan
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Diagnosed mechanical issues across various plant systems to enhance operational efficiency.
- Conducted routine maintenance on pumps, conveyors, and crushers to ensure optimal performance.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot equipment failures and implement solutions.
- Monitored equipment performance metrics to identify areas for improvement in maintenance practices.
- Trained junior mechanics on safety protocols and best practices for equipment handling.
- Mentored team members in advanced troubleshooting techniques, promoting skills development within the team.
- Inspected and tested machinery and equipment to diagnose malfunctions.
- Optimized performance of production lines through regular analysis and adjustments to machinery settings.
Shovel & Drill Mechanic
Freeport-McMoRan
01.2015 - 01.2022
- Diagnosed mechanical issues and performed repairs on heavy equipment to ensure operational efficiency.
- Conducted regular maintenance checks, identifying potential problems before they escalated into major repairs.
- Collaborated with team members to streamline workflows, enhancing overall productivity in repair processes.
- Trained junior mechanics on safety protocols and best practices for equipment repair and maintenance.
- Implemented new diagnostic procedures that reduced downtime for machinery and improved service turnaround times.
- Analyzed equipment performance data to recommend improvements, contributing to long-term cost savings and efficiency gains.
- Inspected and tested equipment to locate worn and damaged parts.
- Replaced damaged, missing, or defective parts with new and refurbished components.
- Performed diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures to find and identify root causes of mechanical issues.
Haul Truck Driver
Freeport-McMoRan
2009 - 2011
- Operated haul trucks to transport materials safely across mining sites.
- Conducted pre-shift inspections to ensure vehicle safety and operational readiness.
- Adhered to safety protocols, promoting a culture of safety among team members.
- Assisted in loading and unloading materials, optimizing workflow efficiency.
- Trained new drivers on equipment operation and safety procedures to enhance team capability.
- Enhanced operational efficiency by conducting pre-shift inspections and maintenance checks on haul trucks.
Surveyor
Freeport-McMoRan
2008 - 2009
- Conducted land surveys to determine property boundaries and ensure project compliance.
- Utilized GPS and total station equipment for accurate data collection and mapping.
- Reviewed survey data for precision, ensuring adherence to legal standards and regulations.
- Coordinated with engineers and architects to clarify project specifications and requirements.
- Implemented quality control measures to enhance accuracy of survey results across various projects.
- Collaborated with engineers, architects, and construction professionals to ensure accurate information was incorporated into designs.
Driller
Freeport-McMoRan
2011 - 2015
- Operated drilling equipment and ensured adherence to safety protocols.
- Assisted with maintenance and troubleshooting of drilling machinery.
- Coordinated logistics for drill site operations and material delivery.
- Monitored drilling parameters to optimize performance and efficiency.
- Trained new team members on equipment operation and safety practices.
- Led a team in executing complex drilling tasks while maintaining safety standards.
- Aided in incident prevention with vigilant observation of surroundings and quick response to potential hazards.
- Maintained strong working relationships with team members, fostering a positive atmosphere that enhanced cooperation on projects.
- Ensured safety on the worksite through proper rigging practices and adherence to safety protocols.
Education
High School Diploma - undefined
Valley Center High School
Skills
- Oversaw asset health management initiatives to ensure optimal performance and longevity
- Implemented risk-based maintenance strategies to enhance equipment reliability
- Assisted in performing predictive maintenance tasks to identify potential equipment failures Supported preventive maintenance initiatives to enhance operational efficiency Collaborated with team members to ensure timely completion of maintenance schedules
- Executed mechanical diagnostics to identify and resolve equipment malfunctions
- Oversaw fixed plant crushing and conveying operations to ensure efficient material processing
- Managed CMMS documentation processes to ensure accurate and up-to-date records
- Assisted teams in achieving project goals through effective mentorship and guidance Supported technical leadership initiatives to enhance team performance Collaborated with peers to foster a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
- Directed safety leadership initiatives to foster a culture of workplace safety
Timeline
Operations Mentor – Crushing & Conveying Maintenance
Freeport-McMoRan
01.2024 - Current
Diagnostic Fixed Plant Mechanic
Freeport-McMoRan
01.2023 - 01.2024
Shovel & Drill Mechanic
Freeport-McMoRan
01.2015 - 01.2022
High School Diploma - undefined
Valley Center High School
Haul Truck Driver
Freeport-McMoRan
2009 - 2011
Surveyor
Freeport-McMoRan
2008 - 2009
Driller
Freeport-McMoRan
2011 - 2015