Tesla, which is considering a site west of Corpus Christi for a $375 million lithium refining plant, posted three construction-related jobs on its website, hinting that the electric vehicle maker could move ahead with a proposed South Texas plant.
The job postings are the latest in Tesla’s effort to build the first plant “of its kind in North America.” News of the idea was first made public in September after the company’s announcement of tax credits from the Robstown Independent School District was posted online.
The Austin-based company is looking for a full-time project planner, site superintendent and site construction manager – all of whom “will play a critical role in the construction of Tesla’s first lithium processing plant(s) near Corpus Christi,” reports said.
Possible salary ranges are not included in the posts, and no application deadline is given. Qualifications range from seven plus years in heavy industry, oil and gas, and complex chemical plants to five plus years in specific construction planning software.
Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment or more information.
During public hearings in Robstown last month, Tesla senior global director Rohan Patel said sites in Louisiana and Canada were also being considered. On Monday, the company’s job site did not list any jobs related to possible lithium refineries in Louisiana or Canada.
The site is located west of Corpus Christi, near the intersection of Highway 77 and County Road 28, just a few miles from the city of Driscoll. It is within the boundaries of the Robstown School District and the unincorporated Nueces District.
In a statement to the school district, Tesla said the business will package and ship lithium hydroxide for batteries, a key component for fleet batteries and Tesla EV products.
The operation of the plant will create a total of 162 permanent jobs. According to Caller-Times analysis of Tesla’s bid, 10 of the full-time jobs will earn at least $81,000 a year, with the remaining positions earning an average salary of about $52,800 a year.
Initially, Tesla planned to receive tax credits from both the Robstown School District and Nueces County. However, last week Tesla announced in a press release issued by the county that it had withdrawn its application from the county.
The company’s CEO, Elon Musk, said that getting a foothold in the lithium recycling business would be “a license to print money.” Still, at least two lithium industry leaders are skeptical about Tesla moving forward, one of whom told the Caller-Times that the lack of details about the proposal could make it difficult to sell to investors.
This article is under development. Stay tuned to Caller.com for updates.
