Surface Drill Operator

Job Description

ABOUT THIESS

Thiess, originating in Australia in 1933, is now a $4 billion global organization focusing on sustainable resource solutions, including mining services, land reclamation, and engineering consulting. With 12,000 employees, we are committed to creating lasting value for our clients and leading the way toward a more sustainable future.

We are a movement spearheading a journey towards a more sustainable future, and North America is a crucial part of it. Our unique business approach to contract mining currently makes our services available in the United States and Canada. In the US, we operate in Salt Lake City, Utah, Colorado, and the Intermountain West region. In Canada, our services are available in Sudbury, Greater Ontario, and the Northern Ontario region. We are also expanding to other states and areas in both countries.

Please get to know us better by watching the following videos about Our Purpose and Our Values!

ROLE OVERVIEW

We are seeking a skilled and experienced Surface Drill Operator to join our team in Colorado. The Drill Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining drilling equipment to create holes for blasting, exploration or other purposes. They are crucial in extracting minerals and ores, ensuring safety and contributing to the overall success of the mine's operations.

PAY RANGE

Base pay $41-45 /hourly

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Drilling quality primary & secondary blast holes, drilling to proper depth, and proper collaring of drill holes

Identifying and reporting any mechanical issues on the drill and recognizing when bits are wearing and require replacement

Safely move and position power cables when operating drill around shovels

Responsible for the knowledge and safe performance of the following procedures: drilling in fill, using drill fire suppression system, loading drill on low-boy, breaking drill pipe, lowering and raising the mast, mounting and dismounting of drill, and drilling near overhead power lines

Responsible for knowing the proper tramming techniques, such as, how to properly and safely move from one drill hole to the next, properly and safely move from one bench to the next, properly and safely navigate on uneven grades, and properly securing the drill string

Frequently communicates and interacts with blasting crew to properly clear drill for blasting

Communicate through computer dispatching system or two-way radio

Perform pre-shift inspection of equipment

May be required to:

Bend drill steels, change bits and stabilizers and assist maintenance personnel with pipe changes

Operate manual or automated drills

Manually measure drill holes after drilling for quality control

Operate other pieces of mobile equipment as necessary for business needs

Perform minor maintenance & operations support activities

Perform other duties as required

DESIRED SKILLS

Demonstrated ability to achieve results within a team environment with minimal supervision at times

Good oral and written communication skills

High level of attention to detail and excellent follow-up skills

Ability and willingness to work different schedule on site based on project needs

Ability to work with other project employees to meet the project's safety, environment, and production targets

Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines in a fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environment

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of 1 years' experience operating drill equipment in a surface mining environment

Minimum of 6 months of heavy equipment operating experience in a surface mining environment

Prior experience working on large-scale mining projects, particularly in open-pit mines

Familiarity with mine site safety protocols, procedures, and environmental regulations

Prior experience working in adverse and remote environments (extreme weather, difficult terrain) is an asset

Must have or be willing to acquire site-specific safety training (e.g., MSHA, First Aid/CPR)

Valid driver's license at time of hire, maintained throughout employment with Thiess

Authorization to work lawfully in the USA without sponsorship from Thiess is required

Must be fluent in the English language

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Able to lift 50 pounds

Able to live and work at high altitudes (above 7,000 ft. elevation) for two weeks at a time

Able to work in extreme winter conditions with temperatures regularly below zero degrees Fahrenheit

Able to stand for extended periods of time, walk long distances, and climb ladders

Able to work for extended 12-hour shifts

Can work night shifts six days at a time and properly manage fatigue

No auditory or visual impairments restricting the ability to see distances while driving and clearly discern auditory and visual alerts/alarms (not including color blindness)

Quick response/reaction times

Arm-hand steadiness and manual dexterity

Weight below 350 lbs

EDUCATION

High School Diploma or equivalent

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Work schedule: 6 on / 1 off / 6 on / 8 off, rotating day and night between the 6-day swings

The suitable candidate will travel on a Fly In / Fly Out (FIFO) or Drive In, Drive Out (DIDO) arrangement

This is a Tech 3 level position

Safety Classification: Non-DOT, Safety Critical

WHAT WE OFFER

A work environment where safety is always the number one priority. Our safety-first culture guides our overarching objective - to keep everyone safe every day

A permanent position working directly for Thiess, the world's largest mining services provider

A competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with project bonuses, including sign on

Comprehensive medical benefits including private health insurance with 100% premium coverage for the employees and competitively subsidized private health insurance for immediate family

401K retirement savings benefit

LEGAL DISCLAIMER

If you are selected for a position in the United States, your employment will be contingent upon submission to and successful completion of a post-offer/pre-placement drug test (and alcohol screening/medical examination if required by the role) as well as pre-placement verification of the information and qualifications provided during the selection process.

As part of our dedication to the diversity of our workforce, Thiess is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard for race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, military status, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any other protected group status. We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us or have one of your representatives contact us at .

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Full-time