The Role
Operates and maintains surface drilling rigs to meet production targets safely and efficiently. Responsibilities include drilling to specified plans, adjusting equipment settings, performing inspections and minor repairs, maintaining drill logs, completing safety assessments, managing supplies, and coordinating with mechanics and production crews. The role requires outdoor labor in challenging and remote environments, extended 12-hour shifts, frequent travel, physical fitness, and adherence to strict safety, medical, drug-screening, and background-check requirements.
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Remote worksites • Travel • Rotational schedules • Safety • Career opportunities
Base pay range is $32.20 to $40.00. Total earning potential may increase due to non-discretionary incentives and performance-based bonuses.
Job Summary:
The Surface Driller is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of surface drilling rigs to meet production targets. This role demands a high level of technical skill, adherence to safety protocols, teamwork, and the ability to work in challenging environments with minimal supervision.
- Conduct oneself professionally and represent the company with integrity.
- Be fit for duty, punctual, and ready for all shifts.
- Operate and maintain various types of drilling equipment: hydraulic, rotary, in-the-hole (ITH), top hammer, and diamond drills.
- Drill holes to specified depths and diameters following drill plans and site layouts.
- Conduct pre-operational checks, routine maintenance, and minor repairs on drill rigs and auxiliary equipment.
- Regulate drilling pressure, rotary speed, and air flow based on rock conditions.
- Use tools such as orientation devices, survey tools, and assist in drill surveying.
- Perform pre-shift inspections using Intelex, conduct PMs, and complete permits/assessments.
- Participate in site inductions, safety shares, and emergency drills.
- Erect barricades, bunting, and signage to secure work areas.
- Wear and maintain proper PPE at all times.
- Follow all 10 Life Saving Rules, Stop Work Authority, and perform Take 5 assessments before tasks.
- Maintain a clean and organized worksite per housekeeping standards.
- Meet or exceed daily drilling production targets while minimizing downtime and equipment wear.
- Monitor drilling progress and adjust operations for optimal performance.
- Ensure quality of drilled holes through dipping and re-drilling as necessary.
- Organize daily consumables and supplies; assist with inventory and rig audits.
- Maintain accurate drill logs, daily reports, and data entry (e.g., BOX app).
- Collaborate closely with mechanics, Driller Helpers, and production teams.
- Assist other crew members as required (e.g., off-side fitter duties).
- Support operational improvements and project execution within scope, time, and budget.
- Participate in supply assessment, costing, and reviews as needed.
- Communicate clearly with team members, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure cohesive operations.
- Other duties, as necessary
Required Skills:
- Strong mechanical aptitude: ability to read and follow drill plans, maps, and manuals.
- Visualizes 3D layouts and understands drilling alignment.
- Know locations and proper usage of SDS/MSDS, spill kits, and labeling procedures.
- Understand light signals, radio comms, and emergency shutdowns
- Excellent communication and team coordination skills.
- Adaptable, dependable, and committed to continuous improvement.
- Willingness to embrace new techniques and technologies.
- Proficient in safe equipment operation and hazard assessment.
- Excellent communication and team coordination skills.
- Adaptable, dependable, and committed to continuous improvement.
- Willingness to embrace new techniques and technologies.
- Proficient in safe equipment operation and hazard assessment.
Education and Experience
- Hold and maintain a valid certifications.
- Prior experience in drilling operations or mining environments preferred.
- Familiarity with safety protocols and mechanical/equipment knowledge.
- Current valid driver’s license (without any DUI’s, reckless driving citations, or more than 3 moving violations in the last 3 years)
Physical Requirements:
- Physically fit and capable of lifting up to 25 kg (55 lbs); able to work in harsh environments.
- 2–5 years’ experience in drilling or mining (e.g., Driller Helper).
- Must pass a pre-employment medical and drug screening.
- Clean criminal background check.
- Pre-Employment Drug Test
- Able and willing to travel for this position and work 12-hour days, 7 days a week, for up to 20 days at a time (home 10) and willing to be away from family and friends
- Labor intensive work outdoors, with small crews, in various weather conditions and often remote work locations
- Dependable transportation to get to and from different job sites (and airports)
Skills Required
- Valid certifications must be held and maintained
- Prior drilling operations or mining experience preferred
- Familiarity with safety protocols and mechanical/equipment knowledge
- Current valid driver's license with acceptable driving record
- Ability to lift up to 25 kg (55 lbs) and work in harsh environments
- 2-5 years of experience in drilling or mining
- Pass pre-employment medical screening
- Pass pre-employment drug screening
- Pass criminal background check
- Willingness and ability to travel and work 12-hour days, 7 days per week, for up to 20 days at a time
- Dependable transportation to job sites and airports
- Ability to operate drilling equipment safely and perform hazard assessments
- Ability to read drill plans, maps, and manuals
- Strong mechanical aptitude and communication skills
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The Company
What We Do
Major Drilling Group International Inc. is a global provider of specialized drilling services for the metals and mining industry. The company performs mineral exploration and related drilling in surface and underground environments, serving mining customers across multiple countries. Its capabilities include surface and underground coring, reverse circulation, directional, sonic, and geotechnical drilling, with operations focused on technically challenging projects worldwide.
