Operator

Whitehaven Coal; Blackwater; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

26 weeks paid parental leave

$4,000 employee referral bonus

STRIVE Awards and Recognition

Salary sacrifice opportunities

Career growth and development

Job summary

Whitehaven Coal is seeking experienced Dragline Operators for Blackwater Mine in Queensland. Join a high-performance team operating some of the largest draglines in the Southern Hemisphere, delivering production safely in a dynamic environment.

You will operate at scale, perform pre-start inspections, and collaborate with crews to meet production targets while maintaining a zero-harm culture. Opportunities include career development and a strong safety ethos.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating large draglines such as 8050, 8200, BE1370 or similar in open-cut coal mining.
• Strong understanding of strip mining methods, dig plans, and production requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and hazard awareness.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively within a high-performing crew.
• Relevant RII competencies and ability to satisfy site access, medical, and statutory requirements.

Responsibilities

• Operate at scale, safely operating dragline equipment and following site procedures and regulations.
• Drive production performance by executing dig plans and optimising cycle times to meet targets.
• Conduct pre-start inspections, monitor machine performance, and identify defects or hazards.
• Collaborate with dozer operators, supervisors, dispatch teams, and technical specialists to keep the operation moving safely.
• Maintain Whitehaven's strong safety culture and zero-harm mindset.

Skills

Dragline operation

Safety awareness

Communication skills

Education

RII competencies

Job description

Whitehaven is proud to be a leading Australian ASX-listed producer of premium-quality coal. With operations spanning the Bowen Basin in Queensland, including our Daunia and Blackwater mines, and four mines across NSW, we are committed to delivering a strong and sustainable future for our people, communities and business.

Our STRIVE Values connect us and shape the way we work every day. We recognise and celebrate individuals and teams who go above and beyond, deliver outstanding results and demonstrate what it means to live our values of Safety, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Value and Excellence.

Whitehaven is looking for experienced Dragline Operators to join our high-performing team at Blackwater Mine, one of Australia's premier open-cut mining operations.
This is your chance to operate some of the largest and most advanced draglines in the Southern Hemisphere, working alongside industry-leading professionals in a dynamic, safety-focused environment where your skills make a real impact every shift.

What’s on Offer

• At Blackwater, you're not just operating equipment, you're shaping the future of one of Queensland's most significant mining operations. Every cut, every swing, and every load plays a critical role in delivering production outcomes safely and efficiently.
• If you're passionate about heavy mining equipment and thrive in a fast-paced production environment, we want to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

• Operate at Scale
• Safely operate world-class dragline equipment while following site procedures, safety standards, and Queensland mining regulations.
• Drive Production Performance
• Execute dig plans, optimise cycle times, and contribute to achieving daily production targets across a large-scale strip mining operation.
• Conduct pre-start inspections, monitor machine performance, and proactively identify and report defects, hazards, and improvement opportunities.
• Work with the Best - Collaborate with dozer operators, supervisors, dispatch teams, and technical specialists to keep the operation moving safely and efficiently.
• Play an active role in maintaining Whitehaven's strong safety culture and commitment to a zero-harm workplace.

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience operating large draglines such as 8050, 8200, BE1370 or similar in an open-cut coal mining environment.
• Strong understanding of strip mining methods, dig plans, and production requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and hazard awareness.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a high-performing crew.
• Relevant RII competencies and the ability to satisfy site access, medical, and statutory requirements.

Make Your Mark

Join a team that's focused on performance, safety, and continuous improvement while operating some of the most impressive mining equipment in Australia.

If you're looking for your next challenge on a world-class operation, discover what a career with Whitehaven can offer.

• 26 weeks paid parental leave to support you and your family when it matters most.
• $4,000 employee referral bonus when you successfully refer someone to join our team.
• STRIVE Awards and Recognition – celebrating people and teams who go above and beyond and demonstrate our values of Safety, Teamwork, Respect, Integrity, Value and Excellence.
• Salary sacrifice opportunities to help you make the most of your remuneration package.
• Career growth and development – opportunities to build your skills, take on new challenges and progress your career within a leading Australian mining company.
• A strong team culture where collaboration, respect and looking out for one another are part of the way we work.
• Be part of something bigger – contribute to the future of Australian resources while making a difference to the communities where we operate.

Diversity & Inclusion

Whitehaven Coal is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and increasing the representation of women and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across our business.

We welcome people from diverse backgrounds and value the different perspectives, experiences, skills and ideas they bring. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, supported and empowered to contribute and succeed.

To be considered for this position, you must have the right to work in Australia.

Reward. Opportunity. Recognition. A Great Place to Work.

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