Operator

Iluka Resources; Mildura; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family friendly roster

Parental leave

Training & development

Share matching

Job summary

Iluka Resources is seeking a skilled HDD Rig Assistant for a permanent role supporting a 24/7 operation in the Balranald region. You will work as the assistant to the Drill Operator on a Maxi HDD rig and perform labour tasks on the rig deck.

Responsibilities include wiring inside rods, loading pipes and washing drill pipe, with opportunities to relieve the Driller when needed. A current driver's licence and HDD experience are essential; HT/HC and other high‑risk tickets are desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience operating HDD rigs and equipment.
• Strong understanding of HDD techniques including drilling, reaming and pullback.
• Proficient in HDD tracking and steering systems for accurate placement.
• Ability to understand work requirements and site conditions to work safely.
• Good mechanical aptitude and a valid driver’s licence.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Drill Operator on a Maxi HDD rig and perform labour tasks on deck.
• Join instrumentation wires inside rods, load pipes and wash drill pipe.
• Provide relief drilling support when required and contribute to safe operating procedures.

Skills

HDD rig operation

Drilling techniques

Instrumentation wiring

Safety awareness

Driver's licence

Tools

HT/HC license

Forklift

Rigging

Job description

Permanent Position| 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off roster

lluka Resources is a leading global producer of the criticalmineralszircon and high-grade titanium dioxide feedstocks (rutile and synthetic rutile). Iluka has alsoestablisheda significant position in rare earths. As an international supplier of critical minerals, Iluka’s productsare used in an array of applications including technology, construction, medical, lifestyle and industrial uses. As the world moves towards a smarter,saferand sustainable future, Iluka’shigh qualityproducts are increasing in demand.

Our people are the foundation of our business and are vital to our success now and into the future. Iluka offers an empowering and inclusive work environment that is as diverse as the communities in which weoperate.

About the location

Iluka’s Balranald operation is located in the Riverina district of southwestern New South Wales. The development is focused on the rutile and zircon rich West Balranald deposit, which also contains material quantities of rare earth minerals.

Owing to its relative depth (approximately 60 metres below surface), Iluka has over several years assessed the potential to develop West Balranald via a novel, remotely operated, underground mining (UGM) technology.

Iluka’s UGM technology is akin to keyhole surgery for the mining of critical minerals. This enables access to ore bodies previously thought uneconomic, with marked reductions in both environmental disturbance and carbon intensity relative to traditional mineral sands extraction techniques, which are themselves less impactful than other commodities.

You can choose to reside locally, drive‑in drive‑out from towns within the regional area, or fly‑in fly‑out from Melbourne. For South Australian residents we will mobilise you via road transport from our Iluka office in Adelaide.

You can find out about our Balranald operation through the following link:

https://www.iluka.com/operations-resource-development/operations/balranald/

About the role

You will join one of four Extraction teams supporting our 24/7 operation. You will get exposure in deploying these platforms in conjunction with a technology not operated anywhere else. Thorough training will be delivered for our custom designed HK550 HDD rigs.

You will operate as the assistant/offsider to the Drill Operator for a HDD Maxi rig. You will be responsible for carrying out labour tasks associated with the Horizontal directional drilling and mining operation. Under the guidance of the Drill Operator, you will assist on the rig by joining instrumentation wires inside the rods, undertaking manual handling tasks on the deck of the rig, loading pipes and rods, and washing drill pipe. You will manually support the operation of the rig and act as a relief Driller when required.

About you

• Demonstrated experience operating HDD rigs and associated equipment
• Strong understanding of HDD techniques and procedures, including drilling, reaming and pullback operations
• Proficient in the use of HDD tracking and steering systems to ensure accurate placement of utilities
• Ability to understand work requirements and site conditions to complete tasks safely and effectively
• Good mechanical aptitude
• Current driver's licence
• HT or HC license (Desirable)
• High Risk Work Licences/Tickets including Forklift, Dogging & Rigging, C6 Slewing Mobile Crane, Scaffolding, Telehandler, Front End Loader and Excavator

Our offer to you

• Family friendly 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off roster
• New camp facilities within proximity to the operation, including two gyms, a tennis and basketball court
• Besupported through an inclusive andcollaborative culture
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave
• Competitive remuneration package including allowances and bonus structure
• Company share matching scheme

We are committed to upholding our Business Values, supporting equal opportunities, gender equality and cultural diversity.

If you share our values of Integrity, Respect, Courage, Accountability and Collaboration; and you have the skills and experience to help us to succeed and deliver sustainable value,

Full working rights in Australia are required for you to be eligible to apply for this role.

Applications Close: 22 September 2026

“We respect and encourage diversity in a workforce that reflects our communities.”