Operator | Draglines | Blackwater

Whitehaven Coal Limited; Blackwater; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Whitehaven Coal Limited's Blackwater Mine is seeking experienced Dragline Operators to join a high-performing team. You will operate large draglines and work within a safety-focused environment, following procedures and regulatory standards to deliver production targets.

Join a premier open-cut coal operation in Queensland and contribute to safe, efficient production while collaborating with skilled professionals across the site.

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating large draglines such as 8050, 8200, BE1370.
• Strong understanding of strip mining methods and production requirements.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices and hazard awareness.

Responsibilities

• Operate draglines to production targets across a large-scale strip mining operation.
• Conduct pre-start inspections and monitor machine performance.
• Identify and report defects, hazards, and improvement opportunities.
• Collaborate with dozer operators, supervisors, dispatch teams, and tech specialists.
• Maintain Whitehaven's safety culture and zero-harm commitment.
• Follow site procedures and Queensland mining regulations.

Skills

Dragline operation

Open-cut mining

Safety compliance

Communication skills

Teamwork

Job description

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.