Shift Coordinator (Horizontal Directional Drilling)

Iluka Resources; Balranald; On-site; AUD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

2:2 roster

New camp facilities nearby

Parental leave up to 18 weeks

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Iluka Resources is seeking an experienced HDD team leader for our Balranald operation in NSW. You will lead one of four extraction teams operating around the clock, deploying four HK550 HDD rigs and related support systems to maximise mineral recovery while prioritising safety.

Role offers a 2 weeks on / 2 weeks off roster, onsite camp facilities, and relocation support. We encourage applicants who can relocate or travel regionally; relocation assistance is available for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Experience leading HDD teams with a bias for action and safety.
• Ability to deploy and oversee 4 HK550 HDD rigs and support systems.
• Strong track record of achieving production metrics in a high-hazard environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead one of 4 Extraction teams operating 24/7.
• Accountable for deploying and operating HDD rigs and support systems.
• Coordinate logistics, drilling fluid support and select surface infrastructure.

Skills

Team leadership

HDD experience

Safety focus

Live data analytics

Tools

HK550 HDD rigs

Job description

• 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, Permanent Positions

• Site Based – Balranald, NSW
• 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off, Permanent Positions

Iluka Resources is a global critical minerals company, with a proud 70 year history, entering a pivotal time of growth.With a bright future ahead, we are seeking team members for our exciting Balranald operation where we will be deploying a new mining technology. Using remotely operated, novel underground mining (UGM) systems to extract key critical minerals.

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:

Balranald - Resource Development | Iluka Resources

About the location

Iluka’s Balranald operation is located approximately 12kms outside of Balranald township in regional south-western NSW.

You can choose to reside locally, drive-in drive-out from towns within the regional area, or fly-in fly-out from select Australian capital cities.

We are also supportive of interstate and international relocation and/or sponsorship for the right person.

About The Roles

You will lead one of 4 Extraction teams which operate 24/7.

You will be accountable for deploying teams operating 4 HK550 HDD rigs and support systems. You will have operational control over the rigs, working in pairs, the drilling fluid support systems as well as support logistics assets and select parts of the surface infrastructure.

As a HDD professional, when compared to any other industry role, you will get greater exposure to HDD systems, live data analytics and processing information. Whilst ensuring mineral recovery is maximised, the opportunity to build lead and develop your teams is extensive.

About You

You will be an experienced leader of teams in the HDD industry with a bias for action. You will be able to organise and develop your teams to achieve production metrics with a strong focus on safety performance. You will also be able to work across team functions to achieve collective outcomes.

Our offer to you

• Family friendly 2:2 roster
• New camp facilities within proximity to the operation, including two gyms, a tennis and basketball court
• Besupported through an inclusive andcollaborative culture
• Up to 18 Weeks paid parental leave
• Competitive remuneration package including allowances and bonus structure
• Company share matching scheme
• Attractive relocation assistance packages for those interested!

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: 2 October 2026

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