Shift Coordinator (Horizontal Directional Drilling)

LUKA RESOURCES; Balranald; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family friendly 2:2 roster

New camp facilities (gym, courts)

Inclusive and collaborative culture

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Iluka Resources is seeking an experienced HDD team leader for our Balranald operation in NSW. You will oversee four HDD rigs, manage drilling fluids and related surface assets, and drive safety and production targets in a around-the-clock environment.

Join a pioneering team deploying remotely operated underground mining technology, with rosters, relocation support and strong safety emphasis.

Qualifications

• Experience leading teams in HDD operations.
• Strong safety culture and compliance.
• Ability to interpret live data to maximise mineral recovery.

Responsibilities

• Lead one of four extraction teams operating 24/7.
• Deploy and operate four HK550 HDD rigs and support systems.
• Oversee drilling fluids, support systems and surface infrastructure.
• Drive safety performance and production metrics across the team.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams for operational efficiency.

Skills

Team leadership

HDD operations

Safety focus

Live data analytics

Production metrics

Tools

HK550 HDD rigs

Job description

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.

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
• Be supported through an inclusive and collaborative 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.

About Iluka Resources

Iluka Resources is a global critical minerals company with over 70 years' industry experience in exploration, project development, mining, processing, marketing and rehabilitation. The company's objective is to deliver sustainable value. We are a leading producer of zircon and high grade titanium dioxide feedstocks, rutile and synthetic rutile. We are also set to become a globally material supplier of separated rare earth oxides, via the company's development of Australia's first fully integrated rare earths refinery at Eneabba, in Western Australia. As an international supplier of critical minerals, Iluka’s products are used in an array of applications including technology, construction, medical, lifestyle and industrial uses. As the world moves towards a smarter, safer and sustainable future, our high quality products are increasing in demand. Headquartered in Perth, Western Australia, Iluka is listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Our people are the foundation of our business and are vital to our success now and into the future. We offer an empowering and inclusive work environment. Whether you are working at one of our welcoming sites or corporate offices, you have the opportunity to build strong connections and truly belong.