Chief Planning Engineer - FIFO from Western Canada

Hecla Mining Company; Calgary; Remote; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mining firm is looking for a Chief Planning Engineer to oversee mine planning functions and ensure production targets are met safely. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in mine management and technical leadership. This role involves compliance with regulations and collaboration with various teams to foster corporate growth. Benefits include competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

6% RRSP matching program

Gym and wellness facilities

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in underground mines management.
• 5+ years of underground operational supervisory experience.
• Strong background in mine services and contractor management.

Responsibilities

• Oversee mine planning function and align with production targets.
• Develop and implement mine plans for various timeframes.
• Coordinate mid-range and long-range mine infrastructure.

Skills

Mine planning management

Technical leadership

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mine Engineering

Ability to register for a P.Eng in Yukon

Tools

Mine design software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

Summary: Reporting to the Technical Services Manager, the purpose of this role is to lead and manage the mine planning function, overseeing the development and implementation of short-, mid-, and long-term mine plans. The Chief Planning Engineer ensures alignment with production targets, regulatory compliance, and safety standards while providing technical leadership, coordinating with operations and geology, and supporting corporate growth through effective planning and reporting.

About the Company

The Keno Hill mine, located within the Keno Hill Silver District in Canada’s Yukon Territory. Keno Hill is one of the highest-grade silver districts in the world, situated 350 kilometres north of Whitehorse, and lies within the traditional territory of the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyak Dun. Keno Hill comprises 242 square kilometres with numerous mineral deposits and more than 35 historical past-producing mine sites. Keno Hill is expected to produce 2.7-3.1 million ounces of silver in 2025 as the mine ramps up production. The mine is owned and operated by Hecla Mining Company, headquartered in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Established in 1891, Hecla has a long history as a distinguished precious metals producer. Keno Hill seeks new team members committed to professional growth and success.

Responsibilities

• Oversee, coordinate and address engineering activities including annual budgets, reserves, planning, surface and underground infrastructure, mine ventilation and geotechnical issues.
• Develop, optimize and implement an approved 3-month, 1-month and weekly mine plan to achieve annual tonnage and ounce objectives in a safe and economic manner.
• Coordinate mid-range and long-range mine infrastructure planning with mine operations related to dewatering, electrical and ventilation.
• Monitor compliance and ensure adherence to applicable engineering codes, regulations, safety and environmental practices, performance standards and specifications.
• Provide technical leadership and operational expertise to the engineering and operations team.
• Establish, execute, and effectively monitor short-term and long-term plans that support corporate growth strategies. Collaborate with corporate technical services on plans and projects.
• Participate in daily/weekly planning meetings with key personnel to coordinate activities to meet goals.
• Plan alternative optimized methods of ore extraction, stope access and mining sequence, detailing the benefits and issues with each while making recommendations to the team.
• Prepare month-end and year-end engineering reports and submissions.
• Coordinate mine engineering work with geology and mine operations teams.
• Develop and maintain engineering policies and procedures.
• Enforce accountability of compliance to plans within the mine operations department.
• Work cooperatively with the mine operations teams to develop engineered solutions to operational problems and ensure engineering provides adequate prints to support mine operations.
• Recruit, mentor, and retain engineering personnel in coordination with departmental succession planning.
• Promote an environmentally responsible culture and teach environmentally friendly values and work practices.
• Foster a strong safety culture, promoting and exemplifying safe work practices throughout the organization.
• Other duties may be assigned.
• You will be part of a team you can rely on; a team that will have your back.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mine Engineering
• Must be able to register for a P.Eng in the Yukon Territory
• 10+ years of experience supporting or managing projects in operating underground mines and/or projects under development/expansion
• 5+ years of underground operational supervisory/management experience
• Strong background in mine services, design, scheduling, QA/QC, and contractor management
• Ability to utilize mine design software and Microsoft Office required
• Experience in underground narrow vein mining, ground control, and underground/surface water management is an asset
• Ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written) to operational and technical levels

Pre-employment Requirements

• Pre-Employment Testing (drug & alcohol, blood lead, and audiogram)
• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License
• Clean Driver’s Abstract

Safety, Health, Environmental Responsibilities And Accountabilities

All Hecla personnel shall strive to achieve best practice in safety, health, and environmental and assist in the control of incidents, injuries, and loss. Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Complying with all necessary requirements put in place to prevent safety or environmental incidents, injuries, or losses.
• Ensuring the safety and health of themselves and others in the workplace by being responsible for their actions and taking due care while performing their work.
• Following all environmental requirements and maintaining integrity to ensure environmental compliance.
• Ensuring all spills are reported in accordance with spill reporting procedures.
• Identifying, eliminating, and reporting hazards as soon as practicable.
• Reporting incidents and accidents as soon as practicable.
• Disclosing all information regarding incidents and cooperating in incident investigations.
• Assisting in the resolution of health and safety matters in a positive and timely manner.
• Using and maintaining PPE.
• Providing suggestions for improving work processes.
• Assisting Management by supporting change to achieve desired targets.
• Ensuring that plant and equipment operate within their safe working limits.
• Ensuring that correct equipment is used for the job.
• Participating in risk assessment methodology.
• Participating in safety initiatives.
• Receiving training and instruction as required.
• Maintaining good housekeeping standards

Work Environment

Employees will be regularly exposed to outdoor weather conditions, including snow and ice, as well as extreme temperatures ranging from cold to heat. The work environment may involve contact with potentially hazardous wildlife, moving mechanical parts, elevated work areas, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and the use of explosives. There is also a risk of electrical shock and exposure to vibration. Noise levels can occasionally be loud, depending on the task or location on site.

Work Location & Schedule

This is a fly-in fly-out position based at a remote mining camp, operating on a rotational schedule of 14 days on and 14 days off. Camp accommodations and meals are provided while on site. All travel to and from the mine site is arranged through a designated travel agency and coordinated from approved flight hubs. To ensure efficient travel logistics, we are primarily seeking candidates who reside in the Yukon, British Columbia, and Alberta, particularly near major transportation centers within these regions.

Compensation & Benefits

Hecla Keno Hill offers competitive pay based on experience and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance, plus a 6% RRSP matching program. Our remote site features a gym and a welcome center, along with a Health Spending Account, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an Educational Assistance Program to support your health, well-being, and professional growth.

Applications

If you’re interested in this role, apply on our website at this link: http://www.hecla.com/careers/ If you are selected, our recruiter will reach out to you to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.