Earthworks Lead Hand

Skeena Gold + Silver; Kitimat; Hybrid; CAD 61,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Skeena Gold + Silver Limited is recruiting for an Earthworks Lead Hand to oversee field crews at the Eskay Creek Revitalization Project in northern British Columbia. The role involves day‑to‑day leadership, mentoring labourers, and hands‑on support for earthworks activities, civil construction, and mine site operations.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in civil/mining earthworks, extensive equipment operating experience, and the ability to read IFC drawings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in civil construction, earthworks, mining, or related mine site operations.
• Minimum 5 years of equipment operating experience.
• Read and interpret IFC drawings and construction instructions.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot basic equipment issues.

Responsibilities

• Direct, support, and mentor labourers and field personnel to ensure safe, efficient work.
• Provide on‑the‑job training and guidance to crew members.
• Coordinate daily work activities, priorities, manpower, and equipment.
• Lead by example to promote a positive, safety‑focused environment.
• Ensure work aligns with drawings, specifications, and supervisor direction.
• Operate a variety of small and medium‑sized equipment safely and efficiently.

Skills

Team leadership

Equipment operation

Safety leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Class 5 Driver’s License

Class 1 or Class 3 Driver’s License

First Aid Certification

Job description

Description

Skeena Gold + Silver Limited is a Canadian mining company with a portfolio of exploration and development projects located in northwest British Columbia, Canada. Our current focus is on the revitalization of the high-grade, past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine. Skeena is committed to leading the industry in reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion and we work in close collaboration with our Indigenous partners, leveraging their traditional knowledge and respect for the land.

As a Skeena employee, you will become part of a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven work environment. Together, alongside colleagues of diverse backgrounds and experience you will help us operate safely, protect the environment, positively contribute to our local communities and build a state of the art mine in Canada. Come join our team to be a part of this amazing opportunity!

Job Title: Earthworks Lead Hand

Reporting directly to the Field Supervisor, the Lead Hand is responsible for providing day-to-day leadership, direction, and hands‑on support to field crews working on earthworks activities. The Lead Hand assists with coordinating daily work priorities, mentoring labourers, operating equipment, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with project specifications and site requirements.

This position requires a strong combination of leadership, equipment operating experience, mechanical aptitude, and practical knowledge of civil, earthworks, and mine site operations.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):

Team Leadership & Field Coordination

• Direct, support, and mentor labourers and field personnel to ensure work is completed safely, efficiently, and to required standards
• Provide on‑job training, coaching, and guidance to crew members
• Assist Field Supervisors with coordinating daily work activities, priorities, manpower, and equipment
• Lead by example and promote a positive, respectful, and safety‑focused work environment
• Communicate work plans, hazards, changing site conditions, and production priorities to crew members
• Monitor work progress and identify potential issues, delays, or resource requirements, escalating them to the Field Supervisor as required
• Support effective coordination between equipment operators, labourers, supervisors, and other site personnel

Earthworks Operations

• Support civil construction, large earthworks, and mine site activities as directed
• Assist with tailings dam‑related construction and maintenance activities
• Set and install water pumps and associated pumping systems
• Install culverts, drainage systems, and related site infrastructure
• Install and maintain environmental controls, including sediment and erosion control measures
• Install and work with geotextiles, liners, grids, and other civil construction materials
• Assist with site preparation, material handling, grading, drainage, and general earthworks activities
• Interpret IFC (Issued for Construction) drawings and communicate construction requirements to field crews
• Ensure work is completed in accordance with drawings, specifications, work plans, and supervisor direction

Equipment Operation & Maintenance

• Operate a variety of small and medium‑sized mobile equipment, including skid steers, telehandlers, manlifts, mini excavators, and loaders
• Operate equipment safely and efficiently in support of civil, earthworks, pumping, environmental, and mine site activities
• Perform pre‑use inspections and identify equipment defects, hazards, or maintenance requirements
• Assist with routine servicing, fueling, greasing, and maintenance of small equipment
• Troubleshoot basic mechanical issues and apply mechanical aptitude to support equipment reliability
• Assist with pump maintenance and troubleshooting
• Perform HDPE pipe bolt‑up and pipe fusing activities as required
• Maintain equipment, tools, and work areas in a clean, organized, and safe condition

Safety, Communication & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture and zero‑harm mindset
• Comply with company safety policies, procedures, PPE requirements, environmental regulations, and mine site standards
• Participate in toolbox meetings, safety meetings, hazard assessments, and site training
• Identify and report hazards, unsafe conditions, incidents, near misses, and environmental concerns
• Stop work and notify the appropriate supervisor when unsafe conditions or discrepancies are identified
• Maintain clear communication with supervisors, crew members, and other site personnel
• Use radios, cell phones, and other communication tools appropriately for work coordination and reporting
• Complete basic daily reporting and documentation as required

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as reasonably assigned by the Field Supervisor or site management
• Support other field crews and project activities as required to meet operational and production requirements

The Ideal Candidate

Education / Qualifications

• Valid Class 5 Driver’s License and acceptable driving record suitable for site vehicle operation
• Class 1 or Class 3 Driver’s License
• Valid First Aid Certification

Experience / Skills

• Minimum 5 years of experience in civil construction, earthworks, mining, or related mine site operations
• Minimum 5 years of equipment operating experience
• Demonstrated experience operating at least two of the following:
• Loaders
• Skid steers
• Fusing machines
• Previous experience leading, directing, or mentoring field crews
• Experience with pump installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting
• Experience with HDPE pipe bolt‑up and/or fusion
• Experience installing culverts, drainage systems, and environmental controls
• Experience working with geotextiles, liners, grids, and related civil construction materials
• Experience supporting civil and large‑scale earthworks, including tailings dam‑related activities
• Ability to read and interpret IFC drawings, construction drawings, and work instructions
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot basic equipment and mechanical issues
• Basic computer and cell phone skills for communication, reporting, and documentation
• Knowledge of mine site operations, safety procedures, and environmental requirements
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in both small and large teams
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and adapt to changing site conditions and work requirements
• Strong commitment to safe work practices and the ability to lead by example

Physical & Environmental Requirements

• Physically fit and capable of lifting, carrying, and moving materials and equipment weighing up to
• Comfortable performing daily manual physical tasks
• Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions, including rain, snow, cold, heat, mud, and uneven terrain
• Ability to climb on and off equipment and work safely around active construction and mine site operations
• Ability to maintain situational awareness and perform physical work for extended periods
• Comfortable working in remote and rugged environments
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also taking initiative and working independently when required

Work Location & Conditions

This is a site‑based camp job at Eskay Creek Mine site. This position involves working at a remote mine site on a 15 days on/13 days off rotation.

The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is located within the Coast Mountains of Northwestern British Columbia and Tahltan Territory. Ground transportation will be provided from local communities to the Eskay Creek Site facilities. For those applicants located elsewhere in western Canada, flight transportation from major urban centers will be provided to the Terrace or Smithers airports, from which shuttles will provide transportation to the Eskay Creek Camp facilities. Travel time and expenses are subject to Skeena’s Travel Policy.

There will be exposure to extreme temperatures in all seasons including working outdoors in snow, mud, ice, and water conditions, walking to and from different locations on uneven ground, prolonged periods of standing and physically handling/lifting/moving heavy objects.

Compensation

The expected hourly range for this position is CAD $44-$48 in line with the competitive job market for such roles carried out in British Columbia. Salary ranges are guidelines and any job offer received by a candidate will be determined on a number of factors such as relevant education, training, and/or experience.

All Applicants MUST be legally entitled to work in Canada. Priority hiring consideration will be given to Indigenous Nations members who reside within the territories our projects are located.

We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.