Production Driller

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Waihi; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Residential role

7 on, 7 off shift

Discounts on retail and services

Free Southern Cross Healthcare

Life Insurance

Free Gym Membership

Long service recognition

Values recognition program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

OceanaGold in Waihi, New Zealand, seeks a Principal Drilling Operator to safely operate drill rigs for blast-hole drilling in stope production. This residential role offers a true work-life balance in Coromandel’s stunning region, away from FIFO, with 12-hour shifts and a 7 on/7 off roster.

Responsibilities include drilling to plans, site prep, reporting, and mentoring the team; ongoing safety and quality checks are essential.

Qualifications

• Trained and assessed as competent in the operation of production drills used on site.
• First Aid Certificate.
• Current full driver licence (ability to operate manual vehicles is mandatory).
• A minimum of 2 years experience in underground mining.

Responsibilities

• Perform risk assessments during course of duties.
• Perform pre-start and shut-down checks on all equipment, ground conditions, consumables, survey and drill plans.
• Use Top Hammer and ITHH drill rigs to drill holes to pattern as per drill plans (make minor alterations as necessary).
• Perform site prep, pack-up and clean-ups on start-up and completion of jobs, sign off as required.
• Participate in shift changeover and pass on relevant information, fill out drilling report sheets accurately (including problems encountered, job condition).
• Mentor style approach for team work. Lead by example and fulfil all job roles trained and competent in.

Skills

Drill rig operation

Underground mining experience

Safety awareness

Education

First Aid Certificate

Driver licence (full)

Tools

Manual vehicle operation

Job description

OceanaGold is a global intermediate gold and copper producer with more than 35 years of exploration, development and operating experience. We have four operating mines – Haile in the USA, Macraes and Waihi in New Zealand, and Didipio in the Philippines and a global workforce of ~5,400 employees and contractors.

Our people, assets, and strategy are core to our success. Guided by our values—Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork—we strive to be a trusted company people want to work for, partner with, supply and invest in, to create value. We are committed to safe and responsible mining that generates strong returns and contributes to sustainable development in the regions where we operate. OceanaGold is listed on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges (TSX: OGC; NYSE: OGC).

Our Waihi Operation in the North Island of New Zealand is an underground gold mine.A recent consent for the Waihi North Project, a new mine to be developed 6km north of the existing operation has provided a long-term extension of mine life providing our 400+ staff and contractors, and the people of Waihi, an assurance that we plan to be here for the long-term.

Job Description

Are you tired of FIFO? Missing family, friends and milestone celebrations regularly? Imagine having a true work-life balance located in the stunning Coromandel region of Waihi, New Zealand. No more FIFO! No more extreme heat waves! Experience the unbeatable lifestyle of a stunning residential mining location, just a short distance away from the most incredible beaches and awe-inspiring scenery. Your days off are available for hiking, adventuring, fishing, and skiing in winter.

The Principal Position Objective of this role is to safely operate drill rigs for the purpose of drilling blast holes for stope production and for miscellaneous drilling. Provide support to the services section as and when required.

• Perform risk assessments during course of duties.
• Perform pre-start and shut-down checks on all equipment, ground conditions, consumables, survey and drill plans.
• Use Top Hammer and ITHH drill rigs to drill holes to pattern as per drill plans (make minor alterations as necessary).
• Perform site prep, pack-up and clean-ups on start-up and completion of jobs, sign off as required.
• Participate in shift changeover and pass on relevant information, fill out drilling report sheets accurately (including problems encountered, job condition).
• Mentor style approach for team work. Lead by example and fulfil all job roles trained and competent in.

Qualifications

• Trained and assessed as competent in the operation of production drills used on site.
• First Aid Certificate.
• Current full driver licence (ability to operate manual vehicles is mandatory).
• A minimum of 2 years experience in underground mining.

Additional Information

WHAT'S ON OFFER:

• Residential role - live and work in Waihi, the gateway to the stunning Coromandel region
• 7 on, 7 off shift even time roster(includes nightshift) 12 hour shifts.
• Discounts on retail and services
• Free Southern Cross Healthcare
• Life Insurance
• Free Gym Membership
• Long service recognition
• Living Our Values recognition program
• Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Exceptional working environment where people are valued and respected
  

YOU MATTER:OceanaGold is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We believea variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success.

Applications close 23 October 2026.Shortlisting will commence immediately.Please note that a valid New Zealand working Visa will be required for this position.