Drill Operator

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING COMPANY LLC; Mojave (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K with Company Matching

Health Insurance

9 Paid Holidays

Vacation Accruals

Job summary

Golden Queen Mining Co., LLC is seeking a Drill Operator to join our surface mining team near Mojave, CA. The role focuses on safe operation, maintenance of heavy drilling equipment, and mentoring junior drillers.

You will perform pre-shift safety inspections, operate drill rigs (Epiroc DM-45) and support fleet—ensuring compliance with MSHA standards, site plans, and blasting coordination. Outdoor work in variable conditions, strong communication required.

Qualifications

• Experience in surface drilling operations preferred.
• Leadership or mentoring experience preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Responsibilities

• Complete all required MSHA and site safety training.
• Perform pre-shift and pre-operation safety inspections.
• Operate drilling and mining equipment safely and efficiently (e.g., drill rigs, haul trucks, loaders).
• Lead, mentor, and train lower-level drillers.
• Supervise drill department activities and ensure compliance with mine regulations.
• Maintain equipment maintenance and operations records.

Skills

Surface drilling

Leadership

Communication skills

Valid driver’s license

Mentoring

Safety focus

Tools

Wenco fleet management

Job description

Drill Operator Job Description

Description

Who We Are

Andean is a fast-growing precious metals producer operating across top-tier jurisdictions in the Americas. With two cornerstone assets — the San Bartolomé processing facility in Potosí, Bolivia, and the Soledad Mountain Project in Kern County, California — we are expanding our footprint and shaping the future of responsible mining.

Through Golden Queen Mining Co., LLC, we operate a modern gold and silver open-pit, heap-leach mine just outside Mojave. The site uses conventional open-pit mining, cyanide heap leaching, and Merrill-Crowe processing to recover gold and silver from crushed and agglomerated ore. This is mining at scale, powered by innovation, discipline, and a commitment to doing things the right way.

At Andean, our people are our most valuable resource and critical to our success. Our culture fosters inclusion, collaboration, and rewards success, positioning us to be the employer of choice in the communities where we operate.

Who You Are

You are a safety-focused and reliable driller who takes pride in operating and maintaining heavy mining and drilling equipment. You work well independently, communicate clearly with your team, and follow all safety protocols. You have a strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to mentor others while ensuring efficient, accurate, and compliant drilling operations.

This is a safety sensitive position. As the Drill Operator you report to the Drill & Blast Supervisor.

What You Do

• Complete all required MSHA and site-specific safety training.
• Perform pre-shift and pre-operation safety inspections on all mining equipment at the site.
• Operate various mining and drilling equipment safely and efficiently, including but not limited to
• Drill rigs (Epiroc DM-45)
• Water truck (HM-400, HD-785)
• Komatsu mining fleet
• Haul trucks (up to 100-ton capacity)
• Cat (16M Grader)
• Cat (D9T dozer)
• Telehandler
• FH-50 Forklift
• Komatsu (275&375) Dozer
• WD 600 (Rubber Tire)
• Front end loaders (6-yard bucket)
• Shovels (19-yard bucket)
• Drill to specified depths, stabilize equipment, and adjust drill settings based on ground material.
• Input and track drill pattern data, update Wenco statuses, and accurately drill sister holes.
• Perform basic and advanced equipment maintenance, including checking fluid levels, inspecting belts and hammers, cleaning air filter reservoirs, replacing worn bits, and flipping/changing drill steel.
• Build, replenish, and maintain wear parts, sample catchers, rod wipers, and bottom assembly components.
• Read maps and create drill patterns manually or using digital systems.
• Lead, mentor, and train lower-level drillers to ensure safe and effective operations.
• Assist with site maintenance tasks as needed, including shoveling dirt, fence repairs, and moving small rocks.
• Communicate effectively with blasting teams, enforce safety protocols, manage evacuations and radio silence procedures, and respond appropriately to misfires.
• Supervise drill department activities, ensuring compliance with mine regulations, safety standards, and operational plans.
• Fill in as lead personnel when required, overseeing operational activities and equipment deployment.
• Maintain accurate equipment maintenance and operations records.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

• Experience in surface drilling operations (preferred).
• Familiarity with Wenco or similar fleet management systems (preferred).
• Leadership, mentoring, or training experience (preferred).
• Background in blasting safety and supervision (preferred).
• Ability to work in an outdoor mining environment with exposure to dust, noise, heavy equipment, and variable weather.
• Consistently follow strict safety protocols and wear all required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with team members and supervisors.
• Self-starter capable of working independently with minimal oversight or direction.
• Ability to read, interpret, and follow all equipment handbooks and operational guidelines.
• Ability to monitor and analyze equipment gauges, warnings, and performance indicators.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Adherence to safety policies and standards.

What We Offer

We offer a competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, which includes the following:

• 401K with Company Matching
• PPO & HMO Health Insurance Plans
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Vacation Accruals

Notice to recruitment and/or staffing firms:

The Company will not pay any fees for recruitment activities related to the hiring of a candidate for any position unless a services agreement has been entered into between the recruitment and/or staffing firm.

Go to www.goldenqueenllc.com for information on the Company and the Project.