Driller Assistant (Helper)

Mariana Minerals; Moab (UT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Mariana Minerals in Moab, Utah is seeking a Driller Assistant to support drilling for mineral exploration, assist the Driller with setting up rigs, handling core, maintaining equipment, and following safety standards. This is an excellent entry point for a career toward becoming a Driller.

You will work outdoors on 12-hour shifts, lift up to 50 lbs, and help maintain logs, inventory and daily reports. RC/diamond core/water-well drilling is a plus, CDL a plus.

Qualifications

• Experience as a driller's helper, offsider or rig hand, or comparable hands-on field, construction or mechanical work.
• Diamond core, reverse circulation (RC) or water-well drilling experience is a plus.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn drilling techniques and equipment.
• Real commitment to safety and following procedures.
• Valid driver's license; CDL is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Help the Driller safely set up, move and tear down the drill rig and drill pad
• Handle rods, core barrels, casing and tooling while tripping in and out of the hole
• Pull, clean, measure, label and box core accurately, with good contamination control
• Mix and manage drilling fluids, and maintain water lines, pumps and supply systems
• Do pre-start inspections, greasing, lubrication and basic maintenance on the rig, compressors, pumps and support equipment
• Help keep drill logs, footage drilled, consumables used and daily reports
• Keep an inventory of bits and supplies, and let the Driller know when stock is low
• Recognize changes in ground conditions and flag them to the Driller and geologist
• Keep the drill pad and equipment area clean and organized
• Handle equipment breakdowns and emergencies with a calm, safety-first approach

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Safety first

Willingness to learn

Driver's license

Job description

About Mariana Minerals

Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

The Driller Assistant works alongside the Driller to support drilling for mineral exploration and resource definition at our open-pit copper mine. The role focuses on safe rig operations, careful core handling and recovery, equipment care, and following health, safety and environmental standards. Experience with reverse circulation (RC), air rotary or water-well drilling carries over well. It's a strong entry point for anyone looking to build a career toward Driller. Help us build the world's first fully autonomous mine.

Responsibilities

• Help the Driller safely set up, move and tear down the drill rig and drill pad

• Handle rods, core barrels, casing and tooling while tripping in and out of the hole

• Pull, clean, measure, label and box core accurately, with good contamination control

• Mix and manage drilling fluids, and maintain water lines, pumps and supply systems

• Do pre-start inspections, greasing, lubrication and basic maintenance on the rig, compressors, pumps and support equipment

• Help keep drill logs, footage drilled, consumables used and daily reports

• Keep an inventory of bits and supplies, and let the Driller know when stock is low

• Recognize changes in ground conditions and flag them to the Driller and geologist

• Keep the drill pad and equipment area clean and organized

• Handle equipment breakdowns and emergencies with a calm, safety-first approach

Qualifications

• Experience as a driller's helper, offsider or rig hand, or comparable hands-on field, construction or mechanical work

• Diamond core, reverse circulation (RC) or water-well drilling experience is a plus

• Strong mechanical aptitude and willingness to learn drilling techniques and equipment

• Real commitment to safety and following procedures

• Valid driver's license; CDL is a plus

Schedule

• 7 days on / 7 days off, 12-hour day shifts

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work 12-hour shifts outdoors on drill pads and rugged terrain, in all weather and extreme temperatures

• Lift at least 50 lbs, with exposure to dust, noise, vibration and diesel

• Wear all required PPE (hard hat, steel toes, safety glasses, hi-vis, hearing protection, and a respirator when required)

Our culture is built on four principles:

Everyone Gets Home Safe. We never put speed or cost ahead of people.

Extreme Ownership. We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.

Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate. We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.

Share Your Legos. We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.

Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply!