Drilling & Sampling Operations Technician (Seasonal)

Perpetua Resources; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Perpetua Resources in Kentucky is seeking a Drilling and Sampling Operations Technician for a three‑month temporary assignment to support exploration and geology programs. You will handle, process, and archive drill core, operate core processing equipment, and assist geologists with sampling and data collection while maintaining safety and traceability.

The role requires a high school diploma, ability to operate forklifts, data entry competence, and strong organizational skills.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts or obtain certification.
• Basic computer skills and data entry accuracy.
• Attention to detail and strong organization.
• Ability to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Handle, process, and archive drill core; ensure traceability.
• Operate core processing equipment and assist with sampling.
• Assist geologists with sample prep, labeling, and shipping.
• Enter collection and measurement data into databases.
• Maintain clean, safe Core Logging and Core Storage facilities.

Skills

Forklift operation

Data entry

Sampling support

Detail-oriented

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Core logging equipment

PPE and safety gear

Job description

Description

The Drilling and Sampling Operations Technician supports exploration and geology programs by receiving handling, processing, organizing, sampling, and archiving drill core. This position is responsible for maintaining safe and efficient core handling practices, operating core processing equipment, assisting geologists with sampling and data collection activities, and ensuring the integrity and traceability of drill core throughout the logging and storage process. This temporary/seasonal position is anticipated for a minimum of three months.

Requirements

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Core Handling and Storage

• Handle drill core deliveries from the field or Core Storage Facility (CSF) as directed by the Core Logging Facility (CLF) Supervisor.
• Safely and properly utilize standard forklifts and pallet jacks to move, stack, and organize palletized core at the CSF and CLF.
• Properly organize, stack, palletize, label, and cover drill core for archival purposes in accordance with established procedures.
• Manually load and unload core from pallets and transportation vehicles to core logging racks as directed.
• Maintain accurate identification and chain‑of‑custody of drill core and samples throughout the handling process.

Core Processing and Sampling Support

• Safely and properly operate wet diamond core saws, hydraulic core splitters, and manual core splitters.
• Carefully and accurately cut drill core along scribed sample lines provided by CLF geologists.
• Prepare and process core samples as directed by geologists or the CLF Supervisor.
• Ensure sampling equipment is maintained in a clean, safe, and operational condition.
• Assist geologists with sample preparation, labeling, and shipment activities as required.

Data Collection and Equipment Operation

• Operate, following proper training, core photography equipment, specific gravity measurement devices, magnetic susceptibility meters, and other basic CLF measurement devices.
• Collect, record, and accurately enter data into company databases, spreadsheets, and exploration software systems.
• Verify data accuracy and report any discrepancies to geologists or the CLF Supervisor.

Facility Maintenance and General Support

• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized work environment within the Core Logging Facility and Core Storage Facility.
• Assist with inventory management of supplies, sample materials, and equipment.
• Perform routine housekeeping activities, including cleaning work areas, equipment, and storage locations.
• Assist with light construction projects, facility improvements, and equipment setup as assigned.
• Perform other duties assigned by the CLF Supervisor or designated representative.

Safety Responsibilities

• Follow all company safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Participate in safety meetings, training programs, and hazard assessments.
• Properly use personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times.
• Immediately report unsafe conditions, incidents, and equipment concerns.
• Promote a safety‑first culture and maintain compliance with all environmental and operational standards.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to safely operate forklifts and pallet jacks, or ability to obtain certification.
• Basic computer skills and ability to enter and manage data accurately.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions with attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills and commitment to workplace safety.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Preferred

• Previous experience in mining, exploration, geology, warehousing, logistics, or industrial operations.
• Experience handling drill core and geological samples.
• Familiarity with core logging facilities and exploration support activities.
• Forklift certification and experience operating material handling equipment.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to sample integrity.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and data.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to safely operate tools and equipment.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities.

Physical Requirements

• Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, and balance with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to lift up to 50lbs off and on throughout the day.
• Sufficient personal mobility and health to wear a protective respirator and to operate a saw.
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonably accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instruction and communicate effectively in person on the phone and/or radio.
• Sufficient to carry measuring devices with hands and movements requiring gripping, fingering, and hand, wrist, arm movements.
• Related job tasks may require walking, standing, sitting, lifting, stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, crouching, pushing, grasping, and reaching.
• Regularly works in field environments that require the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), including respiratory protection, throughout the work shift except during breaks.