Underground Core driller

Major Drilling; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Major Drilling Group International Inc. is seeking an Underground Core Driller in Salt Lake City, UT. This on-site role operates and maintains underground core drilling rigs, sets up drill sites, and ensures safety and accuracy of core samples per project specs.

Ideal candidates bring drilling ops experience, heavy equipment familiarity, and a commitment to safety in confined underground environments and rotating shifts.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical or trade certification in drilling, heavy equipment operation, or mining is an asset.
• Experience with underground core drilling and exposure to directional drilling techniques is preferred.
• Ability to operate and maintain drilling equipment and perform basic maintenance safely.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain underground core drilling rigs and heavy equipment.
• Set up drill sites, align and position equipment, monitor drilling parameters.
• Complete accurate drilling logs and reports for supervisors and project teams.
• Follow all safety procedures and site-specific policies; work with underground crews.

Skills

Drilling operations

Underground drilling

Equipment operation

Safety compliance

Site communication

Physical endurance

Inspection & logs

Education

High school diploma

Trade certification in drilling

Tools

Underground drilling rigs

Heavy equipment maintenance

Job description

Company Description Major Drilling Group International Inc. is the world’s leading provider of specialized drilling services for the mining industry, offering a broad range of surface and underground solutions. Established in 1980, the company’s management team brings over 1,000 years of combined experience and technical expertise. Major Drilling operates field locations and offices across North America, South America, Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe, supporting projects in diverse environments. Services include underground and surface coring, directional and reverse circulation drilling, sonic and geotechnical work, environmental and water-well drilling, coal-bed methane and shallow gas projects, percussive/longhole drilling, surface drill and blast, and mine services. The company is also investing in data-driven, high-tech drillside solutions to improve safety, performance, and efficiency for clients and teams in the field.

Role Description

This is a full-time, on-site Underground Core Driller role based in Salt Lake City, UT.

The Underground Core Driller is responsible for operating and maintaining underground core drilling rigs and associated heavy equipment to safely extract core samples according to project specifications. Day-to-day activities include setting up drill sites, aligning and positioning equipment, monitoring drilling parameters, and adjusting operations to meet geological and safety requirements. The role involves performing routine inspections, troubleshooting mechanical issues, completing accurate drilling logs, and communicating progress and findings to supervisors and project teams. The Underground Core Driller must follow all company and site safety procedures, support underground crew operations, and contribute to efficient, high-quality drilling outcomes in challenging conditions.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience with drilling operations, including underground core drilling and exposure to directional drilling techniques.
• Hands-on capability with heavy equipment used in underground drilling environments, including safe setup, operation, and basic maintenance.
• Ability to conduct thorough inspection of drilling equipment, tools, and work areas to identify hazards and ensure compliance with safety standards.
• Background in drilling for mining, mineral exploration, or related oil & gas or geotechnical projects, with understanding of subsurface conditions and core recovery.
• Strong commitment to safety, including adherence to underground safety protocols, use of PPE, and participation in safety training.
• Ability to work in confined, underground environments, perform physically demanding tasks, and maintain reliability in rotating or extended shifts.
• Effective communication skills for coordinating with supervisors, geologists, and site teams, and for completing clear drilling reports and logs.
• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or trade certification in drilling, heavy equipment operation, or mining is an asset.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet site access requirements; willingness to undergo any