Underground Operations - Underground Helper 3

Major Drilling America; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Major Drilling America seeks an Underground Driller Assistant to support underground and surface drilling operations under supervision. You will perform pre-shift inspections, assist with drill setup, and help maintain equipment and safety records.

You will handle samples, assist with surveying, and help keep the work area organized while following MSHA regulations and site procedures. This role requires physically demanding work and adherence to safety standards.

Qualifications

• Ability to follow safety procedures and SOPs.
• Knowledge of underground mining safety practices.
• Ability to read drill plans, maps, and operating instructions.

Responsibilities

• Support underground and surface drilling operations under supervision.
• Perform pre-shift inspections of drill rigs and equipment.
• Assist with drill setup, tripping, and maintenance of downhole tooling.
• Handle samples, label cores, and maintain sample storage areas.
• Maintain a clean and safe work area and report hazards.

Skills

Safety compliance

MSHA regulations

Equipment operation

Education

MSHA Part 48 Underground and Surface Miner certification

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Drill rigs

Water pumps

Job description

Underground Driller Assistant

Position Summary

The Underground Driller Assistant supports underground and surface drilling operations by assisting with equipment operation and maintenance, site housekeeping, sample handling, safety compliance, and drilling activities. This position works under the direction of the Driller and Field Supervisor and is responsible for performing assigned duties in accordance with company policies, MSHA regulations, and site-specific requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Safety and Compliance

• Comply with all company policies, site rules, MSHA regulations, and safety requirements.
• Participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, site inductions, and safety share activities.
• Complete workplace hazard assessments and pre-task risk evaluations before beginning work.
• Follow established procedures for Lock Out Tag Out Try Out (LOTOTO), brassing in/out, incident reporting, near-miss reporting, and hazard identification.
• Exercise stop-work authority when unsafe conditions or practices are identified.
• Wear and maintain required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Assist with emergency response activities and follow site emergency procedures as required.

Equipment Operation and Maintenance

• Perform pre-shift inspections of drill rigs, mobile equipment, hand tools, and support equipment.
• Conduct preventive maintenance activities and routine equipment inspections.
• Assist with rebuilding and maintaining drilling equipment, including latch heads, water swivels, pumps, mud systems, and related components.
• Install and replace parts, gaskets, valves, and other drilling equipment components as required.
• Assist with drill rig setup, movement, and teardown activities.
• Operate vehicles, forklifts, and other equipment when trained, authorized, and qualified to do so.
• Assist with inventory management, tool inspections, and equipment audits.

Drilling Operations

• Assist with drill setup and operation, including drill station preparation and maintenance.
• Perform rod handling, rod tripping, and related drilling support activities.
• Assemble, disassemble, inspect, and maintain downhole tooling and core barrels.
• Mix, monitor, and troubleshoot drilling fluids, muds, and grouts.
• Assist with surveying activities and the use of drilling orientation tools.
• Maintain drilling supplies, consumables, and equipment required for ongoing operations.

Sample Handling and Site Housekeeping

• Collect, label, handle, secure, and transport samples in accordance with company procedures.
• Label, load, and secure core boxes and maintain accurate sample identification.
• Build and maintain chip trays and sample storage areas.
• Record sample information and complete required drilling documentation.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area.
• Perform housekeeping duties in accordance with site requirements and company standards.

Team Support

• Assist in the training and onboarding of new employees as directed.
• Communicate operational, equipment, and safety concerns to supervisors.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Driller, Field Supervisor, or management.

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to understand and follow safety procedures, work instructions, and standard operating procedures.
• Knowledge of underground mining and drilling safety practices.
• Ability to read and interpret drill plans, maps, and operating instructions.
• Ability to use workplace communication systems and emergency response equipment.
• Knowledge of hazard recognition and reporting procedures.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Ability to safely use hand tools, power tools, and job-related equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current MSHA Part 48 Underground and Surface Miner certification (5000-23) or ability to obtain as required by the project.
• Valid driver's license meeting company vehicle operation requirements.
• Ability to work in a mining, drilling, construction, or other heavy industrial environment.
• Ability to comply with all customer, site, and company requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in drilling, mining, construction, or heavy industrial operations.
• Mechanical aptitude and experience performing equipment maintenance or repairs.
• Experience working in underground mining environments.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, and pull up to 55 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb ladders, and work on uneven terrain for extended periods.
• Ability to perform physically demanding work in underground and outdoor environments.
• Ability to work in varying weather, temperature, dust, noise, and remote-site conditions.
• Ability to work rotational schedules, extended shifts, weekends, and overtime as required.
• Ability to travel and work at various project locations as business needs require.
• Ability to wear and utilize required PPE, including respiratory protection where required.

Pre-Employment Requirements

Employment is contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings, testing, training, certifications, and evaluations required by company policy and applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodation

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties and responsibilities may be modified based on business needs.