Underground Operations - Underground Helper 3

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.