Finding a job

 

So you want a job in mineral exploration

Mining and Exploration

Geology Handbook

Got Skills?

The first thing to realize is there are lots of people competing for the same job as you – at all levels, from labourer to head geologist and everything in between. The only thing you can do is to set yourself apart is to have the skills to rise to the top.

You will then need to do the legwork. A first step is to check the job boards listed to the right, however a more efficient way maybe to look at the mining directory from the Ontario Prospectors Association, find company operating in your area and call/mail/visit them to get yourself known.

General/Labour fields

Generally the lower levels of employment (but not workload) are the general labourers. These jobs require physical strength and endurance as most of the literal heavy lifting is accomplished here. General labourers can move into jobs like core cutter, driller helpers.

Beyond that they can eventually become drillers, camp managers.

Some skills worth noting (The more you have , the better you look)

  • Heavy equipment operators certification
  • Small engine repair
  • Chainsaw / Rock saw operator
  • Pump operator and knowledge
  • General safety certifications
  • First aid
  • Surface Common Core (through colleges)

Get some education

Beyond the labourers in mineral exploration are the specialist or technical personnel. The drill foreman, geo-technicians, geo-assistants, Geologists, GIS techs and even the claims managers all require varying levels of specialized training and/or experience.

There are numerous online and offline courses and certifications that can be found, with 1-2 year college programs for some technical fields. Geologists and sometimes geo-technicians require a 4 year university degree.

Since these are more technical fields requiring additional specialized education, experience becomes the largest factor  in hireability

Real World example from Northern Empire minesite in NW Ontario:

Common jobs in mineral exploration

Physical workers

Most of these jobs start as non-skilled and then work up experience over time.

  • Labourer
  • Driller Helper
  • Driller
  • Camp manager
  • Camp cook
  • Core cutters

Specialists:

Usually these jobs require extra training/school

  • Drill Foreman
  • Geo-technician
  • Safety Officers
  • Geologists
  • GIS technicians
  • Claims manager

Job Resources

Careermine:
Online updated often, mostly technical fields and for the whole world.

Indeed.com:
seems to work Ok, link provided is for searched “mining exploration” but try others.

Canada Job Bank
Canadian wide government job board.

Most jobs, as in any field are unadvertised.

Mining and exploration directory 2018

 

Get In Touch

CanadaMines.ca provides general information on geology, mining, and exploration in Canada and is not intended as professional advice. Users should consult qualified professionals before making decisions based on site content. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee error-free, complete, or current information and assume no responsibility for discrepancies. We are not liable for damages from using or relying on-site content, and users indemnify CanadaMines.ca and its affiliates from claims arising from their use. External links are not endorsed, and this disclaimer may change without notice. Continued use signifies acceptance of changes.

Canadamines.ca participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases through our links.