Drilling Specialist

For over a decade, Rangefront Mining Services has been a trusted partner to the mining industry, delivering staffing, geological expertise, advanced technology, and vehicle support. We combine deep industry knowledge with cutting-edge solutions to help our clients succeed.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Drilling Specialist to support drilling operations and deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling programs across mining and exploration projects for a valued client. Acting as the technical subject matter expert for drilling activities, this role is responsible for monitoring and optimizing drilling performance, supporting contractor management, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving continuous improvement in safety, productivity, and cost control.

The Drilling Specialist works closely with site drill services teams, mine operations, engineering, geology, and drilling contractors to ensure drilling projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with company objectives. This is a remote-based position with frequent travel to mining and exploration sites throughout Nevada, South Dakota, Alaska, and Canada as business needs require.

Responsibilities

• Champion and maintain a strong safety culture across all drilling activities.
• Ensure compliance with company drilling standards, policies, procedures, MSHA regulations, and environmental requirements.
• Identify, report, and mitigate safety and environmental hazards.
• Participate in incident investigations, risk assessments, and corrective action development.
• Safely operate on-road and off-road vehicles while performing field-based activities.
• Monitor drilling productivity, penetration rates, equipment performance, and program costs using CorePlan and other reporting tools.
• Support site drill services teams in managing drilling contractors and service providers, including performance reviews and contract compliance.
• Troubleshoot operational challenges such as difficult ground conditions, equipment failures, hole deviation, water inflows, and drilling delays.
• Analyze drilling data and recommend improvements to increase efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimize performance.
• Assist with planning, budgeting, forecasting, and cost tracking for drilling programs.
• Prepare drilling reports, operational summaries, performance metrics, and cost analyses.
• Ensure accurate collection, documentation, and management of drilling and geological data.
• Provide technical guidance, mentoring, and training to contractors and company personnel.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support exploration, mine development, and production objectives.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in mining, drilling, or drilling contractor operations.
• Experience supporting surface mining, underground mining, exploration drilling, blast-hole drilling, water well drilling, or geotechnical drilling programs.
• Strong understanding of surface and underground drilling methods, including diamond core and reverse circulation (RC) drilling.
• Knowledge of drilling equipment, drilling fluids, and ground control principles.
• Working knowledge of MSHA regulations and mining safety practices.
• Valid driver's license and Passport.
• Ability to travel between sites as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Safety, Mining, Engineering, Geology, or a related field.
• Experience in greenfield and brownfield exploration programs.
• Experience in open-pit mining operations involving gold, silver, copper, or aggregate commodities.
• Hands-on knowledge of rotary, DTH (Down-the-Hole), reverse circulation (RC), diamond core, and geotechnical drilling methods.
• Experience using drilling and safety management software, including CorePlan and Intelex.
• Previous experience overseeing drilling contractors in remote exploration and mine-site environments.

Skills

• Strong technical expertise in mining and drilling operations.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting abilities.
• Experience managing contractors and coordinating with vendors and service providers.
• Understanding of cost control, budgeting, and financial tracking.
• Ability to interpret geological, survey, and engineering data.
• Proficiency with drilling management and downhole survey software.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in active mining environments, including both surface and underground operations.
• Frequent walking on uneven terrain and around heavy equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions.
• Ability to wear and utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and per diem.
• PPE allowance.
• Paid travel and expenses (if applicable).
• 401(k) with employer matching.
• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

About Rangefront Mining Services

Rangefront Mining Services is a US-based company with headquarters in Elko, Nevada and regional offices throughout North America. We specialize in providing contract labor services for the mining and geology industries at locations all over the United States and Canada. With decades of experience and deep relationships in both fields, we have expertise in recognizing and qualifying the best candidates. Rangefront strives to re-employ our top-quality candidates after each contract position has ended. We have great relationships with these candidates because of our competitive benefits, exceptional communication, and our commitment to keeping our outstanding laborers employed in great contract positions.

Along with many life-goal centered benefits, our company offers many exciting and rewarding opportunities in geology, exploration, and mining. We believe your career with us will be highly fulfilling.