Core Driller

Marianaminerals
Moab, UT
On-site

Who this role is best for

Best suited to experienced drillers with mechanical aptitude working in open-pit copper mining.

Best fit for

  • Experienced drillers with leadership potential in open-pit copper mining
    — “A driller who can lead and train a Driller Assistant is strongly preferred.”
  • Individuals with prior drilling experience in diamond core, RC, or blast hole methods
    — “diamond core experience is ideal, but we also welcome strong drillers from reverse circulation (RC), air rotary or blast hole backgrounds.”
  • Candidates who prioritize safety and thrive in outdoor, rugged environments
    — “We never put speed or cost ahead of people.”

Things to consider

  • The role demands physical endurance and exposure to extreme weather conditions
    — “Work 12-hour shifts outdoors on drill pads and rugged terrain, in all weather and extreme temperatures”
  • Candidates must be capable of lifting at least 50 lbs regularly
    — “Lift at least 50 lbs, with exposure to dust, noise, vibration and diesel”
  • This is a full-time role with a rotating 7 days on / 7 days off schedule
    — “7 days on / 7 days off, 12-hour day shifts”

How to stand out

  • Highlight experience with pre-start inspections and equipment maintenance on your resume
    — “Do thorough pre-start inspections, routine servicing and basic troubleshooting to keep downtime low”
  • Emphasize your ability to adapt to changing ground conditions and communicate effectively
    — “Recognize changes in ground conditions and flag them to the geologist and supervisors”
  • Showcase leadership experience in training drill helpers or managing teams
    — “Experience training or leading drill helpers is a strong plus”
  • Demonstrate your attention to detail in core recovery and documentation practices
    — “Make sure core is recovered, measured, labeled and boxed correctly, with good contamination control”
  • Mention your ability to monitor and adjust drilling parameters in your interview responses
    — “Monitor and adjust drilling parameters such as fluid pressure, rotation speed, weight on bit and penetration rate”
Pace · SteadyCollaboration · LowAutonomy · HighDecision Impact · Individual

Derived from job-description analysis by Serendipath's career intelligence engine.

What success looks like

  • accurate and safe drilling
  • high-quality core recovery
Typical background
2+ years drilling experience

Skills & requirements

Required

Drilling ExperienceMechanical AptitudeDrilling TechniquesEquipment Care

Preferred

Diamond Core DrillingTraining

Stack & domain

Diamond Core DrillingReverse Circulation DrillingAir Rotary DrillingBlast Hole DrillingDrilling TechniquesDrilling EquipmentMechanical AptitudeTroubleshootingSafety ProceduresDrill LogsFootage DrilledDaily Production ReportsGround ConditionsGeologySupervisionTrainingDriller AssistantDrill Pad MaintenanceEmergency ResponsePPESafetyLeadershipTeamworkProblem SolvingCommunicationAdaptabilityAttention To DetailTime ManagementMiningMineralsCopperExplorationResource DefinitionAutomationData-driven Decision-making

About the role

Original posting from Marianaminerals via Ashby

ABOUT MARIANA MINERALS

Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.

The Core Driller operates diamond core drill rigs at our open-pit copper mine, drilling for mineral exploration and resource definition. The role focuses on safe, accurate drilling to plan, high-quality core recovery, equipment care, and following health, safety and environmental standards. Diamond core experience is ideal, but we also welcome strong drillers from reverse circulation (RC), air rotary or blast hole backgrounds. A driller who can lead and train a Driller Assistant is strongly preferred. Help us build the world's first fully autonomous mine.

Responsibilities

  • Safely operate a diamond core drill rig in line with site procedures, manufacturer specs and MSHA requirements
  • Collar holes accurately and hold the right angles, depths and alignment per the drill plan
  • Do thorough pre-start inspections, routine servicing and basic troubleshooting to keep downtime low
  • Monitor and adjust drilling parameters such as fluid pressure, rotation speed, weight on bit and penetration rate
  • Make sure core is recovered, measured, labeled and boxed correctly, with good contamination control
  • Keep accurate drill logs, footage drilled and daily production reports
  • Recognize changes in ground conditions and flag them to the geologist and supervisors
  • Lead and mentor the Driller Assistant and keep the crew working safely
  • Keep the drill pad and equipment area clean and organized
  • Handle equipment breakdowns and emergencies with a calm, safety-first approach

Qualifications

  • 2+ years of drilling experience, ideally as a diamond core driller
  • RC, air rotary or blast hole drillers are also encouraged to apply
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and a solid understanding of drilling techniques and equipment
  • Experience training or leading drill helpers is a strong plus
  • Real commitment to safety
  • Valid driver's license; CDL is a plus

Schedule

  • 7 days on / 7 days off, 12-hour day shifts
  • Housing & Relocation: Housing and relocation assistance options are available.

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

  • Work 12-hour shifts outdoors on drill pads and rugged terrain, in all weather and extreme temperatures
  • Lift at least 50 lbs, with exposure to dust, noise, vibration and diesel
  • Wear all required PPE (hard hat, steel toes, safety glasses, hi-vis, hearing protection, and a respirator when required)

OUR CULTURE IS BUILT ON FOUR PRINCIPLES:

Everyone Gets Home Safe. We never put speed or cost ahead of people.

Extreme Ownership. We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.

Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate. We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.

Share Your Legos. We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.

Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply!

Source: Marianaminerals careers (Ashby)

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