JOB DESCRIPTION
The Drill Lead serves as the senior diamond driller on our clients Newfoundland site, responsible for operating diamond drilling equipment while also providing field-level leadership and coordination across all drilling crews. This is a 12-month contract with a two-weeks-on, one-week-off rotation. This role acts as the primary liaison between the drilling team and the Project Manager for day-to-day drilling production visibility, crew performance, and operational reporting. The Drill Lead is expected to be the most experienced driller on site and will mentor and train drill helpers while maintaining high production standards and safety compliance. This role carries a leadership premium over standard Diamond Drill Operator rates in recognition of the coordination and oversight responsibilities.
- Operate diamond drill rigs to extract core samples in accordance with drilling plans and geological direction.
- Serve as the day-to-day field leader for all diamond drilling operations, coordinating across multiple drill crews.
- Track and report drilling production data (meters drilled per shift, per crew) and provide production inputs to the Project Manager.
- Coordinate drill crew scheduling, shift handoffs, and crew assignments.
- Monitor drilling parameters (pressure, speed, depth, fluid circulation) and coach operators on optimizing core recovery.
- Mentor and train Drill Helpers to build drilling capability and support career progression.
- Manage drill rod changes, bit replacements, and downhole tooling across active rigs.
- Maintain accurate drilling logs including depth, core recovery, rod counts, and shift production.
- Ensure all drilling operations comply with site safety standards, SOPs, and environmental requirements.
- Identify and escalate drilling issues, equipment problems, or crew performance concerns.
- Participate in operating rhythm activities including status updates, production reporting, and safety briefings
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Minimum 5 years of diamond drilling experience in mineral exploration or mining environments.
- Demonstrated leadership, lead-hand, or supervisory experience in a drilling or field environment.
- Strong understanding of NQ/HQ/BQ rod configurations and core barrel systems.
- Experience with wireline diamond drilling systems.
- Valid Class 1 driver's license.
- Ability to work 12-hour shifts, 7 days/week in a remote camp environment on a rotation schedule.
- Physically capable of handling heavy equipment, drill rods, and materials in all weather conditions.
- Strong commitment to safety — demonstrated understanding of workplace safety standards and procedures.
- Strong communication skills with ability to lead and coordinate a multi-person drilling crew.
NICE TO HAVE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
- Prior experience as a lead driller, foreman, or drilling supervisor.
- Experience with fly-in / fly-out (FIFO) or remote camp rotations in Northern or Eastern Canada.
- Experience training or mentoring junior drillers and drill helpers.
- First Aid, Fall protection, confined space, and WHMIS certifications.
- Familiarity with geological core logging or core orientation procedures.
- Prior experience in Newfoundland or Atlantic Canadian drilling environments.
Pay: $34.00-$37.00 per hour
Application question(s):
- Are you willing to work a 12-month contract with a two-weeks-on, one-week-off rotation in Central Newfoundland?
Work Location: In person
