Role Overview
The Lead, Field Operations, reporting to the Senior Geologist, is responsible for coordinating and managing a variety of greenfield exploration-stage field operation activities through-out Australia. Based in Perth, Australia and working with the Exploration team, this position is also responsible for supervising field operations team members and other on-site contractors.
The role is focused on ensuring the safe, efficient, and well-coordinated operation of a variety of exploration field programs, through experienced planning and hands-on management of operations at project sites. This would include coordinating the transportation and mobilization of resources, tools and equipment to exploration sites as well as ensuring that proper safety, environment and governmental regulations are met.
The candidate should demonstrate a basic understanding of technical elements of Teck Exploration’s business in order to ensure that field program planning and execution are optimized. Demonstrated skill in collaborating with and contributing to high performing multidisciplinary teams is crucial, as well as fostering positive relationships within and outside of Teck.
Key Responsibilities
Be a courageous safety leader, leading by example and fostering a proactive safety and sustainability culture. Ensure safe field operations and, at all times, hold the safety of employees, contractors, and consultants as our highest priority.
Lead field operations technicians and other field-based contractors.
Provide experienced leadership and coordination support to project teams in planning and in-field execution of various geophysical surveys, geochemical/geological sampling programs, and diamond drill programs based out of remote camps, and towns.
Coordinate the timely freighting and delivery of equipment along with supplies to remote field locations, ensuring all resources are available when required for program execution.
Manage warehouse, core facilities, and any site storage/laydown areas to ensure safe and efficient organization, inventory control and readiness for exploration activities.
Oversee and handle the company’s fleet of field vehicles, ensuring timely servicing and repair, and compliance with maintenance schedules. Coordinate vehicle allocation and positioning to support field programs efficiently.
Proactively develop, document and deliver risk/hazard assessments, emergency response plans, project inductions and other HSEC work procedures and guidelines in conjunction with other team members.
Collaborate with office and field-based employees to understand business objectives and to provide guidance for the efficient, appropriate and cost-effective management of field programs.
Maintain positive community relations on the projects. Taking a lead role in securing landholder access and supervising Native Title clearances and heritage monitoring programs.
Safely and efficiently carry out a variety of drill program tasks including collecting petrophysical measurements on diamond drill core, processing drill core, RAB/RC sampling, supervising road works and ensuring rehabilitation of drill site and surrounds meets the highest industry standards.
Manage, maintain and on occasion procure field equipment such as in-house geophysical equipment, safety supplies, communication devices, drilling consumables, camp supplies, and other field gear primarily in Western Australia.
Support the safe and efficient operation of a variety of exploration programs. This will range from complex, multi-faceted camp-based field programs supported by both fixed wing aircraft and/or helicopters, multiple helicopter-portable and/or road-based diamond drill programs, to simpler geoscience programs involving combinations of geological, geochemical and geophysical surveys.
Qualifications
12-15 years of experience working in remote field-based or mining environments. Exposure to a wide range of field related tasks and specific experience with field operations for mineral exploration drill programs in remote camps would be preferred. Construction related experience (e.g., exploration road or drill pad building) would be an asset.
Formal field technical qualifications (i.e. TAFE course) is an advantage, but not essential.
Recognized leader with strong organizational, planning, analytical and decision-making skills. Superior interpersonal, communication and relationship management skills. Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate a diverse team as well as effectively engage third parties.
Proven ability to work effectively in a complex and dynamic environment, both independently and with a diverse multidisciplinary team, building and strengthening relationships within the team, and with contractors, consultants, service providers, regulators, Traditional Owners, and landholders.
Experience in liaising with community stakeholders on all aspects of exploration activities.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and interpersonal skills are required, as well as basic computer knowledge
Able to work with minimal supervision; results orientated with excellent organizational, planning, prioritization, problem solving and execution skills.
Ability to coordinate a variety of logistics and operational tasks; trouble shoot and prioritize work to achieve project outcomes by deadlines.
Electrical and mechanical knowledge and maintenance skills for a variety of equipment and vehicles typically used in mineral exploration would be an asset.
Valid First Aid certificate is essential, minimum requirement HLTAID009, HLTAID010 and HLTAID011. Class C manual drivers license plus heavy rigid license, license to perform high risk work (forklift license) and working at height.
Eligible to work in Australia.
