Foreman/Field Representative

USA Rare Earth, LLC•Sierra Blanca, TX

50d•Onsite

About The Position

The Owner's Field Representative serves as USARE's primary on-site presence at the Round Top project. This is a long-term, career-track role that will evolve with the project — beginning with contractor oversight during the early works and pre-construction phase, and transitioning into full operational oversight of the mining contractor once production begins. The person in this role will be the owner's eyes and ears in the field at every stage of the project: from first dirt moved to steady-state mining operations. This role requires strong field judgment, hands-on mining or construction experience, and the ability to manage contractor relationships with authority and credibility. No formal engineering degree is required, but deep operational knowledge and leadership presence are essential.

Requirements

Minimum 7–10 years of field experience in open-pit mining or heavy earthworks construction
Demonstrated experience overseeing contractors or subcontractors in a supervisory or field representative capacity
Solid understanding of open-pit mining operations: drilling, blasting, loading, hauling, and waste management
Familiarity with construction drawings, specifications, and quantity measurement methods
Working knowledge of MSHA regulations and site safety practices
Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear daily field reports
Willingness to be permanently based on-site in Sierra Blanca, TX

Nice To Haves

Experience on the owner's side of a mining or construction project
Exposure to contract mining operations and contractor performance management
Familiarity with earthworks and production payment reconciliation
Experience with survey or quantity verification tools (drone-based, GPS, or similar)

Responsibilities

Monitor and oversee contractor field operations daily, including earthworks, access road construction, site grading, and prepared pad construction
Verify that contractor work conforms to approved drawings, specifications, and project schedules
Conduct daily field inspections and document observations, progress, and non-conformances
Review and validate contractor quantity measurements for progress payment approval
Enforce project Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) standards and MSHA regulations on site
Maintain accurate daily field reports, photo documentation, and site logs
Support mobilization logistics and site readiness activities
Serve as USARE's permanent on-site representative during active open-pit mining operations
Oversee the mining contractor's day-to-day performance against production targets, schedules, and safety standards
Review and approve contractor shift reports, production data, and equipment utilization records
Monitor drill and blast (D&B) execution, load and haul cycles, and waste dump operations
Identify operational inefficiencies, safety concerns, or contractor performance issues and escalate to the Director of Mining Engineering
Act as the primary liaison between USARE project leadership and the contractor's site superintendent and management team
Support continuous improvement initiatives and contractor accountability throughout the life of mine
Attend daily and weekly contractor coordination meetings
Report field status, risks, and issues promptly to the Director of Mining Engineering
Build and maintain a strong, professional working relationship with the contractor's field leadership