Geophysical Field Operations Lead

Fleet Space Technologies • Toronto, ON

6d • Hybrid

About The Position

Fleet Space runs geophysical field programs across the Americas that feed directly into ExoSphere, our satellite enabled mineral exploration platform. As our Geophysical Operations Lead, you will be the person on the ground who makes sure that operations are set up & run smoothly. The Geophysical Operations Lead is the primary technical authority and crew supervisor to lead Seismic, MT, ANT, and Gravity crews, standing up new projects from the ground up and act as the technical authority who keeps our field programs producing data our clients can trust. You will be based in Toronto, running the Americas equipment warehouse between deployments while spending approximately 100 days year in the field leading crews, performing QC, and troubleshooting instrument and method issues as they happen. You will also start up new projects from scratch, building field teams, staging equipment, and getting new crews to full technical discipline fast. The role also acts as a technical resource for the sales team, supporting client inquiries and proposal scoping with field-tested input on acquisition methodology, crewing, and feasibility. This role requires a strong mix of technical capability, field leadership, and problem-solving, with direct responsibility for method quality, project start-up, equipment readiness, and operational performance.

Requirements

• 3+ years of geophysical field experience in active or passive seismic MT, Gravity, EM or related Geophysical acquisition methods.
• Experience standing up new field projects or crews from scratch (staffing, equipment mobilization, ramp-up) strongly preferred.
• Comfortable managing equipment inventory and warehouse operations, or willing to learn.
• Experience managing / supervising field teams.
• Strong technical understanding of MT acquisition is valued, including: Electrode deployment, Grounding methods, Telluric noise management, Magnetometer orientation, Sensor diagnostics, Time-series QC.
• Strong Gravity acquisition knowledge is valued, including: Drift correction, Loop ties, Station QC, Terrain adjustments.
• Ability to diagnose and resolve field noise, instrument faults, and technical anomalies.
• Experience leading field crews in technical methods.
• Comfortable supporting sales/client conversations with technical input, without prior formal sales experience required.
• Strong technical reporting and communication skills.
• Ability to work in remote, challenging environments with minimal support.
• Strong technical leadership presence in the field.
• Excellent communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including clients.
• High attention to detail and rigorous quality focus.
• Calm, pragmatic problem-solving in difficult field conditions.
• Strong mentoring, training, and team-building capability.
• Culturally aware and respectful in local settings.
• Degree or diploma in Geophysics, Earth Sciences, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Extensive experience in geophysical field acquisition (MT, Gravity, EM, or active/passive seismic) required; MT and Gravity method training will be provided where needed.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to work extended periods in remote locations.
• Fluent in English with additional Spanish and French language skills highly desirable.

Nice To Haves

• Experience standing up new field projects or crews from scratch (staffing, equipment mobilization, ramp-up) strongly preferred.
• Strong technical understanding of MT acquisition is valued, including: Electrode deployment, Grounding methods, Telluric noise management, Magnetometer orientation, Sensor diagnostics, Time-series QC.
• Strong Gravity acquisition knowledge is valued, including: Drift correction, Loop ties, Station QC, Terrain adjustments.
• Comfortable supporting sales/client conversations with technical input, without prior formal sales experience required.
• Additional Spanish and French language skills highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mobilization and start-up of new field MT, ANT, and Gravity projects across the Americas, from initial planning through first productive station.
• Recruit, build, and onboard field crews for new project starts, working with the Americas Operations Manager on staffing plans and timelines.
• Stage equipment, confirm instrument readiness, and set up field QC and safety standards before crews begin acquisition.
• Coordinate early-stage project logistics locally (crew scheduling, equipment readiness, initial site set-up) in partnership with the Logistics function.
• Act as the ramp-up lead so new projects reach full technical and operational discipline quickly, reducing reliance on other regional leads for field start-up.
• Maintain accurate equipment inventory, calibration status, and readiness records for sensors, coils, magnetometers, gravimeters, and related field kit.
• Help coordinate equipment staging, packing, and dispatch for outbound projects, and inspection, testing, and return-to-stock for equipment coming back from the field.
• Identify and escalate equipment faults, damage, or shortages; coordinate repairs, refurbishment, or replacement to keep the fleet field-ready.
• Act as the in-field technical authority for MT, ANT, and Gravity acquisition.
• Ensure all MT sensors, electrodes, coils, magnetometers, and grounding setups follow strict method standards.
• Validate that Gravity stations meet accuracy, drift, and loop requirements before moving to the next point.
• Perform field-level QC reviews, including: Time-series checks, Noise inspection, Electrode/coil performance, Magnetic/electric channel balance, Gravity drift analysis, Station metadata accuracy.
• Identify technical issues early (noise sources, grounding problems, instrument faults) and resolve them in-field.
• Reject and re-acquire stations that do not meet quality thresholds.
• Lead MT, ANT, and Gravity crews to deliver accurate, method-consistent data across all stations.
• Supervise Crew Chiefs and technicians; provide method training, technical guidance, and QC mentoring.
• Ensure technical discipline is maintained even in remote, challenging conditions.
• Support the sales team with technical input on MT, ANT, and Gravity proposals and client inquiries, including feasibility, crewing, and equipment estimates.
• Join client-facing calls when technical credibility is needed to answer acquisition-methodology questions.
• Provide field-based insight to help shape accurate, competitive project bids.
• Produce high-detail daily reports including: Station counts and performance, Instrument issues, QC results, Re-acquisition needs, Environmental or noise constraints, Next-day technical plan.
• Communicate technical risks clearly to the Operations Manager.
• Communicates daily movement, terrain, and access requirements early.
• Flags technical locations that may require alternative access routes.
• Ensures crews deploy only where permits and access are confirmed.
• Conducts micro-scouting or point adjustments to ensure MT coils, electrodes, or Gravity points are technically viable.
• Identifies environmental factors (EM noise, cultural noise, magnetic interference) and adapts station placement accordingly.
• Leads daily safety briefings with a technical focus (electrical safety, magnetometer hazards, trip/fall risks).
• Ensures all fieldwork aligns with Fleet’s and its clients’ HSE standards.
• Conducts regular HSE audits and spot-checks of third-party contractors and subcontractors working on or around project sites, verifying compliance with Fleet and client HSE requirements.
• Conducts HSE checks and coaching of the internal field team, including PPE use, vehicle safety, fatigue management, and adherence to safe work procedures.
• Escalates HSE non-conformances – internal or third-party – promptly and ensures corrective actions are tracked to closure.
• Maintains HSE inspection records and incorporates findings into daily reporting.
• Recommends method improvements, workflow optimizations, and equipment enhancements.
• Mentors crews to raise technical capability and consistency.
• Contributes to updates of MT/Gravity SOPs, QC guidelines, and troubleshooting frameworks.

Benefits

• We have an extremely flexible work culture, with a mix of onsite, hybrid and remote workers who take time for school runs, exercise and appointments. It's about getting the work done, not time at desk.
• Learning budgets.
• Access to confidential Psychologist appointments via our Employee Assistance Program.
• Plenty of opportunity to be part of an amazing STEM program to create the next generation of explorers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree