Senior Geologist - Drilling Coordination and Coreshack Management

Ambler Metals LLC•Ambler, AK

About The Position

The core shack manager and drilling coordinator is a hybrid role that oversees safe, compliant, and efficient core shack and drilling operations, coordinating logistics, supervising helicopter supported drilling activities, and supporting daily core logging and reporting for the exploration program.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science in Geology, Geophysics, or related Engineering degree, emphasis on ore deposits or mineral exploration preferred.
4 years of core shack management experience.
Previous drill pad sighting and construction experience.
Demonstrated drill rig management experience on remote, helicopter-supported exploration projects.
Hazmat certification or ability to obtain.
More than 8 years' experience in geology or on exploration projects, at least 4 years in a position of applicable responsibility
Strong leadership skills and experience.
Proficient with Microsoft Office products.
Good oral, writing, mathematical and scientific skills
Ability to use GPS to load, record, and save drill pad locations.
Ability to use Brunton compass or other device to align drill pads to planned azimuth and verify the final alignment of drill rig on pad
Ability to recognize different rock types that may determine if a hole should be terminated and recognize difference between rock structures and driller-induced breaks, core loss, etc.
Knowledge of and ability to carry out safe, remote operational procedures
Ability to work tactfully and respectfully with camp staff, contractors and visitors
Ability to work independently, exercise good judgement and manage time in an effective manner
Ability to be flexible and adaptable to change
Ability to take initiative in case of an emergency
Ability to follow and provide written and verbal instructions effectively and in a timely manner
Ability to comfortably travel in and work around helicopters and small fixed wing aircraft.
Demonstrated ability to effectively deal with several tasks simultaneously
Physically able to repetitively lift and carry 35 pounds.
Must be able to work and hike in alpine arctic terrain, adverse weather, in a remote camp setting on a rotational basis
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with site safety coordinator, ensure that proper & preemptive safety practices are rigorously implemented and revised where required for the core shack, pad building sites and drilling activities.
Proactively identify hazards and mitigate risks.
Conduct regular safety audits and address deficiencies and violations with site leadership and contractor supervisors.
Evaluate and improve safe work practices for core logging, core handling, pad construction, and drilling activities.
Lead weekly safety meetings for drillers, pad builders, and core shack personnel.
Coordinate drilling activities with the other exploration and site activities programs in the UKMP to support safe and efficient field activities.
Ensure drilling operations comply with all permits and regulatory requirements.
Supervise daily core shack operations including: scheduling, training and mentoring, core handling procedures, logging, geotechnical work, core cutting, sample preparation and sample shipment, data entry and QA/QC tracking.
Assist with employee performance management, time tracking and approvals.
Build and maintain a cohesive, productive team that collaborates effectively with drilling contractors.
Monitor progress for exploration holes and assure correct logging procedure are followed and that a daily quick log is prepared. Assist in determining drill hole terminations.
Lead daily core shack and toolbox meetings.
Coordinate core shack operations with drilling contractors and camp operations.
Support high level planning, logistics, execution, and reporting of execution and drilling programs including targeting and opportunity identification.
Maintain clear communication among the exploration team, helicopter coordinators and aviation services provider, drilling and pad builders crews, equipment operators site leadership.
Support supervision of the drill programs and prepare daily drilling logistics plans.
Locate, line out, and verify drill pad locations; oversee pad construction and orientation, including mentoring junior geologists in supervising these tasks.
Ensure that drill pads are built to the correct specifications for drilling at that site and that the drill pad is oriented in the correct direction for the proposed drill holes.
Direct pad builders and equipment operators to maintain efficient pad sequencing.
Recommend termination and/or adjustment of drill target depth based on geologic observations.
Provide daily direction to driller foremen and complete drill site and reclamation inspections.
Enter collar and downhole survey data into the drill database
Identify, address and report environmental issues promptly.
Support planning, logistics, and execution of site operation activities as required.
Coordinate DC-6 and C-130 manifests with contractors and aviation providers.
Coordinate and provide hazardous materials documentation for flights as required.
Assist with backhaul manifests as needed.
Site Survey as built and map production.
Communicate and coordinate with all other departments to share resources during the field season to ensure success of the overall project.
Prepare daily and weekly and any other periodic field report during the field season as required by supervisors.
Attend daily evening supervisors' briefing.
Photo document all drill pads and reclaimed drill pads, with documentation by drill pad number and drill hole
Other duties as assigned to further the exploration goals for the UKMP