1

Drill Operator Mining Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

CNC Machinist

Milwaukie, OR ยท On-site

$24 - $36/hr

... and operating one or more CNC or CNC machines to perform drilling, tapping, milling, boring, and ... About us. Epiroc is a global productivity partner for mining & construction customers and ...

CNC Machinist

Milwaukie, OR ยท On-site

$24 - $36/hr

... and operating one or more CNC or CNC machines to perform drilling, tapping, milling, boring, and ... About us. Epiroc is a global productivity partner for mining & construction customers and ...

CNC Machinist Lathe & Mill

Milwaukie, OR ยท On-site

$24 - $36/hr

... and operating one or more CNC or CNC machines to perform cutting, drilling, tapping, milling ... About us. Epiroc is a global productivity partner for mining & construction customers and ...

CNC Machinist

Milwaukie, OR ยท On-site

$24 - $36/hr

... and operating one or more CNC or CNC machines to perform drilling, tapping, milling, boring, and ... About us. Epiroc is a global productivity partner for mining & construction customers and ...

Adhere to all standard operating procedures, including CTPAT compliance. * Perform cycle counts on ... About us. Epiroc is a global productivity partner for mining & construction customers and ...

Drill Operator Mining information

What does a drill operator in mining do?

A Drill Operator in mining is responsible for operating drilling equipment to bore holes into the earth for extracting minerals, ores, or other geological materials. They interpret drilling plans, set up and maintain machinery, and monitor drilling operations to ensure safety and efficiency. Drill Operators also collect samples for analysis, document drilling progress, and follow strict safety protocols to minimize risks on site. Their work is crucial for the exploration and extraction phases of mining projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drill operator in mining?

To thrive as a Drill Operator in mining, you need mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional vocational training often preferred. Familiarity with drilling rigs, GPS navigation systems, and safety certifications such as MSHA are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork help operators adapt to challenging environments and maintain high safety standards. These competencies ensure efficient operation, minimize downtime, and promote safety in potentially hazardous mining sites.

What are some typical challenges a drill operator in mining might face on the job?

Drill Operators in mining often encounter challenges such as working in remote or harsh environments, maintaining equipment functionality under rigorous conditions, and adhering strictly to safety protocols. Managing fatigue from long shifts and adjusting to variable schedules can also be demanding. Additionally, coordinating closely with geological and blasting teams is essential to ensure drilling accuracy and project efficiency.

What is the difference between Drill Operator Mining vs Blaster in Mining?

AspectDrill Operator MiningBlaster in Mining
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, equipment operation trainingSimilar certifications, specialized blasting licenses
Work EnvironmentUnderground or surface mining sites, heavy machineryUnderground or surface, handling explosives
Job RoleOperate drilling equipment to create holes for blasting or explorationPrepare and execute controlled explosions to break rock
Industry UsageCommonly employed in mining operations for drillingUsed in blasting operations within mining

Both Drill Operator Mining and Blaster in Mining work in mining environments, often requiring safety certifications and equipment operation skills. While drill operators focus on drilling holes, blasters handle explosives for rock fragmentation. Understanding these roles helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the mining industry.

How do I become a drill operator mining?

To become a drill operator in mining, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Certification in heavy equipment operation and safety training are often required, and familiarity with drilling tools and environmental safety protocols is essential.

What is a drill operator in mining?

A drill operator in mining is responsible for operating drilling equipment to create holes in rock or earth for blasting or exploration purposes. They must understand safety protocols, use tools like jackhammers or rotary drills, and often require certifications or training in heavy machinery operation. Their work is essential for breaking rock and accessing mineral deposits underground or on the surface.

What are popular job titles related to Drill Operator Mining jobs in Oregon?

For Drill Operator Mining jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drill Operator Mining jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Drill Operator Mining jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for Drill Operator Mining jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most Drill Operator Mining job openings:

Infographic showing various Drill Operator Mining job openings in Oregon as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Rock Drill Equipment Operator

Aggregate Resource Industries

Springfield, OR โ€ข On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Operates hydraulic drilling equipment on mining, quarry, construction, solar energy, and development projects.

  • Performs daily maintenance, inspections, and troubleshooting on drilling equipment to ensure safe and efficient operation.

  • Follows drill patterns, inspects and measures holes for quality, and communicates progress and issues to Project Managers.


Job description

Company Overview 
Aggregate Resource Industries, Inc. (ARI) is a leading mining and construction services contractor headquartered in Springfield, Oregon. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions for the mining and construction industries, including rock drilling, blasting, and crushing operations throughout the United States. Our commitment to safety, innovation, and quality has established ARI as a trusted partner for mining and construction projects nationwide โ€” and earned us recognition as one of Oregonโ€™s Top Workplaces for our dedication to employees and culture.


Position Overview
The Rock Drill Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating hydraulic drilling equipment on mining, quarry, construction, solar energy, and development projects throughout the United States. This position requires a strong commitment to safety, mechanical aptitude, and adaptability to changing project conditions. The Rock Drill Operator is responsible for producing quality drill patterns, maintaining assigned equipment, and supporting drilling operations across a wide range of project types and field environments.

Schedule:
  • Schedule is determined by the Drilling Manager and may vary based on project location and operational needs.
  • Frequent overnight travel is required; transportation, lodging, and daily per diem are provided when traveling.
  • When assigned to blast hole drilling projects, employees will typically depart on Sunday or Monday and return home on Friday.
  • When assigned to solar pre-drilling projects, employees typically work a four-weeks-on, one-week-off rotation.
  • Shift lengths often range from 12โ€“14 hours per day

Compensation 
  • We offer a generous and progressive pay scale. Pay for this position depends on experience. 
  • Typical annual earnings: $70,000-$100,000 per year.
  • Benefits: Generous benefits package including per diem, comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, holiday pay and more. 

Job Requirements/ Qualifications
  • Experience: Previous rock drilling experience is strongly preferred. Equivalent experience operating heavy equipment in construction, mining, or a related industry will also be considered.
  • OSHA 10-Hour Certification: Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour certification is strongly preferred. If not already obtained, the company will work with the employee to complete the certification prior to the start date.
  • MSHA Training: Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) Experienced Miner Training certification is strongly preferred.
  • Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to perform routine maintenance, inspections, and basic troubleshooting on drilling equipment.
  • Driver License: Valid driverโ€™s license with a driving record that includes no more than 3 moving violations and/or chargeable accidents in the last 3 years and no DUIIs.
  • ATF clearance: Must pass a background check through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in compliance with federal explosive handling regulations.
  • Drug Test and Physical Screening: Pre-employment drug test and physical required. We conduct random drug tests and post-accident testing. ARI maintains a zero-tolerance drug policy, including marijuana.
  • Travel commitment: Ability and willingness to travel extensively and work away from home for extended periods based on project assignments.
  • Physical requirements: Physical stamina with the ability to lift 75 pounds and remain on feet for long hours.

Additional Skills Required
  • Values-Driven: Embodies ARIโ€™s values of integrity, teamwork, grit, and continuous improvement
  • Situational Awareness: Maintains awareness of changing jobsite conditions and proactively identifies potential hazards and operational challenges.
  • Communication: Effectively communicates with Project Managers, supervisors, and fellow crew members regarding production, safety, and project needs.
  • Adaptability: Performs effectively in changing environments, schedules, weather conditions, and project requirements.
  • Problem Solving: Uses sound judgment to identify issues and develop practical solutions in the field.
  • Motivation: Results-driven and persistent in completing complex fieldwork
  • Safety awareness: Committed to safe work practices and adherence to company, OSHA, and MSHA requirements.

Job Responsibilities
  • Drill operation: Operates hydraulic drills on various terrains and job types including mines, quarries, and development sites
  • Equipment maintenance: Conducts daily maintenance for safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment
  • Pre-operation Inspections: Performs pre-operation inspections and workplace exams per company policy
  • Drill pattern execution: Understands and follows drill patterns/layouts provided by Project Managers
  • Hole quality assurance: Visually inspects and measures holes to ensure they meet required specifications
  • Progress communication: Provides regular updates to Project Managers; reports any delays or challenges
  • Technology use: Utilizes the Strayos Fielder mobile app to execute and document drill patterns
  • Team meetings: Participates in weekly Drilling Department Teams meetings
  • Blasting support: Assists with blasting operations when needed
  • Worksite housekeeping: Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
  • Additional duties: Performs any additional duties to support the overall drilling operations and team objectives.

Safety
  • Safety commitment: Maintains a safety-first mindset and consistently follows all safety policies, procedures, and regulations to help ensure a safe work environment for self and others.

Benefits
  • Company Paid Lodging When working on jobs requiring more than 1.5 hours one-way travel time, we arrange and pay 100 percent of lodging accommodations.
  • Paid Travel Time 
  • Per diem $40.00 per day when staying at a company paid hotel.
  • Company Phone We provide Operators with iPhones or a monthly cell phone allowance for phone calls, emails, text messaging and mobile time keeping.
  • Fuel Card and Credit Card We provide Operators with fuel cards and credit cards for company expenses.
  • Paid Time Off 
  • Paid Holidays
  • Health Insurance Eligible employees may participate in ARI's health insurance program, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements
  • Vision Insurance Eligible employees may participate in ARI's vision insurance program, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.
  • Dental Insurance Eligible employees may participate in ARI's dental insurance program, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Employees are given the option to contribute a portion of their earnings, pre-tax, into a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). They can use the funds contributed to their account to pay for qualified medical or dependent care expenses that are not covered by insurance.
  • Voluntary Insurance We offer a voluntary insurance program for Critical Illness, Accident Protection, Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) With this benefit program, employees and members of their household can receive free, confidential counseling services to help work through both personal and professional issues.
  • 401k We match 100% of the first 3% of your salary that you contribute, and 50% of the amount that exceeds 3%, up to 5% of your annual earnings. In addition, ARI may make a profit-sharing contribution to your account at the end of the plan year.

ARI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or other bases prohibited by applicable law.