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Entry Level Open Pit Mine Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... high-tonnage open-pit copper mine, which processes sulfide ore. Reporting to the Chief Mine Geologist, this position ensures that ore control decisions are informed by field observations and ...

Open Pit Driller

Mesa, AZ · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

Open Pit Driller

Tucson, AZ

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

Open Pit Driller

Douglas, AZ

$21 - $28.50/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

Open Pit Driller

Tempe, AZ

$22 - $30/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

Open Pit Driller

Yuma, AZ

$22.75 - $31/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

Based out of Denver, you will play a key support role for customers of our intuitive open-pit mine planning solutions- Micromine Beyond and Spry. In this role you will be responsible for delivering ...

Open Pit Driller

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

Open Pit Driller

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

Open Pit Driller

Mayer, AZ · On-site

$21.25 - $28.75/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

Open Pit Driller

Globe, AZ · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

A tertiary qualification in Mine Engineering Experience with Open Pit mining A minimum of 7 years' experience in analysis, design, implementation, and support of mine planning and scheduling systems ...

Open Pit Driller

Kingman, AZ

$20.50 - $28/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

Open Pit Driller

Globe, AZ · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

Open Pit Driller

Sahuarita, AZ · On-site

$21.75 - $29.50/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

Open Pit Driller

Bullhead City, AZ

$20.75 - $28.25/hr

Minimum 1+ year of open-pit surface drilling experience (rotary, DTH, or top hammer) * Strong ... mine, from facility construction, to full-scale contract mining of coal, minerals, or metals, all ...

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Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Open Pit Mine information

See salary details

$33K

$89.2K

$142K

How much do entry level open pit mine jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level open pit mine in the United States is $89,183.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,500.00 and $109,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Open Pit Mine vs Entry Level Underground Miner?

AspectEntry Level Open Pit MineEntry Level Underground Miner
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOpen outdoor sites, exposed to weatherUnderground tunnels, confined spaces
Industry UsageCommon in surface mining operationsCommon in underground mining operations
Job FocusOperating large machinery on surfaceOperating equipment underground

Both roles require safety certifications and similar credentials, but the main difference lies in the work environment and mining type. Entry Level Open Pit Miners work outdoors on surface sites, while Entry Level Underground Miners operate in underground tunnels. Understanding these differences helps job seekers choose the right entry point in the mining industry.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level workers in open pit mining, and how can they prepare for them?

Entry-level workers in open pit mining often encounter challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, learning to operate heavy machinery safely, and adhering to strict safety protocols. The work environment can be fast-paced and may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, noise, and dust. To prepare, candidates should focus on building physical stamina, familiarize themselves with safety regulations, and seek opportunities for hands-on training or certifications related to mining equipment. Emphasizing teamwork and effective communication is also crucial, as collaboration with more experienced miners is a key part of the role.

What is an entry level open pit mine job?

An entry level open pit mine job typically refers to positions where individuals work at surface mining sites, assisting in the extraction of minerals or ores. These roles may include tasks such as operating basic equipment, hauling materials, and supporting more experienced miners with site safety and maintenance. Entry level positions are designed for those with little to no mining experience, offering on-the-job training and opportunities to learn about mining operations, safety protocols, and equipment handling. These jobs often require physical fitness, a willingness to work outdoors in various conditions, and adherence to strict safety standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Open Pit Mine Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Open Pit Mine Worker, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and a strong commitment to safety procedures. Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, site-specific safety certifications (such as MSHA), and the use of communication radios are typically expected. Physical stamina, teamwork, and a willingness to learn are vital soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure operational efficiency, workplace safety, and effective collaboration in demanding mining environments.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Open Pit Mine jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Open Pit Mine job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Open Pit Mine jobs? The most popular types of Open Pit Mine jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Open Pit Mine jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Open Pit Mine jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Open Pit Mine jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Open Pit Mine jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Open Pit Mine job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 63% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,183 per year, or $42.9 per hour.
Mine Geologist

Mine Geologist

ASARCO LLC

Sahuarita, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 21 days ago


ASARCO rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 29 rated mining


Job description

ASARCO Mission Mine is seeking an enthusiastic Mine Geologist to be part of a dedicated team focused on supporting copper production at a porphyry skarn copper deposit adjacent to Tucson, Arizona. The Mission Mine Geologist plays a critical role in supporting safe and efficient ore extraction by providing accurate geological interpretation, ore boundary definition, and field validation at a high-tonnage open-pit copper mine, which processes sulfide ore. Reporting to the Chief Mine Geologist, this position ensures that ore control decisions are informed by field observations and geological data, and that ore routing supports Mine-to-Mill optimization and performance. The Mine Geologist is instrumental in linking and integrating geology with operations, planning, and metallurgy to drive site-wide value generation.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Conduct detailed pit mapping, geologic logging, and sampling with focus on lithology, structure, alteration, and mineralization, ensuring accurate material classification.
  • Define and update grade control polygons and ore/waste boundaries, ensuring ore is routed appropriately to mill, stockpiles, or waste deposition areas.
  • Support Mine-to-Mill initiatives by identifying rock characteristics that impact fragmentation, handling, and plant throughput, and communicating findings to Drill & Blast and Processing teams.
  • Collaborate with the Metallurgy teams to define and optimize geometallurgical parameters for mineral processing.
  • Contribute geological insight to shovel placement and short-range production plans to minimize dilution and maximize recovery.
  • Assist in the update of 3D operational geology models in Leapfrog Geo, ensuring current pit conditions are reflected in planning inputs.
  • Participate in F1-F3 grade reconciliation processes, comparing predicted vs. actual performance, identifying causes of discrepancies, and refining geological interpretations.
  • Perform QA/QC of sampling procedures, including blast hole logging, mine laboratory performance, and data integrity reviews.
  • Coordinate closely with Mine Engineering and Mine Operations to ensure geological guidance is actionable and aligned with the short-range mining schedule.
  • Report findings and provide visualizations in daily/weekly production meetings and planning reviews.
  • Ensure geological work and documentation adhere to international best practices, including conformity with U.S. SEC SK-1300 technical reporting standards as applicable.
  • Ensure compliance with site HSE standards and promote safe fieldwork practices.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Geology or a related discipline
  • 2+ years of open pit mine geology experience, preferably in porphyry copper systems
  • Working knowledge of ore control methods and field validation for both mill-grade material
  • Familiarity with Mine-to-Mill concepts, including fragmentation analysis and geometallurgical impacts
  • Strong software kills, preferably with proficiency in geologic/mining software (Leapfrog Geo, MinePlan, Vulcan, or similar)
  • Strong observational skills and ability to work closely with cross-functional teams in field and office settings
  • Effective communication and technical documentation skills
  • Valid driver's license

A core value of ASARCO LLC is "Safety First." The Company is committed to help employees continuously improve their efforts to work in the most safe, inclusive, socially and environmentally responsible manner practicable. Employee safety and health, both on and off the job, are critically important to the Company. Therefore, ASARCO LLC requires employees to have and effectively demonstrate good working knowledge of modern safety systems. Each employee will take prime responsibility for ensuring that s/he works within all required safety procedures and processes.
ASARCO is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates must possess a current and valid driver's license. Offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and pre-employment physical including a drug screen.
ASARCO offers an excellent low-cost benefits package for medical/prescription/ dental/vision, disability coverage, life insurance and other optional coverage, and 401(k) plan with company match.