ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Open Pit Mining Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Solidus Resources LLC

Command Controller

Lovelock, NV · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

Sound knowledge of open-pit mining fundamentals and autonomous mining operations. Working Conditions This role operates on a shift-based schedule, requiring coordination during both day and night ...

Equilibrium Mining

Our extensive geotechnical experience with open pit and underground mines on 5 continents has equipped us to provide innovative and efficient solutions to mining challenges. Equilibrium has team ...

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING COMPANY LLC

Lab Technician

Mojave, CA · On-site

$22.33 - $38.44/hr

The site uses conventional open-pit mining, cyanide heap leaching, and Merrill-Crowe processing to recover gold and silver from crushed and agglomerated ore. This is mining at scale, powered by ...

Solidus Resources, LLC

Command Controller

Reno, NV · On-site

Sound knowledge of open-pit mining fundamentals and autonomous mining operations. Working Conditions This role operates on a shift-based schedule, requiring coordination during both day and night ...

Kinross Gold Corporation

Mine Engineer

Elko, NV · On-site

Bald Mountain is an open-pit mine with a large estimated mineral resource in the largest private mining land package in the U.S. The mine is located in White Pine County, one of the best mining ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsEnergy And Environment JobsFuel JobsMiner JobsEntry Level Open Pit Mining Jobs

Entry Level Open Pit Mining information

See salary details

$17

$26

$34

How much do entry level open pit mining jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level open pit mining in the United States is $26.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $29.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level open pit mining job?

An entry level open pit mining job involves working at the surface level of a mine to help extract minerals or other geological materials. Typically, these roles include tasks such as operating machinery, assisting with drilling and blasting, performing maintenance, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. These positions are designed for individuals with little to no prior experience in mining, offering on-the-job training and opportunities for career advancement. Entry level workers in open pit mining often work in teams and must be prepared for physically demanding labor, variable weather conditions, and shift work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level open pit mining worker?

To thrive as an entry level open pit mining worker, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and physical fitness to handle demanding tasks. Familiarity with mining safety protocols, heavy machinery operation, and certifications such as MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) are often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and a strong work ethic are crucial soft skills in this environment. These competencies ensure safe, efficient operations and help maintain productivity while minimizing risks in hazardous mining conditions.

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

Entry-level workers in open pit mining often face challenges such as adapting to shift work, coping with physically demanding tasks, and working in challenging weather conditions. Safety is a top priority, so new hires must quickly learn and adhere to strict safety protocols. Teamwork is essential, as daily responsibilities often involve close collaboration with equipment operators, engineers, and safety personnel. Preparing by building physical stamina, learning about mining equipment, and familiarizing yourself with safety procedures can help ease the transition into this dynamic work environment.

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

AspectEntry Level Open Pit MiningEntry Level Underground Mining
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent, safety certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentSurface, open-air sites with heavy machineryUnderground tunnels and confined spaces
Industry UsageCommon in mineral and aggregate extractionCommon in mineral and coal extraction
Job TasksOperating large machinery, site preparationDrilling, blasting, underground equipment operation

Both roles require safety certifications and involve working in mining environments, but open pit mining is surface-based with outdoor settings, while underground mining involves working in tunnels. The choice depends on the mining method and site conditions.

Is entry level open pit mining a good career with no experience?

Entry level open pit mining jobs often do not require prior experience and provide on-the-job training. These roles typically involve physical work, safety protocols, and basic knowledge of mining equipment, making them accessible for newcomers. Starting in this field can lead to career advancement with experience and additional certifications such as safety or equipment operation licenses.

What do entry level open pit mining jobs pay?

Entry-level open pit mining jobs typically pay between $20 and $30 per hour, depending on location, company, and specific role. Starting salaries may increase with relevant certifications, safety training, and experience working with heavy machinery in a mining environment.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Open Pit Mining jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Open Pit Mining job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Open Pit Mining jobs?

The most popular types of Open Pit Mining jobs are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Open Pit Mining jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Open Pit Mining jobs are:

Entry Level Open Pit Mining jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Open Pit Mining job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,819 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Graduate-Geotechical Engineer - Surface

Salt Lake City, UT

SF Demo - Rio Tinto
See more jobs at SF Demo - Rio Tintoexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform field inspections in the open pit mine and utilize slope monitoring data to inform operations of geotechnical risk.

  • Identify areas of slope instability and interpret geological conditions to inform open pit slope design and execution.

  • Develop skills around open pit mining geotechnical principles, risk identification and mitigation, and safe work practices.

Job description

If you want to drive real change, we have just the place to do it. Our Graduate Program is an opportunity for you to shape Rio Tinto from the inside out. We want you to be part of our leading global company to help take us forward by solving the emerging challenges of our time. At Rio Tinto, we believe the best ideas come from bringing people together with different perspectives to work toward a common goal - to create a better tomorrow.

About the role

Finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs.

We're looking for graduates from a range of degrees for different areas across our business. This requisition is for a role of Graduate Geotechnical Engineer based at Rio Tinto Kennecott in Salt Lake City, Utah.

This opportunity will allow you to develop skills around open pit mining geotechnical principles, risk identification and mitigation, and safe work practices to enable you to excel in your career.

We are an open, connected international team of technical specialists using some of the most exciting data and tools on the planet. We are the world leader in automation and smart mining. We have technical development programs that are industry-leading and recognize the unique nature of your role. These provide opportunities to grow your career through a dedicated technical path while being rewarded for your unique skills.

Working in a collaborative community, you will be:

  • Directly involved in the daily operation of the surface mine. As a part of the geotechnical team, you will perform field inspections in the operating open pit mine, utilize slope monitoring data to inform operations of geotechnical risk, identify areas of slope instability, and interpret geological conditions to inform open pit slope design and execution.
  • Learn fundamental leadership skills by leading a virtual team through a gamified leadership simulation
  • Challenge your thinking and gain outside perspective from futurists and external thought leaders
  • Acquire a toolkit focused on future skills to inspire innovation and creativity through a series of masterclasses
  • Team up with graduate colleagues to innovate solutions for future business and world challenges
  • Grow your leadership skills with 1-1 coaching sessions with an experienced external coach
  • Network with our senior leaders and subject matter experts
  • Access world-class digital learning.

What you'll bring

  • A commitment to the safety of yourself and your team
  • To be eligible for the Graduate program, you must have completed your studies within the last two years (2025, 2026) or working towards graduation in 2027.
  • Bachelor or master's degree in Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geology, or another relevant field.
  • Less than two years of relevant work experience (local and international)
  • Leadership skills, eagerness to learn and ready for the challenge ahead
  • Flexibility and autonomy
  • Good communication skills and ability to work in a team
  • Valid driving license
  • Experience using 3D modeling software such as Vulcan, Minesight, Rocscience, and/or Leapfrog software is considered a plus.

*To be eligible, you must have the right to work full-time in the United States.

What we offer

Be recognized for your contribution, your thinking and your hard work, and go home knowing you've helped the world progress.

  • A work environment where safety is always the number one priority.
  • Competitive base salary reflective of your skills and experience with an annual incentive bonus.
  • Access to top-tier family-friendly health programs including medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, life insurance coverage, and various voluntary benefits.
  • Excellent retirement plan including up to 6% defined company contribution; Generous 401k matching program.
  • Attractive share ownership plan.
  • Comprehensive leave policies which cover all the moments that matter in life: PTO (paid time off), paid holidays, and paid bereavement leave.
  • A generous parental leave policy, which ensures you're able to spend quality time with your new family.
  • Discount programs for leisure purposes and access to Virgin Pulse with incentives supporting your wellbeing.
  • Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counselling or expert guidance for you and your family to help get through life's challenges.

Our global Graduate Development Program is designed to prepare the leaders of the future through a series of engaging, progressive and future skills activities. Visit our webpage for a detailed overview of our program.

Where you will be working

Our Kennecott mine is a world-class, fully integrated copper mining operation, including a concentrator, smelter, and refinery, located just outside Salt Lake City, Utah, in the United States. We produce copper, precious metals including gold and silver, molybdenum, and sulfuric acid. Kennecott has been mining and processing minerals from the rich ore body of the Bingham Canyon Mine since 1903 and is one of the top producing mines in the world, comprising approximately 11 percent of U.S. annual copper production.

*Rio Tinto reserves the right to remove job postings as there is enough applicants, therefore, if you are interested in applying for this vacancy, please submit your application as soon as possible.

#Graduate


About Rio Tinto
Rio Tinto is a leading global mining and materials company. We operate in 35 countries where we produce iron ore, copper, aluminium, critical minerals, and other materials needed for the global energy transition and for people, communities, and nations to thrive.
We have been mining for 150 years and operate with knowledge built up across generations and continents. Our purpose is finding better ways to provide the materials the world needs - striving for innovation and continuous improvement to produce materials with low emissions and to the right environmental, social and governance standards. But we can't do it on our own, so we're focused on creating partnerships to solve problems, create win-win situations and meet opportunities.

Respect and Inclusion

Rio Tinto is committed to equal employment opportunity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

We are committed to an inclusive environment where people feel safe, respected and valued. We want our people to feel that all voices are heard and that a variety of perspectives are not only welcome but are essential to our success. We treat all our people fairly and with dignity.

Rio Tinto participates in E- Verify to confirm work authorization. Please visit http://www.ucis.gov/ for more information.

Apply