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Exploration Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

This is a permanent position performing exploration work at our Gleeson project in Arizona. The successful candidate will be responsible for gathering high-quality geologic information and assisting ...

This is a permanent position performing exploration work at our Gleeson project in Arizona. The successful candidate will be responsible for gathering high-quality geologic information and assisting ...

This is a permanent position performing exploration work at our Gleeson project in Arizona. The successful candidate will be responsible for gathering high-quality geologic information and assisting ...

This is a permanent position performing exploration work at our Gleeson project in Arizona. The successful candidate will be responsible for gathering high-quality geologic information and assisting ...

Geologist - Gleeson

Sierra Vista, AZ ยท On-site

$70 - $100/hr

This is a permanent position performing exploration work at our Gleeson project in Arizona. The successful candidate will be responsible for gathering high-quality geologic information and assisting ...

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Exploration information

See Arizona salary details

$33.1K

$48K

$71.3K

How much do exploration jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for exploration in Arizona is $47,987.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,300.00 and $55,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exploration?

An Exploration job involves searching for and assessing natural resources such as minerals, oil, gas, or other valuable materials. Professionals in this field use geological surveys, remote sensing, and drilling techniques to locate and evaluate potential extraction sites. These roles are common in industries like mining, energy, and environmental research. Exploration jobs often require fieldwork in remote locations and collaboration with engineers, geologists, and scientists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the exploration position, and why are they important?

To excel in an Exploration role, you typically need a strong background in geology, earth sciences, or engineering, often supported by a relevant degree or field experience. Technical proficiency with GIS software, mapping tools, field sampling equipment, and sometimes certifications in safety or remote operations is highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this profession. These qualities are vital because exploration work often involves challenging environments, complex data analysis, and close collaboration to identify and evaluate potential resource sites.

What are some of the main challenges faced in an exploration role?

Professionals in Exploration often work in remote, sometimes harsh environments, which can present logistical and safety challenges. Managing unpredictable variables such as weather, terrain, and limited access to resources requires adaptability and preparation. Team collaboration is essential, as projects commonly involve interdisciplinary groups including geologists, engineers, and environmental scientists. You may also be required to spend extended periods away from home, depending on the project location. However, these challenges are balanced by the opportunity to make significant discoveries and contribute to resource development.

What career should I explore?

Exploration careers often include roles such as geologists, environmental scientists, or field researchers, which involve investigating natural resources, landscapes, or scientific phenomena. These jobs typically require strong analytical skills, knowledge of scientific methods, and sometimes specialized certifications or degrees. They often involve outdoor work and data collection in various environments.

What are the most commonly searched types of Exploration jobs in Arizona?

The most popular types of Exploration jobs in Arizona are:

What job categories do people searching Exploration jobs in Arizona look for?

The top searched job categories for Exploration jobs in Arizona are:

Infographic showing various Exploration job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,987 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Supervisor Field Exploration Technician

South32 Group Operations Pty. Ltd.

Patagonia, AZ โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Discover a Brighter Futureย 

At South32, we're meeting the challenge of enabling a sustainable future through our focus on responsibly producing commodities critical for a low-carbon world.

As a collaborative, caring and inclusive company, there's no better place to make a genuine difference. Together we're making a positive, global impact that has the potential to change lives.

Whatever career path you choose, we'll support you every step of the way to learn, grow and succeed. So join us, step towards a brighter future and leave your legacy.

ABOUT Hermosa

Hermosa, located approximately 75 miles south-east of Tucson, Arizona, is the only advanced mining project in the United States as of 2023 that could produce two federally designated critical minerals-manganese and zinc-as well as silver and lead. The project has the potential to help power the nation's clean energy future, strengthen the domestic supply chain of critical minerals, grow the local economy, and improve lives in Santa Cruz County and the surrounding community for generations to come.

ACERCA de Hermosa

Hermosa, ubicado a aproximadamente 75 millas al sur este de Tucson, Arizona, es el unico proyecto de mineria avanzada en los Estados Unidos hasta la fecha que puede producir dos minerales designados como criticos por el gobierno federal: manganeso y zinc, asi como tambien plata y plomo. El proyecto tiene el potencial de ayudar a impulsar el futuro energetico limpio del pais, reforzar la cadena de suministro nacional de minerales esenciales, hacer crecer la economia local y mejorar la calidad de vida en el condado de Santa Cruz y en las comunidades aledanas para las generaciones venideras.

WHAT SOUTH32 OFFERS

ย ย  ย Annual short-term incentive bonus that recognizes both your individual performance and the overall success of the business.
ย ย  ย When you choose to contribute more into your retirement savings, South32 will match it up to a certain percentage.

ย ย  ย South32 provides you with 4 weeks paid time off.
ย ย  ย 12 weeks full-paid parental leave for primary careers and 2 weeks full-paid parental leave for secondary careers

ABOUT THE ROLEย 


The Supervisor Field Exploration Technician will lead and direct site Geology support activities by providing leadership, supervision and oversight to Geology Field Logistics employees. ย This role is responsible for all activities in the Core Processing Facilities and will ensure strict adherence to all safety and compliance standards. This position is based at the Hermosa Project site near Patagonia, Arizona.


Other key responsibilities include, but aren't limited to:ย 

  • Visible field safety leadership with the ability to drive safety and performance excellence.
  • Ensures all work is conducted in alignment with South32 Hermosa standards, core values, environmental requirements, and regulatory compliance.
  • Ensures the safe and efficient operation of the Geology Logistics Team and associated activities at the Hermosa site and satellite facilities.
  • Ensures personnel are appropriately trained and competent before operating equipment or performing assigned tasks.
  • Participates in Hermosa supervisory safety and leadership training and supports site safety initiatives.
  • Provides technical and operational direction to the Geology Logistics Team in support of Hermosa Geology, Exploration, and Project strategies.
  • Collaborates with Project Geology, Exploration Geology, Technical Services, Environmental, Mining, and Construction teams to support geological programs and data acquisition.
  • Directs and participates in the collection, processing, storage, cataloging, and disposal of geological samples, ensuring consistency, compliance, and quality control.
  • Develops, maintains, and updates work practice documentation, including procedures, manuals, and safe work instructions (SWIs).
  • Coaches, develops, and mentors Geology Logistics Team members in alignment with competency progression plans.
  • Coordinates resources with the Lead Project Geologist to achieve project objectives and schedules.
  • Manages vendor relationships and the delivery of equipment and materials.
  • Provides timely reporting on Geology Logistics Team activities.
  • Responsible for forecasting, budgeting, and management of consumables and equipment.
  • Identifies and implements process improvement and cost-reduction opportunities across site-based and broader Geology teams.
  • Participates in Geology and Exploration projects, relevant meetings, and community-sponsored activities as required.
  • Manages time and attendance, performance, disciplinary actions, and regular 1-on-1 meetings for hourly team members.
  • Maintains awareness of site bulletins and ensures relevant information is communicated appropriately.


ABOUT YOUย 

You will have experience and demonstrate capability in the following:ย 

  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Valid driver's license with the ability to operate a company vehicle.
  • Ability to work a rotating day-shift schedule providing seven-day coverage.
  • Three (3) to five (5) years of supervisory experience in a similar work environment.
  • Proven track record of developing and maintaining a safe work culture.
  • Thorough knowledge of mine safety practices.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain safety awareness and provide visible field safety leadership.
  • Ability to work under pressure, maintain composure, prioritize competing demands, and effectively navigate diverse work environments and personalities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
  • Strong English written and verbal communication skills; bilingual (Spanish) is an advantage.
  • Effective communication, engagement, and collaboration skills across departments, leadership teams, and multiple stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated collaborative leadership abilities and a high level of professional competency.
  • High standards of professional and ethical conduct.

South32 is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate. ย We provide a recruitment process that is fair, equitable and accessible for all and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

South32 esta comprometido a cimentar y mantener una plantilla de trabajadores diversa e inclusiva que refleje las comunidades en las cuales trabajamos. ย Proporcionamos una proceso de contratacion que es justo, equitativo y accesible para todos y alentamos la aplicacion de candidatos de todas las procedencias.