Independent Contractor Mining Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

The Exploration Geologist is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and advancing mineral resource opportunities to support the long-term growth of Milford Mining Company’s copper, silver, and gold assets. This role focuses on target generation, drill program planning and execution, geologic modeling, and data interpretation to expand existing resources and discover new mineralized zones. The Exploration Geologist works closely with geology, engineering, environmental, and permitting teams to design technically sound and cost-effective exploration programs.

This position requires strong analytical skills, field competency, and the ability to integrate geological, geochemical, and geophysical data into actionable exploration strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Target Generation & Geological Interpretation

• Develop and refine exploration targets based on structural geology, alteration patterns, lithology, and mineralization controls.
• Interpret regional and site-specific geologic mapping, geochemical surveys, and geophysical data.
• Identify extensions of known mineralization and new prospective zones.
• Contribute to exploration models for copper and associated mineral systems.

Drill Program Design & Oversight

• Design and plan RC and/or core drill programs to test exploration targets.
• Prepare drill plans including collar locations, azimuth, dip, and depth specifications.
• Supervise drilling activities including contractor coordination, safety oversight, and daily progress tracking.
• Log core and RC samples for lithology, alteration, mineralization, and structural features.
• Ensure proper QA/QC protocols for sampling and data management.

Data Management & Modeling

• Utilize geological software (e.g., Micromine, Vulcan, Surpac, ArcGIS, or equivalent) to:
  • Create 3D geological models
  • Generate cross sections and exploration maps
  • Update resource interpretations
• Maintain and validate geological databases.
• Integrate assay results, structural data, and mapping into evolving deposit models.

Resource Development Support

• Assist in transitioning exploration targets into resource models.
• Collaborate with mine planning and metallurgy teams to assess economic potential.
• Contribute to preliminary resource estimates and technical reporting.

Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare technical reports summarizing drill results and exploration findings.
• Assist in preparation of internal updates and external technical documentation as required.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, permitting, and MSHA safety requirements.

Safety

• Adhere to MSHA regulations and company safety policies.
• Conduct fieldwork safely in remote and rugged terrain.
• Participate in safety meetings and hazard identification processes.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical and interpretive skills
• Ability to integrate multi-disciplinary geological data
• Field mapping proficiency
• Clear technical writing and reporting skills
• Project planning and drill program coordination
• Budget awareness and cost tracking
• Ability to work independently in remote settings
• Strong collaboration with cross-functional teams

Work Environment

This position involves significant fieldwork in rugged terrain and active mining environments. The employee may be exposed to:

• Heavy equipment and drill rigs
• Uneven terrain and highwalls
• Dust, noise, and vibration
• Extreme weather conditions

PPE is required in operational areas.

Physical Demands

• Extensive walking and hiking over uneven terrain
• Climbing slopes and accessing remote drill pads
• Lifting and handling core boxes and rock samples (20–50 lbs occasionally)
• Standing for extended periods during logging
• Visual acuity for detailed core logging and structural interpretation

Position Type & Schedule

• Full-time position
• Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Additional hours may be required during active drill campaigns
• Rotational field schedules may be implemented depending on program needs

Travel

• Frequent local and regional field travel
• Occasional overnight travel during active exploration campaigns

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Authorized to work in the United States.

AAP/EEO Statement

Milford Mining is an equal employment opportunity company.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, or related geoscience field.
• 2–5 years of exploration or mining geology experience.
• Experience logging core and/or RC drilling.
• Strong understanding of structural geology and mineral systems.
• Proficiency in geological modeling and GIS software.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate 4WD vehicles in remote conditions.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Geology, Geological Engineering, or related geoscience field.
• Experience in copper systems.
• Experience with geophysical interpretation.
• Familiarity with NI 43-101 or S-K 1300 reporting standards.
• EIT or progress toward Professional Geologist (PG) licensure.