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Pit Mining Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

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Pit Mining information

See Portland, OR salary details

$18

$28

$36

How much do pit mining jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for pit mining in Portland, OR is $28.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.71 and $31.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is pit mining?

Pit mining, also known as open-pit mining, is a surface mining technique used to extract rocks and minerals from the earth by removing them from an open pit or borrow. This method is commonly used when mineral deposits are found near the surface and spread over a large area, making underground mining impractical. The process involves digging a large hole, or pit, in the ground and gradually expanding it to access the ore. Pit mining is widely used for extracting resources such as gold, copper, iron, and coal. While it is efficient and cost-effective, it can have significant environmental impacts if not properly managed.

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

To thrive as a Pit Mining Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of mining safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with heavy machinery such as haul trucks, excavators, and GPS-based mine planning systems is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for minimizing risk and ensuring efficient operations. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining safety, maximizing productivity, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations in a demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in pit mining operations?

Professionals in pit mining often encounter challenges such as managing safety risks in a physically demanding environment, adapting to changing weather conditions, and coordinating with multiple teams to ensure efficient extraction and transportation of materials. Maintaining equipment and adhering to strict environmental regulations also require constant attention. Communication and teamwork are vital, as collaboration with engineers, geologists, and equipment operators is necessary to keep operations running smoothly.

What is the difference between Pit Mining vs Surface Mining?

AspectPit MiningSurface Mining
Work EnvironmentUnderground or open-pit excavationsLarge-scale open surface areas
Required CertificationsMining safety certifications, heavy equipment operationMining safety certifications, heavy equipment operation
Industry UsageCommon in mineral and ore extractionUsed for coal, minerals, and aggregate extraction

Both Pit Mining and Surface Mining involve extracting minerals from the earth, but Pit Mining typically refers to open-pit or underground methods focused on mineral deposits, while Surface Mining covers a broader range of open-pit methods like strip mining. The certifications and work environments overlap significantly, making them closely related roles within the mining industry.

What are popular job titles related to Pit Mining jobs in Portland, OR?

For Pit Mining jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pit Mining jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Pit Mining jobs in Portland, OR are:

Pit Mining jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pit Mining job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,196 per year, or $28.5 per hour.

Geotechnical Engineer (Rock Mechanics)

Equilibrium Mining

Portland, OR • On-site

$70 - $110/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

About the Job

Are you passionate about rock mechanics and geotechnical engineering in mining? Equilibrium is looking for motivated Junior to Intermediate Rock Mechanics Engineers to join our growing team in the United States and support a range of open pit and underground mining projects. 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 members in Canada, US, Chile, and Australia, and we are searching for candidates to grow our business.

In this role, you’ll contribute to the data collection, field programs, analysis, design, and optimization of rock engineering solutions. You’ll work alongside experienced engineers on challenging projects involving slope stability, underground excavations, and ground support design.

At Equilibrium, our values in technical excellence, quality, respect, and diversity are at the forefront of every interaction we have with our team and clients. We believe in investing in both our people and research and development initiatives that tackle the challenges facing our industry. We value the diverse backgrounds and perspectives of our team and clients and see this diversity as a key factor in our success. Every team member has a valuable voice and by empowering them to contribute, we can achieve even greater innovation and efficiency. Join us at Equilibrium.

What You’ll Do
  • Perform field work in support of geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological investigations Interpret geological and geotechnical data
  • Conduct geotechnical analyses for open pit slopes and underground excavations
  • Prepare technical reports, documentation, and presentations
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams across mining, geology, and operations
  • Support senior team members in various project tasks
What We’re Looking For
  • Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree in Geotechnical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering or related field
  • 3-5 years of relevant experience in rock mechanics or geotechnical engineering
  • Good analytical skills. Basic working knowledge in Rocscience suite is an asset.
  • Understanding of rock mass classification systems (e.g., RMR, Q-system)
  • Familiarity with both open pit and underground mining environments
  • Solid analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
  • Commitment to inclusion, diversity and health and safety.
  • Some experience in the mining industry, with a focus on rock mechanics is an asset.
Why Equilibrium

At Equilibrium, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment, with opportunities for professional development and growth. If you’re passionate about rock mechanics and want to make a difference in the mining industry.

Location: Open to candidates throughout the US
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