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Pit Mining Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mining Engineer

Jurupa Valley, CA · On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Supervisory experience in open pit mining preferred * Familiarity with Surpac mining software and AutoCAD preferred * Must have or willing to acquire FAA Part 107 sUAS drone pilot certification

Senior Mine Engineer

Golden Valley, AZ · On-site

$93K - $128K/yr

Provide technical leadership and engineering support for all aspects of open-pit mining operations. * Develop, review, and optimize short-, medium-, and long-range mine plans, including life-of-mine ...

New

Bachelor's degree in Mining Engineering or related discipline * Minimum 2 years of experience in open pit mine engineering or operations * Proficient in Hexagon MinePlan 3D, including Planner or ...

Senior Mining Engineer

Sandy, UT · On-site +1

$99K - $136K/yr

Qualified person (QP) for underground and/or open pit mining studies * Familiarity with mine ... planning software systems such as Vulcan, MineSight, HaulSim, Deswik, Surpac/MineSched, MinePlan ...

Knowledge of the principles and methods used in an open-pit mining operation. * Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbal, with various individuals, crews, departments, and ...

Strong understanding of open pit mining operations; Modular Dispatch and/or Caterpillar MineStar and Terrain dispatch and grade control systems; and production targets. * MSHA certification and ...

This is fast-paced, high-output open-pit mining-no room for shortcuts, no tolerance for complacency. If you've worked with modern drills, understand production pressures, and take pride in clean ...

This is fast-paced, high-output open-pit mining-no room for shortcuts, no tolerance for complacency. If you've worked with modern drills, understand production pressures, and take pride in clean ...

This is fast-paced, high-output open-pit mining-no room for shortcuts, no tolerance for complacency. If you've worked with modern drills, understand production pressures, and take pride in clean ...

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Pit Mining information

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How much do pit mining jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for 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 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 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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Pit Mining Operator, and why are they important?

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 cities are hiring for Pit Mining jobs? Cities with the most Pit Mining job openings:
What states have the most Pit Mining jobs? States with the most job openings for Pit Mining jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pit Mining jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pit Mining jobs are:
Mining Engineer

Mining Engineer

CalPortland

Jurupa Valley, CA • On-site

$105K - $135K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

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


CalPortland rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 28 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Summary

The Mining Engineer will assist the Mining Group in all aspects of mine engineering and mining operations.

Benefits

At CalPortland, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package that provides health and financial support to our most important resources: our employees. Your benefits are an important part of your overall compensation at CalPortland. That’s why we give you a wide range of benefits to choose from. All regular full-time employees may enroll in a variety of health and welfare plans including medical, dental, and vision plans. Other benefits include life insurance, disability coverage, an employee assistance program, and a retirement program. The company also has a variety of voluntary benefits for employees to choose from.

Compensation

$105k-$135k DOE

Responsibilities
  • Assist in performing mine engineering and mine planning activities
  • Learn and administer all company policies and safety procedures to maintain and promote a safe workplace
  • Work and communicate with other engineering disciplines to complete corporate projects in the mining department
  • Develop an understanding of the cement and aggregate manufacturing process to improve efficient mining methods; also understand changes to the plant’s manufacturing chemistry and how it impacts the mineral requirements and reserves
  • Estimate mineral deposits and develop proper life of mine design for the resource
  • Develop and annually revise the one, five, and life of mine plans by using the Surpac and MineSched mining software
  • Oversee mining projects such as exploratory drilling or rock mechanics study
  • Analyze and evaluate mining operations to optimize equipment usage or performance of operations
  • Perform surveying and plant inventory functions as required with varying survey equipment e.g., GPS, drone, total station
  •  Interface with, and assist plant, corporate personnel, and contractors as required
  • Perform exploration and exploratory work on prospects and new mining sites
  • Work with the environmental division to develop and maintain mining operations to remain in compliance with local and federal agencies
  • Operate as a commercial drone pilot operate remote drones for aerial survey work
Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering or related field preferred; degrees such as a degree in Civil Engineering or Geosciences may be acceptable depending on work experience.

Requirements/Qualifications
  • Familiarity with MSHA and OSHA regulations preferred
  • Supervisory experience in open pit mining preferred
  • Familiarity with Surpac mining software and AutoCAD preferred
  • Must have or willing to acquire FAA Part 107 sUAS drone pilot certification
  • Surveying knowledge preferred
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite 
  • Highly organized self-starter with an eye for detail and the ability to maintain multiple on-going projects simultaneously
  • Flexible attitude with the ability to work well in ambiguous, changing situations and able to reprioritize work accordingly
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to facilitate positive working relationships with all levels of management and staff
  • Able to exercise sound judgment in problem-solving
  • Physical requirements: able to walk/hike long distances, stoop, crawl under and into enclosed spaces, and climb on equipment to provide supervision during work
  • Able to walk on all types of surfaces (uneven and/or slippery ground), climb stairs, ladders, and stockpiles as high as 400 feet in elevation.  May require exploratory work in hot or cold climates and high-altitude locations
  • Ability to drive to various plant sites and work locations
  • Must be able to travel overnight (air/auto)
Conditions of Employment

Successful candidate must submit to post-offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen, and background check. Some positions require FMCSA regulated on-going drug and alcohol testing.


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