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Surface Mining Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operator

Branchville, VA · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Knowledge of surface mining and sand production, practices and applications * Knowledge of workplace safety practices * Valid driver's license is required

Equipment Operator

Branchville, VA · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Knowledge of surface mining and sand production, practices and applications * Knowledge of workplace safety practices * Valid driver's license is required

Equipment Operator

New Castle, VA

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Knowledge of surface mining and sand production, practices and applications * Knowledge of workplace safety practices * Valid driver's license is required Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Equipment Operator

Branchville, VA · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Knowledge of surface mining and sand production, practices and applications * Knowledge of workplace safety practices * Valid driver's license is required Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Equipment Operator

New Castle, VA

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Knowledge of surface mining and sand production, practices and applications * Knowledge of workplace safety practices * Valid driver's license is required

Equipment Operator

New Castle, VA

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Knowledge of surface mining and sand production, practices and applications * Knowledge of workplace safety practices * Valid driver's license is required Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Equipment Operator

Branchville, VA · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Knowledge of surface mining and sand production, practices and applications * Knowledge of workplace safety practices * Valid driver's license is required Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Equipment Operator

New Castle, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Knowledge of surface mining and sand production, practices and applications * Knowledge of workplace safety practices * Valid driver's license is required

Equipment Operator

Branchville, VA · On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Knowledge of surface mining and sand production, practices and applications * Knowledge of workplace safety practices * Valid driver's license is required Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Equipment Operator

New Castle, VA · On-site

$18.25 - $24.75/hr

Knowledge of surface mining and sand production, practices and applications * Knowledge of workplace safety practices * Valid driver's license is required Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Knowledge of wireless telemetry as applied in the surface mining environment * Knowledge of hardware and computing platforms * Knowledge of Project Management tools (ex. Microsoft Project)

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Sandblaster

Wytheville, VA · On-site

$20/hr

Previous sandblasting, abrasive blasting, industrial painting, surface preparation, or related experience preferred. * Experience in coalfield, mining, heavy-equipment, fabrication, construction, or ...

New

Field Service Millwright

Rockville, VA · On-site

$23.50 - $30.50/hr

... mining, aggregate, cement, recycling, bulk shipping terminals, pulp and paper, food processing and ... MSHA Surface and/or Underground Miner Qualification preferredValid Driver's License and reliable ...

Field Service Millwright

Rockville, VA · On-site

$23.50 - $30.50/hr

... mining, aggregate, cement, recycling, bulk shipping terminals, pulp and paper, food processing and ... MSHA Surface and/or Underground Miner Qualification preferred * Valid Driver's License and reliable ...

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Showing results 1-20

Surface Mining information

See Virginia salary details

$17

$26

$34

How much do surface mining jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface mining in Virginia is $26.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.12 and $29.57 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is surface mining?

Surface mining is a method of extracting minerals located close to the Earth's surface, as opposed to underground mining. It involves removing soil, rock, and other materials (overburden) to access the desired mineral deposits. Common types of surface mining include open-pit mining, strip mining, and quarrying. This method is widely used for mining coal, iron, copper, and various other minerals. Surface mining is generally more cost-effective and safer than underground mining, but it can have significant environmental impacts.

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

To thrive in Surface Mining, you need knowledge of mining techniques, equipment operation, and safety protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or technical certification. Familiarity with heavy machinery, GPS surveying systems, and mining-specific software like MineSight or Surpac is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving abilities are vital soft skills in this field. These skills ensure efficient, safe extraction of resources while minimizing environmental impact and maintaining regulatory compliance.

What are some common challenges faced by surface mining professionals, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Surface mining professionals often encounter challenges such as managing site safety, adapting to changing weather conditions, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. To address these, it's important to follow strict safety protocols, participate in regular training, and maintain clear communication with supervisors and team members. Additionally, staying up-to-date with the latest industry practices and technology helps professionals operate more efficiently and mitigate risks on the job.

What is the difference between Surface Mining vs Underground Mining?

AspectSurface MiningUnderground Mining
Work EnvironmentOpen pits, exposed to weatherUnderground tunnels and shafts
Required CertificationsMining safety training, heavy equipment operationMining safety training, underground safety protocols
Industry UsageCommon in coal, copper, and gold miningUsed for minerals like gold, silver, and zinc
Work ConditionsOutdoor, physically demanding, high visibilityConfined spaces, potentially hazardous

Surface Mining involves extracting minerals from open pits, offering outdoor work with heavy machinery. Underground Mining requires working in tunnels below the surface, with safety protocols for confined spaces. Both roles demand safety certifications and are vital in the mining industry, but differ mainly in environment and method of extraction.

What are the most commonly searched types of Surface Mining jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Surface Mining jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Surface Mining jobs in Virginia?

For Surface Mining jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Surface Mining jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Surface Mining job openings:

Infographic showing various Surface Mining job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $55,340 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Equipment Operator

Titan America

Branchville, VA • On-site

$18 - $24.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Titan America rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 23 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
We are looking for a skilled and motivated Heavy Equipment Operator to join our team in Branchville, VA. This position will be responsible for operating heavy equipment and participating in all aspects of the daily operation of the sand plant.
Responsibilities
  • Experienced Excavator Operator preferred
  • Daily operation of heavy equipment including excavators, dozers, front end loaders, articulated haul trucks, and water trucks
  • Daily maintenance of equipment
  • Assist in the daily operations and maintenance of the plant, pit, and associated equipment as directed
  • Be available for weekend and/or "after hours" work, as business needs dictate
  • Other duties may be assigned as needed

Qualifications
  • Previous heavy equipment operating experience is required: experienced excavator operator preferred
  • Excellent mechanical aptitude
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Knowledge of surface mining and sand production, practices and applications
  • Knowledge of workplace safety practices
  • Valid driver's license is required

What Titan America employees say

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