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Surface Mining Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

Field Mechanic

Prairieville, LA

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

... and surface mining. Will need a working knowledge of DC electrical systems. Will be responsible for providing your own tools. Must learn and understand all safety hazards related to the work and ...

Field Mechanic

Prairieville, LA · On-site

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

... and surface mining. Will need a working knowledge of DC electrical systems. Will be responsible for providing your own tools. Must learn and understand all safety hazards related to the work and ...

Field Mechanic

Prairieville, LA · On-site

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

... and surface mining. Will need a working knowledge of DC electrical systems. Will be responsible for providing your own tools. Must learn and understand all safety hazards related to the work and ...

Surface Mining information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$16

$25

$33

How much do surface mining jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for surface mining in Baton Rouge, LA is $25.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.40 and $28.61 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 job categories do people searching Surface Mining jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Surface Mining jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

Infographic showing various Surface Mining job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,599 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Field Service Tech (Deep Foundations Mechanic)

Cajun Industries

Prairieville, LA • On-site

$22.75 - $30.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Cajun Industries rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview

The Field Service Tech (Deep Foundations Mechanic will diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as Europen Style Drill Rigs, Cranes, Bulldozers, Graders, and Conveyors, used in construction and surface mining. Will need a working knowledge of DC electrical systems. Will be responsible for providing your own tools. Must learn and understand all safety hazards related to the work and learn to safely and effectively use or operate work related tools and equipment. Will be required to work in a plant operations or construction jobsite setting.

Responsibilities

*The following are intended as general illustrations of the work in this job class and are not all-inclusive for this position.

  • Clean, lubricate, and perform other routine maintenance work on equipment and vehicles 
  • Operate and inspect machines and/or heavy equipment to diagnose defects
  • Repair and replace damaged or worn parts
  • Fit bearings to adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment
  • Read and understand operating manuals, blueprints, and technical drawings
  • Examine parts for damage or excessive wear
  • Test mechanical products/equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with specifications
  • Assist other craft workers as needed

Qualifications

Physical:  While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee may be required to:

  • Move throughout active construction and project site environments, including areas with uneven terrain, mud, gravel, sand, and other varying surface conditions.
  • Position themselves to inspect work, access materials, equipment, structures, and work areas at ground level, overhead, and in restricted-access locations.
  • Ascend and descend stairs, ladders, scaffolding, and other elevated work surfaces while maintaining safety requirements.
  • Frequently handle, operate, and use hand tools, power tools, equipment, instruments, and materials associated with assigned job duties.
  • Frequently move, transport, position, push, pull, lift, or carry materials weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance or mechanical devices where available.
  • Frequently communicate and exchange information with crew members, supervisors, clients, subcontractors, vendors, and others in field and office settings.
  • Understand information presented through written, electronic, verbal, visual, and environmental sources to support safe and effective job performance.
  • Work in a variety of environments, including outdoor settings exposed to heat, cold, rain, humidity, wind, noise, dust, and other weather or site-related conditions.
  • Work in confined spaces, restricted access areas, or elevated locations when required by project needs and in accordance with applicable safety requirements.
  • Perform work activities ranging from sedentary to heavy physical exertion depending on project assignment and operational needs.

 Mental:  While performing the essential functions of this job, the employee may be required to:

  • Communicate and collaborate effectively with crew members, supervisors, clients, subcontractors, vendors, and others.
  • Read, interpret, apply, and communicate work instructions, plans, specifications, company policies, safety requirements, and regulatory standards.
  • Perform mathematical calculations and apply measurement, estimation, and problem solving skills necessary to complete assigned work.
  • Maintain concentration, situational awareness, and attention to detail while working in environments with multiple activities, distractions, and changing priorities.
  • Make timely decisions using sound judgment related to safety, quality, productivity, and project requirements.
  • Observe, evaluate, retain, and apply information necessary to perform assigned duties safely and effectively.
  • Adapt to changing work conditions, schedules, priorities, and operational demands.

What Cajun Industries employees say

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