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Underground Mining Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING COMPANY LLC

Surveyor

Mojave, CA · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

Through Golden Queen Mining Co., LLC, we operate a modern gold and silver open-pit, heap-leach mine ... Locate underground services and issue dig permits to support safe excavation activities. Support ...

Epiroc Drilling Solutions, LLC

Mining (GET / Wear Solutions) Brisbane | Hybrid + Site Travel (NSW & QLD focus) CR Powered by ... Comfortable operating across both site environments and corporate structures * Strong communicator ...

Obayashi Corporation

Tunnel Engineer

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

... mining, shafts, or underground structures work. This position is based in Menlo Park, CA, and will ... Obayashi has been operating and completing projects in the United States since 1979. Obayashi ...

OffWorld

Linux Engineer

Altadena, CA · On-site

Our robots will go deeper underground and farthest on Earth than humans can, eliminate the ... Strong knowledge of Linux operating systems, including CentOS, Ubuntu, or Debian. * Proficiency in ...

OffWorld

Robotics Test Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$95 - $135/hr

Our robots will go deeper underground and further on Earth than humans can, eliminate the need for ... Experience with ROS (Robot Operating System) or similar robotics middleware. * Experience with ...

OffWorld

Linux Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

Ourrobots willgo deeper underground and farthest on Earth than humans can,eliminate the need for ... Strong knowledge of Linux operating systems, including CentOS, Ubuntu, or Debian. * Proficiency in ...

OffWorld

Linux Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

Ourrobots willgo deeper underground and farthest on Earth than humans can,eliminate the need for ... Strong knowledge of Linux operating systems, including CentOS, Ubuntu, or Debian. * Proficiency in ...

OffWorld

Lead Space Systems Engineer

Altadena, CA · On-site

$120 - $150/hr

Ourrobots willgo deeper underground and farthest on Earth than humans can,eliminate the need for ... mining, construction, tunneling and other dangerousindustries,and dramatically reduce the ...

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All JobsUnderground Mining Operator JobsUnderground Mining Operator Jobs in California

Underground Mining Operator information

See California salary details

$16

$24

$41

How much do underground mining operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground mining operator in California is $24.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.38 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an underground mining operator do?

An Underground Mining Operator is responsible for operating machinery and equipment that extracts minerals and ores from beneath the earth’s surface. Their duties can include drilling, blasting, loading and transporting materials, and ensuring safety protocols are followed in underground environments. They work as part of a team to maintain productivity and adhere to strict safety and environmental regulations. This role often requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of mining technology and procedures.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an underground mining operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underground Mining Operator, you need a solid understanding of mining operations, equipment handling, and workplace safety, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized training or apprenticeships. Familiarity with heavy machinery, mine monitoring systems, and certifications like MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) or equivalent are typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, safety compliance, and minimizing risks in hazardous underground environments.

What are some common challenges faced by underground mining operators, and how are they typically addressed on the job?

Underground Mining Operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined spaces, managing equipment malfunctions, and ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols. To address these, operators receive comprehensive safety training and are provided with personal protective equipment. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as operators regularly coordinate with engineers, supervisors, and maintenance staff to promptly resolve issues and maintain productivity. Continuous professional development and adherence to established procedures help operators adapt to evolving mining technologies and safety standards.

What is the difference between Underground Mining Operator vs Surface Mining Operator?

AspectUnderground Mining OperatorSurface Mining Operator
CredentialsMining certifications, safety trainingMining certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentUnderground tunnels, confined spacesOpen-pit or surface sites, outdoor
Industry UsageMining companies with underground operationsMining companies with open-pit or surface operations
Job FocusOperating equipment underground, safety in confined spacesOperating equipment on surface, managing open-pit sites

Underground Mining Operators and Surface Mining Operators both require similar certifications and safety training. However, their work environments differ significantly, with underground operators working in confined tunnels and surface operators working outdoors on open-pit sites. Both roles are essential in the mining industry, with their specific duties tailored to the type of mining operation.

What are popular job titles related to Underground Mining Operator jobs in California?

For Underground Mining Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Underground Mining Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Underground Mining Operator jobs in California are:

Underground Mining Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Underground Mining Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,876 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Surveyor

Mojave, CA • On-site

GOLDEN QUEEN MINING COMPANY LLC
Coal, Metals and Minerals Mining • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about GOLDEN QUEEN MINING COMPANY LLCexternal

$83K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Description

Surveyor - Job Description 

Who We Are

Andean is a fast-growing precious metals producer operating across top-tier jurisdictions in the Americas. With two cornerstone assets - the San Bartolome processing facility in Potosi, Bolivia, and the Soledad Mountain Project in Kern County, California - we are expanding our footprint and shaping the future of responsible mining.


Through Golden Queen Mining Co., LLC, we operate a modern gold and silver open-pit, heap-leach mine just outside Mojave. The site uses conventional open-pit mining, cyanide heap leaching, and Merrill-Crowe processing to recover gold and silver from crushed and agglomerated ore. This is mining at scale, powered by innovation, discipline, and a commitment to doing things the right way.


At Andean, our people are our most valuable resource and critical to our success. Our culture fosters inclusion, collaboration, and rewards success, positioning us to be the employer of choice in the communities where we operate.


Who You Are

You are a self-motivated and detail-oriented surveying professional who thrives in a dynamic mining environment. You take ownership of your work, apply strong technical expertise, and work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to support operational success. You are committed to accuracy, safety, and continuous improvement, and are excited to contribute to the growth and success of the Soledad Mountain Project.

This role offers a unique opportunity to join an established operation and play a critical role in supporting the continued success of the Project. This position reports to Senior Mine Engineering.


What You Do

Lead and perform all survey operations for open pit mining activities. 

Establish, maintain, and verify survey control points and site benchmarks. 

Support ore control, drill and blast, excavation, and mine development activities through accurate field layout and surveying. 

Conduct topographic, progress, and as-built surveys across the mine site. 

Calculate and report material movement and stockpile volumes. 

Maintain survey records, site plans, mapping, and related databases. 

Locate underground services and issue dig permits to support safe excavation activities. 

Support exploration and infill drilling programs through survey layout and data management. 

Collaborate closely with Engineering, Geology, and Operations teams to ensure safe, efficient, and accurate mine planning and execution.


What You Bring

  • A minimum of 1-3 years of experience as an open-pit or quarry surveyor.
  • A demonstrated proficiency in all aspects of surveying in an open pit environment;
  • A demonstrated meticulous approach to procedures, mark-ups in the field, and recording of data. 
  • Sampling experience is a plus.
  • Experience with construction-related survey techniques is an asset.
  • Proficient in all verbal and written skills and 
  • An ability to present information in a manner that is clear and understandable.
  • Driver's license is required
  • High School diploma or GED

What We Offer


A competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, which includes the following:

401(k) with company matching

PPO and HMO health insurance plans

9 paid holidays

Vacation accruals


Notice to Recruitment and/or Staffing Firms:

The Company will not pay any fees for recruitment activities related to the hiring of a candidate for any position unless a services agreement has been entered into between the Company and the recruitment and/or staffing firm.


Go to www.goldenqueenllc.com for information on the Company and the Project. 

Apply