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1 Cliffs Drill Operator Jobs Hiring Near You

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What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Drill Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drill Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, experience with drilling equipment, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drilling rigs, safety protocols, and certifications such as OSHA or MSHA are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and precise drilling operations in potentially hazardous environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Drill Operators in the field, and how can they be managed?

Drill Operators often encounter challenges such as working in difficult weather conditions, maintaining equipment reliability, and adhering to strict safety protocols. These can be managed by consistently following maintenance schedules, staying up to date with safety training, and communicating effectively with team members to address issues promptly. A proactive approach to equipment checks and a strong safety mindset help ensure both productivity and well-being on the job site.

What are Drill Operators?

Drill Operators are skilled workers who operate drilling machinery used to bore holes in the earth for purposes such as exploration, construction, mining, or extraction of natural resources. They are responsible for setting up, maintaining, and safely operating drilling rigs, monitoring equipment, and ensuring the drilling process runs smoothly. Drill Operators often work in challenging environments and must adhere to strict safety protocols. Their role may also include performing routine maintenance on equipment and troubleshooting issues that arise during drilling operations.

What is the difference between Drill Operator vs Drilling Rig Worker?

AspectDrill OperatorDrilling Rig Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, OSHA safety training, possibly certification in drilling operationsHigh school diploma, safety training, on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentOperate drilling machinery on construction sites, oil fields, or mining locationsAssist with rig setup, maintenance, and support tasks on drilling sites
Industry UsageCommonly employed in oil & gas, construction, mining industriesTypically found in oil & gas, mining, and construction sectors

While both roles work on drilling sites, the Drill Operator primarily operates and controls drilling equipment, whereas the Drilling Rig Worker supports the operation through maintenance and assistance tasks. The Drill Operator usually has more specialized training and responsibility for the drilling process.

What are the most popular categories at Cliffs?
Infographic showing various Drill Operator job openings at Cliffs in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Maintenance Mechanical Technician

Maintenance Mechanical Technician

Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc.

Toledo, OH • On-site

$22.50 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Cleveland-Cliffs rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 111 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 29 rated mining


Job description

Location: Toledo, OH
Cleveland-Cliffs, Inc. has an immediate opportunity for a Maintenance Mechanical Technician at our Toledo, OH HBI location. The Maintenance Mechanical Technician is responsible for performing mechanical maintenance on processing plant equipment, requiring full craftsman skill. This position works with and assists other crafts and Operators in the repair of fixed plant assets including unplanned and preventative maintenance activities.
Summary Responsibilities:
  • Safely and competently perform repairs on a wide variety of equipment, piping, pumps, process fans, motors, hydraulic systems, compressors, ventilation fans, air receivers, conveyor installations, chutes, etc. in both inside and outdoor applications in a continuous operating environment.
  • Erect, inspect, dismantle, overhaul, clean, service, repair, adjust, test, assemble, and lubricate machinery and equipment.
  • Perform rebuilds of rotating equipment including setting bearings to manufacturer tolerances and performing drive train alignment using laser alignment tools.
  • Read, understand, and execute work based on work orders, standard jobs, blueprints, sketches, maintenance manuals, and other documents related to the Engineering specifications.
  • Receive verbal and/or written instructions from Supervision in the form of work orders, permits to work, hot work, confined space, and isolation procedures to safely complete work, including paperwork, and feedback to Supervision on execution of tasks.
  • Perform basic welding and be willing and interested in learning additional skills beyond traditional mechanic skills to become a cross-functional craftsperson.
  • Perform troubleshooting, identify and select and/or communicate to planning correct tools and materials for ad-hoc or unplanned maintenance activities.
  • Provide technical advice, quality control, problem solving, troubleshooting, and repair recommendations.
  • Understand consequences of equipment failure and repair errors. Participate in defect elimination and continuous improvement processes.
  • Operate equipment for testing purposes. Analyze mechanical failures and determine repairs.
  • Safely perform basic rigging using slings, chain falls, and other common lifting devices.
  • Operate drill presses, threading machines, and cut-off saws as required.
  • Operate trucks, forklifts, cranes, and elevated work platforms as required to facilitate work. Work in shop or field as required.
  • Splice, patch, and vulcanize belts as required.
  • Inspect and keep tools and work area in clean and orderly condition.
  • Prepare and provide reports as required.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Associate's degree or 2-year technical school degree/certification or completion of an apprenticeship program. May consider equivalent experience.
  • Journeyman card, certification and/or 5+ years of mechanical trade's maintenance work experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment.
  • Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) experience; Ellipse preferred.
  • Microsoft Office experience (Excel, Word, etc.)
  • Understanding of shop mathematics with the use of drawings, specifications, charts, tables, and precision measuring instruments.
  • Strong mechanical aptitude preferably with experience in pipe materials, specifications, fittings, seals, water piping/pumping systems, compressible fluid piping/pumping systems, welding, conveying equipment, gearing/bearings/power transmission, rigging/iron working, machining procedures, tolerances, use of power/hydraulic tools.
  • Ability to work under minimal supervision and effectively manage multiple/changing priorities.
  • Ability to read and understand mechanical drawing sets including general arrangements, exploded views, bill of materials (BOM), welding procedures, material and piping specifications.
  • Ability to interpret maintenance manuals.
  • Basic understanding of lubricant types and applications for industrial equipment.
  • Effectively communicate both orally and through written text
  • Occasionally lifting up to 50lbs.
  • Mobility required. Must be able to handle stairs and long periods of work on your feet.
  • Routinely exposed to plant environment including noise, dust, dirt and vibrations, extreme climate changes / changes in weather
  • Work at heights.
  • Willing to work shift work and assist in other areas of department or site as needed.
  • Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off, and more.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to careers@clevelandcliffs.com or call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.

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