This hire guide was edited by the ZipRecruiter editorial team and created in part with the OpenAI API.
How to hire Boart Longyear Drilling
Hiring the right Boart Longyear Drilling employee is critical to the success of any mining, exploration, or drilling operation. Boart Longyear is a globally recognized leader in drilling services and equipment, and professionals with expertise in their systems are in high demand. Whether your company is expanding its drilling operations, replacing a key team member, or scaling up for a major project, bringing on a qualified Boart Longyear Drilling employee can significantly impact productivity, safety, and project outcomes.
In today's competitive market, the ability to hire skilled drilling professionals quickly is a major advantage. The right hire ensures that drilling projects are completed efficiently, safely, and within budget. Mistakes in hiring can lead to costly downtime, safety incidents, and project delays. Conversely, a well-chosen Boart Longyear Drilling employee brings not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of industry best practices, regulatory compliance, and the latest drilling technologies.
Medium and large businesses, in particular, face unique challenges when hiring for this role. They must balance the need for specialized skills with the ability to integrate new hires into established teams and processes. The impact of a Boart Longyear Drilling employee extends beyond the drill site”they play a crucial role in maintaining equipment, ensuring environmental compliance, and upholding the reputation of the business. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for hiring the best Boart Longyear Drilling employees quickly and effectively, covering everything from defining the role and required certifications to recruitment channels, technical and soft skills, background checks, compensation, and onboarding best practices.
Clearly Define the Role and Responsibilities
- Key Responsibilities: A Boart Longyear Drilling employee is responsible for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting drilling rigs and associated equipment, primarily those manufactured by Boart Longyear. Their duties include setting up drill sites, conducting core drilling, monitoring drilling parameters, collecting and logging core samples, and ensuring compliance with safety and environmental regulations. They also perform routine maintenance, diagnose mechanical issues, and coordinate with geologists, engineers, and project managers to achieve drilling objectives. In larger operations, they may supervise drilling assistants or crews, manage inventory of drilling supplies, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
- Experience Levels: Junior Boart Longyear Drilling employees typically have 0-2 years of experience and work under close supervision, focusing on basic operational tasks and learning equipment protocols. Mid-level employees, with 2-5 years of experience, take on more responsibility, including independent rig operation, minor troubleshooting, and mentoring junior staff. Senior Boart Longyear Drilling employees, with 5+ years of experience, often lead teams, manage complex drilling projects, and provide expertise in advanced drilling techniques, equipment optimization, and safety leadership.
- Company Fit: In medium-sized companies (50-500 employees), Boart Longyear Drilling employees may wear multiple hats, handling both field operations and equipment maintenance. They are often expected to be adaptable and resourceful. In large organizations (500+ employees), roles tend to be more specialized, with clear divisions between drilling, maintenance, safety, and logistics. Larger companies may require more formal certifications and experience with enterprise-level reporting and compliance systems.
Certifications
Certifications are a critical component in evaluating the qualifications of Boart Longyear Drilling employees. Industry-recognized certifications not only validate technical skills but also demonstrate a commitment to safety and professional development. Employers should prioritize candidates with the following credentials:
1. Boart Longyear Equipment Training Certificates: Boart Longyear offers proprietary training programs for their drilling rigs and equipment. Completion certificates from these programs indicate that the candidate is proficient in operating and maintaining specific Boart Longyear models, understands manufacturer-recommended safety protocols, and can troubleshoot common issues. These certificates are typically issued after hands-on training sessions and assessments conducted by Boart Longyear or authorized partners.
2. International Drilling Accreditation (IDA): The International Drilling Association provides the IDA Driller Certification, which is recognized worldwide. To earn this certification, candidates must demonstrate a minimum number of drilling hours, pass written and practical exams, and provide references from previous employers. This credential assures employers that the candidate meets global standards for drilling competency and safety.
3. Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Certification: For drilling operations in the United States, MSHA certification is often mandatory. The MSHA Part 46 and Part 48 certifications cover surface and underground mining safety, respectively. Candidates must complete classroom and field training, pass safety exams, and participate in ongoing refresher courses. This certification is crucial for compliance with federal safety regulations and minimizing workplace incidents.
4. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Training: Many employers require OHS certifications, such as OSHA 30-Hour General Industry or Construction cards, to ensure that employees understand workplace hazards, emergency response, and safe work practices. These certifications are issued by recognized safety organizations and are often prerequisites for working on regulated sites.
5. First Aid and CPR Certification: Drilling environments present unique safety risks, making first aid and CPR certification highly valuable. These certifications, offered by organizations like the American Red Cross or St. John Ambulance, demonstrate that the candidate can respond effectively to medical emergencies on site.
Employers should verify all certifications during the hiring process, request copies of certificates, and, where possible, confirm their validity with the issuing organizations. Candidates with multiple relevant certifications are more likely to adapt quickly to site-specific requirements and contribute to a culture of safety and professionalism.
Leverage Multiple Recruitment Channels
- ZipRecruiter: ZipRecruiter is an ideal platform for sourcing qualified Boart Longyear Drilling employees due to its extensive reach and advanced matching technology. The platform allows employers to post job openings to hundreds of job boards with a single submission, maximizing visibility among active job seekers. ZipRecruiter's AI-driven candidate matching system automatically highlights the most suitable applicants based on skills, experience, and certifications, saving hiring managers significant time. The platform also offers customizable screening questions, which help filter candidates with specific Boart Longyear equipment experience or required certifications. Many businesses report high success rates and faster time-to-hire when using ZipRecruiter for specialized roles like drilling professionals, thanks to its targeted approach and user-friendly interface.
- Other Sources: In addition to ZipRecruiter, companies should leverage internal referral programs, as current employees often know qualified candidates within the industry. Professional networks, such as LinkedIn groups focused on mining and drilling, can connect employers with passive candidates who may not be actively job hunting. Industry associations, like the International Drilling Association or local mining councils, often maintain job boards and member directories. General job boards and company career pages can also attract applicants, but may require more effort to screen for specific Boart Longyear experience. Attending industry conferences and trade shows provides opportunities to network with experienced drillers and promote open positions directly to a targeted audience.
Assess Technical Skills
- Tools and Software: Boart Longyear Drilling employees must be proficient in operating a range of drilling rigs, including surface and underground core drills, reverse circulation (RC) rigs, and sonic drills. Familiarity with Boart Longyear's proprietary control systems, such as the Drill Control Interface (DCi), is highly desirable. Candidates should also understand hydraulic and pneumatic systems, rig maintenance tools, and diagnostic equipment. Increasingly, digital logging and data management platforms are used to track drilling progress and core sample data, so experience with software like Geobank or similar geological data management tools is a plus. Knowledge of GPS and site surveying equipment is also beneficial.
- Assessments: Evaluating technical proficiency requires a combination of written tests, practical demonstrations, and scenario-based interviews. Employers should administer skills assessments that cover rig setup, safety protocols, troubleshooting procedures, and sample collection techniques. Practical evaluations, such as operating a Boart Longyear rig under supervision or diagnosing simulated equipment faults, provide direct evidence of competency. Reviewing maintenance logs, safety records, and previous project documentation can also help assess a candidate's technical abilities. For senior roles, consider assigning a case study or asking the candidate to develop a drilling plan for a hypothetical project.
Evaluate Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
- Communication: Effective communication is essential for Boart Longyear Drilling employees, who must coordinate with geologists, engineers, safety officers, and logistics teams. Clear reporting of drilling progress, equipment issues, and safety concerns ensures that projects stay on track and risks are managed proactively. During interviews, look for candidates who can articulate technical concepts to non-specialists and who demonstrate active listening skills when discussing past projects or safety incidents.
- Problem-Solving: Drilling operations often encounter unexpected challenges, such as equipment malfunctions, difficult geological formations, or adverse weather conditions. Successful Boart Longyear Drilling employees exhibit strong problem-solving abilities, remaining calm under pressure and systematically identifying root causes. During interviews, present candidates with real-world scenarios”such as a sudden drop in drilling performance or a safety incident”and ask them to walk through their decision-making process and the steps they would take to resolve the issue.
- Attention to Detail: Precision is critical in drilling operations, where small errors can lead to equipment damage, safety risks, or compromised core samples. Assess attention to detail by reviewing candidate's maintenance logs, safety checklists, and sample documentation from previous roles. Behavioral interview questions, such as describing a time when they caught a potential error before it became a problem, can also reveal a candidate's commitment to thoroughness and accuracy.
Conduct Thorough Background and Reference Checks
Conducting a thorough background check is a vital step in hiring a Boart Longyear Drilling employee. Start by verifying the candidate's employment history, focusing on roles that involved Boart Longyear equipment or similar drilling operations. Contact previous employers to confirm job titles, dates of employment, and specific responsibilities. Request references from supervisors or project managers who can speak to the candidate's technical skills, work ethic, and safety record.
Next, confirm all certifications listed on the candidate's resume. Ask for copies of certificates and, where possible, verify their authenticity with the issuing organizations. For safety-sensitive roles, check for up-to-date first aid, MSHA, and OHS certifications. If the position requires operation of heavy machinery or vehicles, obtain a copy of the candidate's driving record and ensure they hold any necessary licenses.
Depending on company policy and local regulations, consider conducting a criminal background check, especially for roles with access to sensitive sites or equipment. Review any available safety incident reports or disciplinary records from previous employers. Finally, assess the candidate's fit with your company's culture and values by discussing their approach to teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement during reference calls. A comprehensive background check reduces the risk of costly hiring mistakes and ensures that new hires meet your organization's standards for professionalism and reliability.
Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits
- Market Rates: Compensation for Boart Longyear Drilling employees varies based on experience, location, and project complexity. In North America, entry-level drillers typically earn between $45,000 and $60,000 per year, while mid-level employees command salaries in the $60,000 to $80,000 range. Senior drillers and supervisors can earn $90,000 to $120,000 or more, especially for remote or high-risk projects. In regions with high demand for drilling expertise, such as Western Australia or Canada's mining provinces, pay rates may be significantly higher. Hourly rates and overtime pay are common, particularly for field-based roles with variable schedules.
- Benefits: To attract and retain top Boart Longyear Drilling talent, employers should offer comprehensive benefits packages. Key perks include health, dental, and vision insurance; retirement savings plans with employer matching; paid time off and holidays; and performance-based bonuses. For field-based roles, per diem allowances, travel stipends, and housing accommodations are highly valued. Many companies also provide paid training and certification programs, opportunities for career advancement, and recognition programs for safety and performance. Access to modern equipment, well-maintained rigs, and a strong safety culture can further differentiate your company in a competitive labor market. Flexible scheduling, mental health support, and family leave policies are increasingly important to today's workforce and can help improve retention and job satisfaction.
Provide Onboarding and Continuous Development
Effective onboarding is essential for integrating a new Boart Longyear Drilling employee into your team and setting them up for long-term success. Start with a comprehensive orientation that covers company policies, safety procedures, and an overview of ongoing projects. Assign a mentor or experienced team member to guide the new hire through their first weeks, answer questions, and provide hands-on training with Boart Longyear equipment.
Develop a structured training plan that includes both classroom instruction and practical exercises. Cover key topics such as equipment operation, maintenance routines, emergency response protocols, and data reporting systems. Encourage new hires to participate in safety meetings, toolbox talks, and team briefings to build relationships and reinforce your company's commitment to a safe work environment.
Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback during the initial probationary period. Use checklists and progress reviews to track the new employee's mastery of essential skills and procedures. Solicit feedback from the new hire about their onboarding experience and address any concerns promptly. By investing in a thorough onboarding process, you not only accelerate the new employee's productivity but also foster loyalty, engagement, and a culture of continuous improvement within your drilling team.
Try ZipRecruiter for free today.

