Reverse Circulation Driller

Skeena Gold + Silver Limited is a Canadian mining company with a portfolio of exploration and development projects located in northwest British Columbia, Canada. Our current focus is on the revitalization of the high-grade, past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine. Skeena is committed to leading the industry in reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion and we work in close collaboration with our Indigenous partners, leveraging their traditional knowledge and respect for the land.

As a Skeena employee, you will become part of a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven work environment. Together, alongside colleagues of diverse backgrounds and experience you will help us operate safely, protect the environment, positively contribute to our local communities and build a state of the art mine in Canada. Come join our team to be a part of this amazing opportunity!

Job Title: RC Grade Control Driller
Reporting directly to Technical Services and working closely with Skeena Production Geology, the RC Grade Control Driller is responsible for safely operating Skeena’s Sandvik DI650i with RC package to deliver accurately placed grade-control holes and clean, representative sample returns. The driller leads the two-person rig crew on shift, coordinates with Skeena samplers, and mentors helpers and trainee drillers as part of a structured training pathway supporting Tahltan workforce development.

Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
RC Drilling and Hole Accuracy
• Operate the Sandvik DI650i RC drilling system within training, authorization and manufacturer and site requirements
• Review approved drill plans and verify hole ID, collar location, azimuth, inclination, target depth and sample intervals before drilling
• Set up, position and move the rig safely on approved pads, assessing ground, highwalls, traffic interactions and drill exclusion zones
• Monitor drilling parameters, ground conditions, penetration and sample return; stop and escalate deviations or unsafe conditions
• Complete end-of-hole gyro surveys as assigned, verify data quality and communicate exceptions to Geology

Sample Integrity and Grade Control Quality
• Maintain the cyclone, splitter and sample return lines in clean working order to prevent cross-contamination
• Coordinate sample interval changes, sample flow and wet or dry sample issues with Skeena sampling personnel; Skeena samplers remain responsible for collecting and handling samples
• Identify and report poor recovery, contamination, blocked lines, mislabeled intervals or other quality concerns immediately
• Record hole depths, sample intervals and deviations accurately to support ore and waste delineation

Safety, Maintenance and Reporting
• Lead pre-start inspections, task risk assessments, hazard controls, safe isolation and shift handovers, and exercise stop-work authority
• Direct and coach the driller helper, ensuring no untrained person undertakes restricted tooling or rig tasks
• Inspect rods, bits, hammers, subs and RC equipment; complete permitted routine servicing and report faults to Skeena Maintenance
• Maintain accurate daily records of metres, holes, delays, defects, tooling consumption, incidents and production
• Maintain good housekeeping, dust and spill controls and environmental protection measures

Training and Workforce Development
• Mentor helpers and trainee drillers through documented practical tasks and competency assessments
• Support cross-training of authorized blasthole drillers under an approved training plan
• Contribute to operational improvement, maintenance feedback and knowledge transfer

Additional Responsibilities
• All other duties as reasonably assigned, within training, authorization and the scope of the role
The Ideal Candidate
Education / Qualifications:
• Demonstrated competence as an RC driller, with approximately three or more years of RC experience preferred, ideally in open-pit grade control
• Experience with Sandvik surface drills or comparable RC systems; DI650i experience is an asset
• Must possess a valid Class 5 Driver’s Licence
• Able to pass Skeena’s pre-access drug and alcohol test and complete site induction

Experience / Skills
• Able to interpret drill plans and hold collar, angle, depth and sample quality requirements
• Sound understanding of RC sampling QA/QC, cyclone and splitter operation, tooling and routine mechanical troubleshooting
• Strong safety leadership and the ability to direct and coach an offsider on a two-person crew
• Accurate written and electronic production reporting, with sound judgement in changing ground and weather conditions
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; effective team player who works collaboratively with Skeena teams
• Willing to mentor new personnel and work 12-hour day and night shifts on a remote, camp-based roster

Work Location & Conditions

This is a site-based camp job at Eskay Creek Mine site. This position involves 12-hour day and night shifts on a 15/13 rotation, working on an active open-pit mine.

The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is located within the Coast Mountains of Northwestern British Columbia and Tahltan Territory. Ground transportation will be provided from local communities to the Eskay Creek Site facilities. For those applicants located elsewhere in western Canada, flight transportation from major urban centers will be provided to the Terrace or Smithers airports, from which shuttles will provide transportation to the Eskay Creek Camp facilities. Travel time and expenses are subject to Skeena’s Travel Policy.

There will be exposure to extreme temperatures in all seasons including working outdoors in snow, mud, ice, and water conditions, walking to and from different locations on uneven ground, prolonged periods of standing and physically handling/lifting/moving heavy objects such as drill rods and tooling, using mechanical lifting aids where provided.

Compensation

The expected hourly rate for this position is CA$48 - CA$52 per hour, plus overtime, statutory holiday and vacation pay in accordance with British Columbia employment standards. Individual compensation will be determined based on factors including relevant education, training, experience, skills, qualifications, and job responsibilities. Skeena is committed to fair, equitable, and transparent compensation practices and to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate.

All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Priority hiring consideration will be given to Indigenous Nations members who reside within the territories where our projects are located.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.