Description
Lead geological investigations to discover and evaluate mineral resources. Plan and execute exploration programs, specify drilling and sampling methods, manage data and modeling, and assess technical and economic potential while ensuring safety, environmental stewardship, and regulatory compliance.
- • Plan and execute surface and subsurface exploration surveys to locate and characterize mineral deposits.
- • Analyze maps, remote sensing, geophysical, geochemical, and historical data to define drill targets.
- • Design drill programs, specifying hole locations, orientations, and spacing, and prepare drill plans and permits.
- • Oversee drilling, trenching, and sampling operations with strict QA/QC and chain-of-custody.
- • Monitor drilling productivity and costs; optimize processes and contractor performance.
- • Plan logistics for remote operations, including camp setup, transport, and supply chain.
- • Collaborate with metallurgists and engineers to assess preliminary processing options and project economics.
- • Log core and chips, interpret stratigraphy and structure, and select intervals for assay.
- • Build and maintain 2D/3D geologic and resource models integrating assay and structural data.
- • Evaluate results and update target rankings, recommending follow-up work or project exit.
- • Prepare budgets, schedules, and cost estimates for exploration campaigns; track expenditures.
- • Develop and maintain GIS and databases; automate data capture, validation, and reporting.
- • Prepare technical reports, maps, and presentations for management, partners, and regulators.
- • Ensure compliance with permits, land access agreements, and environmental requirements.
- • Implement HSE programs for field operations and conduct risk assessments and audits.
- • Specify and procure exploration equipment, sampling tools, and data acquisition systems.
- • Manage contractors, drill crews, and field teams; train staff in procedures and safety.
- • Coordinate baseline studies and plan reclamation of exploration sites.
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Energy & Natural Resources
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
