Drill and Blast Engineer

Thiess, originating in Australia in 1933, is now a $4 billion global organization focusing on sustainable resource solutions, including mining services, land reclamation, and engineering consulting. With 12,000 employees, we are committed to creating lasting value for our clients and leading the way toward a more sustainable future.

We are a movement spearheading a journey towards a more sustainable future, and North America is a crucial part of it. Our unique business approach to contract mining currently makes our services available in the United States and Canada. In the US, we operate in Salt Lake City, Utah, Colorado, and the Intermountain West region. In Canada, our services are available in Sudbury, Greater Ontario, and the Northern Ontario region. We are also expanding to other states and areas in both countries.

Please get to know us better by watching the following videos about Our Purpose and Our Values!

Role Overview

Reporting to the Technical Services Superintendent, this role will coordinate all drill and blast design, planning and reporting activities to ensure they are conducted in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner. 

Design

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide efficient drill pattern, load sheets, and tie up plans to drill and blasting contractors
• Support the broader Technical Services Team in generating Mine Plans, aligned with Scheduling, Forecasts and Budgetary processes.
• Incorporate all geotechnical recommendations and information with the geotechnical Ground Control Management Plan (GCMP)
• Perform regular pit inspections in conjunction with Production and subcontractors to ensure compliance to design parameters and goals
• Ensure any required design amendments due to design non-conformance or operational issues are re-evaluated, reissued, and communicated for corrective actions accordingly
  
  

Drill & Blast Operations

• Notify all relevant stakeholders and neighbours of upcoming blast exclusion zones, dates and times as required
• Ensure that the site administrator has all relevant and required documentation regarding the blast activity
• Actively monitor operational activities, blasting vibrations and geotechnical conditions and immediately report any identified non-compliance or hazards
• Manage bench clean up and drilling and blasting operations through the Production Supervisor
• Ensure all preventative measures are taken to avoid blast related ore dilution
• Assist the Production Supervisor in regular prestart meetings and toolbox talks
  
  

Finance And Reporting

• Ensure that drill and blast activities are completed within allowed budget by cost effective use of subcontractors and resources
• Perform accurate and efficient End of Month (EOM) reporting processes including forecast and actual drill and blasting activities
• Conduct regular and systematic drill and blast block reconciliations and report on any variances
• Ensure subcontractor invoices are approved and processed correctly, and monthly accruals are complete
• Utilize Infomine to enter drill and blast data and run PowerBI reports as required
  
  

Relationship Management

• Provide clear performance expectations to subcontractors and reinforce correct behaviour through recognition and encouragement
• Foster good working relationships with all internal stakeholders to enhance coordination between departments by maintaining effective communication with relevant personnel
• Manage relationships with suppliers and subcontractors to enhance departmental performance
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
  

Required Skills

• Proficient in MS Office and drill & blast design software preferably Vulcan, Shotplus & BlastIQ
• Desirable experience utilizing electronic detonators
• Knowledge of relevant legislation including provincial/national regulations, guidelines, and Canadian/provincial standards
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills
  
  

Job Requirements

• Minimum 2-3 years mining engineering with drill and blast experience in an open pit mine
• Valid Driver’s License
• Authorization to work lawfully in Canada without sponsorship from Thiess is required
  
  

EDUCATION

• Degree in Mining Engineering or a related field
  
  

Additional Information

• Work schedule: 5 on 2 off, on-site, willing to work flexible hours as needed in response to operational needs
  
  

What We Offer

• A work culture that follows our company values of integrity, accountability, and innovation, all underpinned by safety
• A permanent position working directly for Thiess, the world’s largest mining services provider.
• A competitive base salary reflects of your skills and experience
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits
• RRSP retirement savings benefit with employer matching contributions
• Career development and opportunities domestic within Canada, and potentially international
• Leave for all of life’s reasons
  
  

We recognize the value of an inclusive and diverse workplace through our vision that we are Better Together. We’re focused on creating an inclusive environment to enable our people to reach their full potential because they feel safe, respected and empowered. 

Thiess offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment processes. If you are contacted by Thiess regarding a job opportunity, please advise prior to the interview if you require accommodation. Thiess will engage in reasonable workplace accommodation, short of undue hardship, for any successful candidate who has a documented exemption under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

We thank all applicants however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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