Senior Exploration Geologist
Position Summary
The Senior Exploration Geologist leads near-mine resource conversion drilling around the pit envelope, advancing Inferred resources to Indicated through RC and diamond infill and extensional programs. This role owns pit-wall and near-pit structural mapping that underpins resource model confidence and structural domain control and directly supervises field technicians and samplers on logging quality, sample chain of custody, and field HSE conduct. The Exploration Geologist works closely with Grade Control, Mine Planning, and Survey to keep near-pit drilling and mapping aligned with the active mining schedule, reporting to the Geology Manager.
Key Responsibilities
Resource Conversion Drilling & Field Supervision
• Direct RC and diamond infill/extensional drilling programs to convert Inferred resources to Indicated around the pit envelope.
• Supervise field technicians and samplers daily, including logging QA, sample chain of custody, and field HSE conduct.
• Review overnight drill progress each shift (meters, hole status, downtime reasons) and action issues before the day’s program proceeds.
• Confirm daily rig targets, mapping traverses, and site access with Mine Planning and Survey at shift start.
Structural Mapping & Geological Interpretation
• Conduct and review pit-wall and near-pit structural mapping (veins, alteration, shear fabric, contacts) using orogenic-style structural criteria.
• Spot-check core/chip logging quality in the field against established structural and geological standards.
• Update structural/geological interpretation and domains as new logging and mapping data become available.
Data Management & QAQC
• Review Geobank data entry daily (collar, downhole survey, lithology/structural logs) for completeness and error flags.
• Confirm QAQC insertion (CRM/blank/duplicate) at the correct frequency before samples leave site.
• Import and validate weekly assay results into Geobank; reconcile against QAQC performance and flag failures for re-assay or resample, routing sign-off to the Geology Manager.
Resource Modeling & Reporting
• Incorporate validated monthly assay and structural data into the Micromine Mineral Resource model.
• Track and report Inferred → Indicated conversion status against the resource conversion plan.
• Compile and present weekly drilling/QAQC ops updates and a monthly geology report (resource conversion progress, drilling summary vs. budget, QAQC compliance, structural/model changes, and risks to resource classification) to the Geology Manager.
Team & Program Planning
• Roster field technicians and samplers weekly and align drill targeting with resource/mine planning input.
• Review field crew performance, logging quality trends, and training needs; develop the next month’s drill program and mapping plan against budget.
• Attend weekly ops meetings with the Geology Manager, Grade Control, Mine Planning, and Survey to align drilling and mapping access with the mining schedule.
Safety & Environmental Stewardship
• Place the safety, health, and wellbeing of employees and contractors as the top priority in all field activity.
• Identify and control occupational hazards; conduct field risk assessments and safety observations.
• Support the Company’s commitment to environmental stewardship and comply with all applicable permits and best management practices.
Qualifications
Required
• Bachelor of Science in Geology or Geological Engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in resource or exploration geology within a mining operation.
• Working proficiency in Micromine (or comparable resource modeling software such as Vulcan or Leapfrog).
• Demonstrated knowledge of QAQC protocols (CRM/blank/duplicate insertion and review).
• Ability to work and live onsite at a remote mining operation.
Preferred
• Master’s degree in Geology.
• Experience with orogenic-style gold mineralization and structural domain interpretation.
• Prior experience supervising field technicians or samplers.