Drill Operator

Position Summary

Westmoreland Mining is looking for a Drill Operator to join our team. The ideal individual will be safety conscious, dependable, and motivated. This individual is responsible for safely and efficiently operating track mounted drills of the high-mast variety. The Drill Operator will perform maintenance on all relevant equipment and maintain a safe working area.

Supervisor Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

- Operating a drill and associated equipment within the company guidelines and safety standards.

- Must be able to demonstrate proper start-up and shutdown procedures.

- Must be totally familiar with the operational capabilities of track mounted drills of the high-mast variety.

- Demonstrate the ability to recognize unstable ground conditions as well as changes in the overburden being drilled and make necessary adjustments to maximize productivity and safety.

- Effectively coordinate walking and drilling activities with machine oiler.

- Coordinate the establishment of blast hole patterns with proper personnel.

- Display understanding of air quality regulations as pertaining to drilling operations and comply with standards.

- Operator must be totally familiar with the function of and problems that may develop in any structural or electrical component of the machine, and with the service and function of the on-board lubrication system.

- Must be able to determine by inspection: normal wear, functional or structural fatigue which may not require immediate maintenance verses abnormal wear, functional or structural fatigue which may require examination by support personnel or immediate shut-down and repair.

- Must effectively coordinate machine maintenance and service with electrical and mechanical departments, and with engineering and field supervision in matters of production related activities.

- Assist in the coordination of maintenance, service and production activities with other personnel in a multi-shift team concept.

- Completing day to day activities of drill operations including daily/monthly machine inspections, greasing, drill logs, and replacing bits as needed.

- Repair drilling machines.

- Participating in safety inspections, plant safety program, and follows company and MSHA safety rules and regulations.

- Store blasting materials.

- Aiding in the training of co-workers as needed.

- Performing other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Typical Physical Demands

- The incumbent will also perform duties related to and associated with operations.

- A combination of indoor and outdoor work is required for this position.

- Standing for extended periods: Often required to stand throughout the shift while operating machinery.

- Walking, bending, and stooping: Frequent movement around the job site, including navigating uneven terrain.

- Lifting and carrying heavy materials: May need to lift tools, drill bits, or other equipment weighing up to 50 lbs or more.

- Manual dexterity: Ability to handle controls, tools, and small parts with precision.

- Climbing: May need to climb ladders or equipment.

- Exposure to vibrations: Regular use of power tools and machinery that produce vibration.

- Working in various weather conditions: Outdoor work in heat, cold, rain, or snow.

- Use of personal protective equipment (PPE): Including hard hats, gloves, safety glasses, and hearing protection.

- Sensory and Cognitive Demands

- Good vision and hearing: Essential for monitoring equipment and maintaining safety.

- Quick reflexes and coordination: To respond to changes in equipment or environment.

- Focus and attention to detail: Especially when operating heavy machinery or drilling in sensitive areas.

Education and Experience

- High school diploma or GED.

Licenses, Registration, and Certifications

- None.

What We Offer

- Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you and in the things you care about.

- We offer a 401k with a generous match, student loan repayment assistance, tuition reimbursement.

- To care for your wellbeing, we offer paid vacations and holidays, monthly wellness financial incentives, Employee Assistance Program.

- Health care offerings include medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, health savings account, flexible spending accounts.

- To assist you in leveraging the health care benefits, we offer personal health advocates, tele-medicine, surgery concierge services, diabetes care.

- Short-term disability, long-term disability, basic term life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage are provided at no cost. Optional coverages available include supplemental life insurance and supplemental accidental death and dismemberment insurance.