Job Title : Senior Technical Officer (Core Driller)
Reporting Line : Manager: Technical Services
Overall Job Purpose : To execute drilling for mineral exploration and geoscientific research boreholes to execute and support geoscientific projects using multifunctional core drill rig, drilling equipment and related technology.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Drilling mineral exploration and geoscientific research boreholes, focusing amongst others minerals and energy theme such as base metals, precious metals and energy minerals (Uranium, Coal and Lithium), using NQ or HQ core size, and other possible borehole sizes.
- Undertake various core-drilling techniques, such as wire line drilling, double and triple core barrel, etc.
- Recovering or (fishing) of lost equipment down the hole during drilling, such as rods, bits, etc.
- Preparation of the drill muds and constant inspection.
- Prepare the related drilling equipment needed for each type of drilling methods.
- Supervise assistant technical personnel while undertaking drilling services
- Borehole development and casing for mineral exploration
- Knowledge of standard operating procedures related to drilling methods and operations.
- Recording data or information during drilling such as drilled core meters, water loss, gas detected etc.
- Handling and processing of the core as prescribed by the requests of the client.
- Check and maintain good quality core samples regularly to adhere to the specifications and quality standards set by the CGS.
- Daily checks and minor maintenance of equipment are required and recorded as per the CGS checklists and reports, and to specifications of the client.
- Loading and offloading of equipment at office and drill site using the safe work procedures laid down by CGS.
- Setting up and dismantling of camps and drill sites. The drill sites must be safe and not destructive to the environment. The drill sites must be rehabilitated and left as close to the original state as possible, or to the acceptance of the client.
- Assist in driving the transport necessary to move the drill rig and equipment. The driller/technical officer will be required to assist with the driving of the trucks and other vehicles to mobilise the equipment from and to drill sites.
- Execute all administrative aspects related to drilling, for day-to-day record keeping of all activities at the drill site, such as daily drill record, vehicle log and check lists, etc.
- Execute ad-hoc tasks deemed necessary by the supervisor or Manager, such as transport of equipment, etc.
Learning and Development
- Supervises and provides guidance of assistant technical officers during drilling operations.
- Provide guidance in drilling methodologies, data collection and ensure quality control related to drilling and mineral exploration.
- Monitor and evaluates drilling operations, while mentoring assistant technical officers.
Quality Assurance
- Development and implementation of quality documentation, and work within the requirements of the prescribed standards (ISO 9001 quality documentation).
- Ensuring health and safety measures on and off drilling sites
- Develops and Implements drilling operating manuals work procedures for ISO certification.
- Mentors and supervises assistant technical officers to ensure quality core recovery.
- Present training courses or workshops to junior staff.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of grade 10, with a minimum of seven (07) years core drilling experience.
- Valid code 10 driver’s license (C1).
- Valid code 14 driver’s license, (EC) with Public Driving Permit (PDP) and experience of driving four axle, 8 x 4 heavy duty trucks will be an added advantage.
- Valid training certificates of core drilling methods will be added advantage.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
- Proven seven years’ experience and advance knowledge on core drilling methods within the various geological terrains.
- Experience in core exploration drilling, focusing on minerals and energy theme such as gold, iron, uranium and coal, with minimum experience of drilling up to 1500 meters depth per borehole using core drilling, with NQ or HQ core size.
- Experience in different types of core drilling is required, such as wire line drilling, double and triple core barrel, etc.
- Experience in recovery (fishing) methods for lost equipment down the hole, such as rods, bits, etc.
- Experience in the preparation of the drill muds and the inspection thereof.
- Experience in preparation of the equipment needed for each type of drilling methods required.
- Experience in supervision of assistant technical personnel while undertaking drilling services
- Experience and knowledge of borehole development and casing for mineral exploration
- Experience and knowledge of ensuring health and safety measures on and off drilling site
- Knowledge of standard operating procedures related to drilling methods and operations.
- Recording data or information during drilling such as drilled core meters, gas detected, etc.
- Must be computer literate, Ms Word, Ms Excel etc. for the up keep of daily records and other needed records.
- Experience in undertaking minor mechanical repairs such as replacement of air and fuel filters, etc.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
- Ability to work in remote areas.
- Presentation and facilitation skills.
- Communication skills (Oral and Written).
- Negotiation skills.
- Customer orientation.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- Must be physically fit e.g., ability to handle heavy equipment and machinery.
- Adherence to operation procedures as advised by the CGS and the client.
- Flexibility towards changes in priorities as determined by the supervisor/ project manager.
- Must have good self-discipline.
The Council for Geoscience is committed to Employment Equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity prescripts, preference will be given but not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups. Females and people from previously disadvantaged groups and sectors are encouraged to apply.
If you meet the above requirements and wish to apply, click the apply button below.
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not been contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
All appointments are subject to vetting processes. Appointments are subject to positive vetting results. The processing of your personal information by the Council for Geoscience will be done in accordance with the POPI Act 4 of 2013.
Applications submitted on CGS social media platforms will not be considered.
Closing Date: 31 August 2023
All the best with your applications