10 entry-level jobs in Central Queensland’s mining sector

There’s never been a better time to be in mining, with wages going through the roof and jobs galore across the Bowen Basin. So drop your shift at Maccas and make more money with these gigs.

Miners get paid more money than just about anyone else in the country, with median earnings of $2497 per week, far above the national average of $1250.

But it can be a challenge getting into the industry.

The jobs paying big bucks often require extensive prior experience in the sector.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of 10 jobs you can go into right now with no requirement for prior mine site experience.

Miners get paid more money than just about anyone else in the country, with median earnings of $2497 per week, far above the national average of $1250. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen

The opportunities have been drawn from advertisements on job boards from late December and early January.

Some of the jobs are apprenticeships, with a clear pathway to massive salaries.

Others require training tickets and certificates, but offer a crucial first step to mining’s riches.

Some jobs only require a good attitude and strong work ethic.

So here’s where you can start if you want to drop that low-paid retail or food service job and take up a new life in mining.

Operators – $63-$76 per hour

Labour hire firm One Key Resources has put the call out for dump truck and excavator operators at the Peak Downs mine and all you need is the right training transcripts.

A dump truck operator can nab $63 per hour while an excavator operator trained on Liebherr 9800, 9600, 996 and 9400 and CAT 6060 can earn $76 an hour.

The job also provides free accommodation a meals, a complimentary bus service from Mackay or Townsville and 7/7 rosters.

Maintenance officers – $80k-$85k

Leichhardt Accommodation Village, a popular mining camp in Moranbah, wants a maintenance officer to keep the camp in shipshape condition.

Reporting to the village manager, the officer maintains buildings and equipment, monitors stores and supplies and helps out with cleaning and garbage collection.

The ad notes some experience within a trade is desirable but not essential.

The job offers more than $80k a year, well above Australia’s median salary of about $60,000 a year.

It also offers free food and accommodation at the camp and a free bus service to Moranbah from Mackay.

Drillers offsiders – $100,000+

Lucas Drilling, an exploration, production and directional drilling services firm, works with some of Queensland’s largest coal miners and wants offsiders to join its team.

The position is entry level and the only essential requirement is a current HR truck licence or above.

“As a Lucas offsider you will be required to take direction and assist the driller with the drilling operations, take part in the daily pre-start equipment checks, assist in the setup and dismantling of rigs among other tasks on site while ensuring that all company safety and environmental standards are followed,” the job ad states.

An exact salary figure is unclear, but the job is listed in the $100,000 to $120,000 bracket on Seek.

The position offers FIFO from Brisbane to Moranbah or Emerald and free flights, means and accommodation.

It also offers on-the-job technical training.

“All employees of Lucas are offered the opportunity to complete certificates in drilling operations,” the ad states.

Multi-skilled operators – $55-$60 per hour, or $120,000+

Bowen Coking Coal is restarting production at the main Burton mine in the northern Bowen Basin and Celotti Workforce is calling for multi-skilled operators for road maintenance works at the site.

Operators with the right skill sets can earn big bucks at coal mines. Picture: Cameron Laird

The ad does not state that prior mine site experience is an absolute necessity and lists the following as requirements:

An RII water cart statement of attainment, a current coal board medical and Standard 11 induction issued within the past five years, a white card and HR driver licence and “willing to labour when required”.

The job is also only open to those living in Central Queensland.

Meals and accommodation are provided on a 2/1 roster.

Cleaners – $40 per hour

One Key Resources is hiring cleaners for an open cut coal mine site in the Coppabella region.

The job offers $40 an hour on a casual rate, weekly pays and a 7/7 roster.

The job is a casual position with 12 hour day shifts cleaning office buildings, crib rooms and public amenities.

The only requirements are a current manual drivers licence, a current Standard 11 or the ability to obtain one, proof of Australian work rights and DiDo.

New-to-industry auto electricians

Mining giant Anglo American has positions open for auto electricians at its massive open-cut Dawson mine in Moura west of Rockhampton.

The company wants auto electricians to inspect, diagnose, service and repair mobile plant equipment and undertake training and upskilling as required.

“If you are committed to safety, have a positive attitude and want to get kick start your career in the mining industry, then we want to hear from you,” the job ad states.

A salary figure is not listed in the ad, but experienced auto electricians can expect to book about $150,000 in Queensland’s coal sector.

Mechanical fitters – apprenticeship

Sometimes the best way to get your foot in the door is through an apprenticeship.

Migas has an apprenticeship opportunity for mechanical fitters at Anglo American’s Aquila mine near Middlemount.

Anglo American's Aquila project in Central Queensland. Picture: Nat Dixon

“You will develop the skills of a qualified Mechanical Fitter Tradesperson by assisting the on-site tradespeople in the mechanical maintenance and repairs to underground mining equipment and machinery and will be mentored by qualified tradespeople over a four-year period to gain mechanical knowledge and skills within the mining industry,” the job ad states.

The job offers a clear pathway to massive salaries, with experienced fitters regularly booking more than $150,000 in the sector.

Trades assistants – $35-$45 per hour

You don’t need to live in the camps to make handsome wages in mining.

As a TA in Paget, you can book up to $45 per hour right now with iCutter Industries repairing drilling equipment and parts.

The ad states previous experience in mining and manufacturing is preferred but not an absolute requirement.

Grader, dozer, loader operators – $100,000+

Workpac is hiring workers with grader, dozer or loader skills for a BHP mine site.

Prior work on a mine site is not a necessity, but training and experience with the machines is necessary.

You will also need to hold or attain a Standard 11 and coal board medical, a driver’s licence and right to work in Australia.

A salary figure is not listed, but the job appears in Seek’s $100,000-$120,000 bracket.

Offsiders – $30-$36 per hour

Aston Advantage is calling for offsiders, or trades assistants, to work alongside fitters, boilermakers and welders on 12 hour shifts.

“This is a great chance to learn new skills and get tickets to develop your career in mining and manufacturing,” the company states.

You only need manual labouring experience to apply.

FIFO offsiders will be paid $40-$45 an hour.

Originally published as 10 entry-level jobs in Central Queensland’s mining sector