FULL LIST: The 10 best cleanskin jobs in mining right now

If you’re looking to make big bucks, these 10 entry-level jobs in Queensland’s mining sector will put you on a pathway to riches. Which job will you go for?

Bravus haul truck operator Chris Hobson. Photo: Cameron Laird

There’s a lot of money sloshing about in Central Queensland’s massive mining sector and no other industry offers working and middle-class Australians such a clear pathway to an attractive standard of living.

But it can be a slog for ‘cleanskins’, or people with no prior mining experience, to get their foot in the door, something Bravus haul truck operator Chris Hobson knows about.

The 33-year-old Whitsundays man moved to Australia from Britain 10 years ago and said landing a job in the mines could mirror the “chicken and egg” problem.

“You need the experience to get the job, but without the job you can‘t get the experience,” he said.

“The new-to-industry opportunity bypasses all of that and allows you to enter the industry completely green and you are taught everything you need to know on the job.”

“I was lucky enough to be one of 60 that got selected for the job.”

He said working as a ‘cleanskin’ on site was “daunting” at first, but he learned on the job with an “amazing” crew.

“I spent the first week as a passenger in a truck just learning the basics of a mine site,” he said.

Bravus haul truck operator Chris Hobson. Photo: Cameron Laird

“What the goal is, how it is achieved, the do’s and very-much-don'ts of driving a truck.

“After that I was assigned a trainer who sat beside me until I was both competent and confident in my abilities.

“The whole process lasted about six months at which point I was signed off and able to operate on my own.”

For others looking to follow him into the mines, Mr Hobson recommends following mining-specific pages on social media.

The Jobs in Mining Facebook page, for example, counts more than 274,000 followers.

“In my experience they (cleanskin or entry level jobs) are few and far between but when they come up make sure your CV is up to date and always include a cover letter to increase your chances of standing out,” he said.

“There will be a lot of people applying for only a few positions, so you need to make yourself heard among the crowd.”

To make things a little easier, we’ve trawled through job portals for March to find 10 great entry-level jobs open right now.

Underground operator – Anglo American

Mining giant Anglo American has a position open in Moranbah for someone looking to get their foot into the mining door.

“Several opportunities exist at our Grosvenor Mine site in Moranbah to join our Underground team as an entry level coal mineworker,” the company states.

“These roles are suitable for people looking for an opportunity to join our business with limited or no industry experience.

“You will learn the underground coal mining operations as well as be trained in safely operating various diesel vehicles and ancillary equipment pieces such as loaders, drift runners, continuous miners, man transporters, shearers, transformers, crushers, main gate drives, stage loaders, etc.”

The full-time, two-year position includes a range of impressive benefits including an even-time 7/7 roster, monthly safety bonus, daily bus transfers from the airport and camp, FIFO, DIDO and residential options, relocation assistance and a fully subsidised local gym membership.

A salary figure is not listed, but experienced underground operators can expect to book $150,000 plus.

Blast crew operator – Orica – $100,000-$120,000

This well-established company wants a trainee blast crew operator for its Biloela site.

“You will be specifically trained and supported to perform duties within our blast crew and to eventually operate an Mobile Manufacturing Unit,” the company states.

“An MMU is a highly advanced Heavy Rigid vehicle fitted with latest technologies and on-board computer systems and is used to pump explosive products into pre-drilled blast holes on our customer mine sites.

“The natural career progression of a trainee blast crew operator is to advance to MMU Operator, then to Shotfirer once fully trained.”

No experience is required, but the company requires a current Heavy Rigid (HR) drivers’ licence and an ability to pass all required security checks in which to obtain a Dangerous Goods licence.

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

Drillers – Coldwell – $80,000-$100,000

This firm has 44 years’ experience in the mining industry and it is looking for trainees to operate its fleet of drill rigs, which are contracted out to various mine sites across Queensland.

“We are seeking career oriented and driven individuals to join Coldwell Drilling as an entry level drill trainee and build your mining careers,” the company states.

The company will offer on-the-job technical training, free accommodation and meals, the chance to work on machinery with the latest technology and “family friendly rosters”.

The company requires a driver’s license, coal board medical, Standard 11 and someone who is mechanically minded.

They are looking for someone who lives in Central Queensland, though this is not essential.

A HR license is also preferable but not essential.

Field Engineer – Kinetic Logging Services – $80,000-$100,000

This geophysical services firm has positions open for wireline logging operators in mining’s exploration space.

“This dynamic field-based role involves the safe operation and ongoing maintenance of our Geophysics Logging Service,” the company states.

“This service provides the collection of Geological data, and positively impacts safety, quality and productivity outcomes for our major mining customers.”

As the operator, you will be responsible for hitting the required KPIs per day, manually operate the tools to collect the geophysical data, troubleshoot any issues that may arise, communicate back to the support team and overall ongoing maintenance of the vehicle.”

The requirements for the job are minimal.

You must be able to pass drug and alcohol screening, pass a pre-employment medical, have a right to work in Australia, provide up to two references and have a manual LR driver’s license.

The company offers training off-site (operation of vehicle, specialist tools and equipment) followed by on-site training, support in the operation and maintenance of equipment will be provided.

It is listed as a 14/7 FIFO role that is also subject to change.

New-to-industry dipper roles – Workpac – $50,000-$80,000

These positions at Anglo-American’s Dawson Mine offer 7/7 day shift rosters with both residential and DIDO options.

“You will be working as a New to Industry Dipper Role alongside the Drill & Blast crew,” labour hire firm Workpac states.

“Your duties are and not limited to measuring holes and writing down the depth of the hole on pegs, measuring water and unblocking the holes.”

All you need is a Standard 11 and coal board medical, a current driver’s license and right to work in Australia.

Local Moura candidates will receive a $150 rental subsidy paid weekly.

Fitters and electricians – ABM Contractors – $63-$66 an hour

ABM has put the call out for trained fitters and electricians looking to get their start in the coal industry.

New-to-industry electricians can book $66 per hour while new-to-industry fitters can book $63 per hour.

The positions are full time and boast a 7/7 roster.

The company says camp accommodation can also be provided.

Trades assistant – Ampcontrol – Up to $140,000

This Moranbah cable services firm is looking for a trades assistant to work on cable repair and they are willing to shell out big bucks to get their candidate.

“No cables experience required,” the company states.

“We will train and develop you.”

The full-time position works off a rotating four-day day roster with no weekend work.

The job also offers attractive benefits including paid parental leave and private health care discounts.

The position is not FIFO or DIDO and only Moranbah residents are encouraged to apply.

With overtime and allowances, the company says a worker could earn up to $140,000 a year.

Service technician – Control Systems Technology – $80,000-$100,000

CST manufactures conveyor belt weighing systems for mining, power stations, bulk ports and the sugar industry.

The company is calling for a trainee service technician based in Mackay.

“CST will provide all the training you need for this role,” the company states.

“This is a permanent, full-time position that offers competitive hourly rates, good work life balance and an opportunity to develop your skills with the support of our longstanding technicians and the management team.

“With the right attitude and willingness to learn you will be set up for success.”

The job involves the calibration, maintenance and repair of mechanical equipment, with low voltage electrical testing (no electrical licence required), parts fitting and installation and work on mines sites and ship loading ports across the state.

Applicants require a current C driver‘s licence and the ability to pass a pre-employment medical and national police clearance.

Fitters and electricians – PIMS Group – $100k+

PIMS Group, which operates the Millennium mine on behalf of MetRes, a joint venture between M Resources and Stanmore, is calling for cleanskin underground fitters and electricians.

They want post-trade experience, but no underground experience is necessary.

The company offers a 7/7 roster, accommodation and meals, novated leases on vehicles and flights and an employee assistance program.

A salary figure is not listed, but job offers a pathway to riches.

Fitters and electricians with underground experience can reliably book more than $150,000 in the sector.

Steering Technicians – Lucas Drilling – $80,000-$100,000

This exploration, production and directional drilling firm is looking for trainee steering technicians to work on various projects in Queensland.

“You will learn to perform steering duties in the design, planning and directional guidance execution of drill holes,” the company states.

“The well types are primarily coal mine degasification service bores and SIS CSG style lateral/horizontal drilling.”

The company states trade certificates and some proficiency in Microsoft Excel is desired.

Lucas will offer FIFO from Brisbane to Moranbah or Emerald with free flights, meals and accommodation.

Originally published as FULL LIST: The 10 best cleanskin jobs in mining right now