Rock Drill Equipment Operator

Company Overview

Aggregate Resource Industries, Inc. (ARI) is a leading mining and construction services contractor headquartered in Springfield, Oregon. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions for the mining and construction industries, including rock drilling, blasting, and crushing operations throughout the United States. Our commitment to safety, innovation, and quality has established ARI as a trusted partner for mining and construction projects nationwide — and earned us recognition as one of Oregon’s Top Workplaces for our dedication to employees and culture.

Position Overview

The Rock Drill Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating hydraulic drilling equipment on mining, quarry, construction, solar energy, and development projects throughout the United States. This position requires a strong commitment to safety, mechanical aptitude, and adaptability to changing project conditions. The Rock Drill Operator is responsible for producing quality drill patterns, maintaining assigned equipment, and supporting drilling operations across a wide range of project types and field environments.

• Schedule is determined by the Drilling Manager and may vary based on project location and operational needs.
• Frequent overnight travel is required; transportation, lodging, and daily per diem are provided when traveling.
• When assigned to blast hole drilling projects, employees will typically depart on Sunday or Monday and return home on Friday.
• When assigned to solar pre-drilling projects, employees typically work a four-weeks-on, one-week-off rotation.
• Shift lengths often range from 12–14 hours per day

Compensation

• We offer a generous and progressive pay scale. Pay for this position depends on experience.
• Typical annual earnings: $70,000-$100,000 per year.
• Benefits: Generous benefits package including per diem, comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, holiday pay and more.

Job Requirements/Qualifications

• Experience: Previous rock drilling experience is strongly preferred. Equivalent experience operating heavy equipment in construction, mining, or a related industry will also be considered.
• OSHA 10-Hour Certification: Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour certification is strongly preferred. If not already obtained, the company will work with the employee to complete the certification prior to the start date.
• MSHA Training: Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) Experienced Miner Training certification is strongly preferred.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Ability to perform routine maintenance, inspections, and basic troubleshooting on drilling equipment.
• Driver License: Valid driver’s license with a driving record that includes no more than 3 moving violations and/or chargeable accidents in the last 3 years and no DUIIs.
• ATF clearance: Must pass a background check through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in compliance with federal explosive handling regulations.
• Drug Test and Physical Screening: Pre-employment drug test and physical required. We conduct random drug tests and post-accident testing. ARI maintains a zero-tolerance drug policy, including marijuana.
• Travel commitment: Ability and willingness to travel extensively and work away from home for extended periods based on project assignments.
• Physical requirements: Physical stamina with the ability to lift 75 pounds and remain on feet for long hours.

Additional Skills Required

• Values-Driven: Embodies ARI’s values of integrity, teamwork, grit, and continuous improvement
• Situational Awareness: Maintains awareness of changing jobsite conditions and proactively identifies potential hazards and operational challenges.
• Communication: Effectively communicates with Project Managers, supervisors, and fellow crew members regarding production, safety, and project needs.
• Adaptability: Performs effectively in changing environments, schedules, weather conditions, and project requirements.
• Problem Solving: Uses sound judgment to identify issues and develop practical solutions in the field.
• Motivation: Results-driven and persistent in completing complex fieldwork

• Safety awareness: Committed to safe work practices and adherence to company, OSHA, and MSHA requirements.

Job Responsibilities

• Drill operation: Operates hydraulic drills on various terrains and job types including mines, quarries, and development sites
• Equipment maintenance: Conducts daily maintenance for safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment
• Pre-operation Inspections: Performs pre-operation inspections and workplace exams per company policy
• Drill pattern execution: Understands and follows drill patterns/layouts provided by Project Managers
• Hole quality assurance: Visually inspects and measures holes to ensure they meet required specifications
• Progress communication: Provides regular updates to Project Managers; reports any delays or challenges
• Technology use: Utilizes the Strayos Fielder mobile app to execute and document drill patterns
• Team meetings: Participates in weekly Drilling Department Teams meetings
• Blasting support: Assists with blasting operations when needed
• Worksite housekeeping: Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Additional duties: Performs any additional duties to support the overall drilling operations and team objectives.

Safety

• Safety commitment: Maintains a safety-first mindset and consistently follows all safety policies, procedures, and regulations to help ensure a safe work environment for self and others.

Benefits

• Company Paid Lodging When working on jobs requiring more than 1.5 hours one-way travel time, we arrange and pay 100 percent of lodging accommodations.
• Paid Travel Time
• Per diem $40.00 per day when staying at a company paid hotel.
• Company Phone We provide Operators with iPhones or a monthly cell phone allowance for phone calls, emails, text messaging and mobile time keeping.
• Fuel Card andCredit Card We provideOperators with fuel cards and credit cards for company expenses.
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Health Insurance Eligible employees may participate in ARI's health insurance program, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements
• Vision Insurance Eligible employees may participate in ARI's vision insurance program, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements.
• Dental Insurance Eligible employees may participate in ARI's dental insurance program, subject to plan terms and eligibility requirements
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Employees are given the option to contribute a portion of their earnings, pre-tax, into a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). They can use the funds contributed to their account to pay for qualified medical or dependent care expenses that are not covered by insurance.
• Voluntary Insurance We offer a voluntary insurance program for Critical Illness, Accident Protection, Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) With this benefit program, employees and members of their household can receive free, confidential counseling servicesto help work through both personal and professional issues.
• 401k We match 100% of the first 3% of your salary that you contribute, and 50% of the amount that exceeds 3%, up to 5% of your annual earnings. In addition, ARI may make a profit-sharing contribution to your account at the end of the plan year.

ARI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or other bases prohibited by applicable law.

Department: Drilling & Blasting

This is a full time position