Drilling Operator

Job Description

The Drilling Operator:- is responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining specialized drilling equipment to bore blast holes or exploration holes in surface or underground coal mining operations. The primary objective is to execute precise drilling plans safely, efficiently, and according to structural, geological, and blast design specifications.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

1. Operational Execution & Drilling

• Set up, position, and operate surface or underground rotary/percussive drilling rigs according to site survey marks and blast layouts.

• Drill blast holes, probe holes, or core samples to specified depths, diameters, patterns, and angles.

  Advertisement

• Monitor drilling parameters (feed pressure, rotation speed and penetration rates) and adjust controls to adapt to varying rock and coal seam formations.

• Select, attach, and change drill bits, couplings, rods, and reaming equipment appropriate for specific rock hardness.

2. Pre-Start Inspections & Equipment Maintenance

• Perform mandatory pre-operational checks on mechanical, hydraulic and electrical systems of the drill rig prior to each shift.

• Execute basic field preventive maintenance, including greasing pivot points, topping off fluids, inspecting hoses/cables, and replacing worn wear parts.

• Identify and report mechanical malfunctions or structural fatigue to the maintenance and site supervisory teams immediately.

3. Site Preparation & Quality Control

• Inspect working faces, pit benches, or highwalls to verify ground stability, scaling loose rock, and ensuring safe setup conditions.

• Measure, clear, and log hole depths, spacing, and burden to ensure readiness for the blasting crew.

• Maintain accurate daily drilling logs (meters drilled, bit hours, ground conditions, delay times, and fuel usage).

4. Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Strictly adhere to occupational health and safety regulations, mine safety guidelines, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Job Requirements

Job Qualifications & Skills

Education & Experience

• High school diploma, TVET diploma, or equivalent technical vocational training.

• Minimum 2–3 years of proven experience operating heavy production drills in surface (open-cast) or underground mining environments.

• Possession of valid heavy machinery/equipment operator certifications and site-specific safety inductions.

Technical & Physical Skills

• Equipment Knowledge: Demonstrated expertise operating rotary drills

• Blueprint & Map Reading: Ability to interpret geological survey plans, drill pattern layouts, and technical drawings.

• Mechanical Aptitude: Basic troubleshooting ability for hydraulic, electrical systems.

• Physical Stamina: Ability to work extended shifts in challenging outdoor or pit environments, lift heavy drill steel/components and handle repetitive physical tasks.

How To Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter toyoholdingplc@gmail.com please include "Drilling Operator" in the subject line of your email or in person at the Head Office in Addis Ababa, Mexico, Senga Tera in front of Commerce College, Hibret Bank Tower 6th floor.