Drill Rig Operator

Bathurst Resources is New Zealand’s largest coal-specialist mining company. We produce over 2.2 million tonnes of coal each year and proudly employ over 550 people. About 80 percent of our production is used for steel making of which one third is used by local Kiwi steel producers. Our high-quality, thermal-grade coal fuels are used to help drive the engines of many iconic food and dairy businesses.

The Rotowaro coalfield and opencast mine is the second largest opencast coal mine in New Zealand and is located 10km west of Huntly. We are also only 40km from Raglan and 40km from Hamilton – the city life or the beach life are both accessible from our mine.

We are culturally diverse and maintain a strong health and safety focus. You dig, they dig, we all dig doing things right! We have our peoples’ best interests in mind and welcome you to put yourself forward to join our team if you have experience driving mobile heavy equipment.

Be Safe – Be Accountable – Be a Team – Be Real

About You

We are looking for a Drill Rig Operator that has knowledge and experience in working with drilling systems. Reporting to the Mine Operations Supervisor, the Drill Rig Operator will operate our surface drill rig in blast hole drilling configurations.

Additionally, this position includes undertaking daily inspections of your work equipment and work areas (eg pre-start forms, takes), checking your compliance with Safe Operating Procedures (SOPs) and discussing improvement ideas with your Supervisor.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Secondary Education qualification
• NZQA certification (Level 3 or 4) in drilling or mining operations or
• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar position within a mining (or similar) environment
• Full, current, clean NZ Driver’s license Class 1 with role relevant endorsements
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to troubleshoot equipment
• Positive and can-do attitude
• Motivated and enthusiastic
• Reliable and responsible
• Health and Safety focused.

We Can Offer You

• The roster for this role is Monday to Friday 11.25 hours shift, dayshift only, 56.25 hours per week.
• Pay rates based on skills and experience: $41.26-$45.86 gross per hour;
• Excellent team environment
• Opportunity for career growth
• Awesome benefits for you and your family to enjoy, including Health and Life Insurances, and a huge employee discount purchasing programme!
• The right equipment for the job and an opportunity to add new skills to your kit bag.

How To Apply

If you share our passion for safety and feel that you could make a meaningful difference in this role, please apply using the ‘CLICK HERE’ button now.

CLICK HERE

Please Note

• Applications close Sunday 28 June 2026 at 11:59pm.
• Successful candidates will be subject to a pre-employment medical including drug and alcohol testing.
• Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.