Senior Exploration Geologist
BH-338644
Posted: 22/06/2026
- .
- United States Nevada Nevada
- Permanent
-
Mining
Senior Exploration Geologist
Reporting to the Exploration Manager, US, this position is site-based near Winnemucca, Nevada, USA. The Senior Exploration Geologist is a technical role responsible for the implementation and management of effective processes related to the clients near-mine, district, and regional exploration activities in Nevada, USA. The position will routinely travel to tenements to complete field work, prospect assessments, supervise contractors and liaise with a variety of stakeholders involved in, supporting, and impacted by exploration programs. The position is essential in leading, guiding, and developing Exploration and Junior Geologist staff in day-to-day exploration, as well as project tasks. The role is responsible for geological interpretation, 3D modelling, new resource opportunities and support of resource estimation processes.
Key Responsibilities
• The Senior Exploration Geologist participates in planning, supervision, execution, interpretation, and modelling of underground and surface near mine, district and regional exploration projects
• The position advances the understanding of mine, near-mine, district and regional geology as a key part of the process of new orebody discovery, development of mineral resources, and mining of ore reserves
• Within the Exploration team the role is a technical specialist in geological interpretation, 3D modelling, GIS and mineralization visualization
• Participates in setting and enforcing the technical guidelines and standards as applied within the Exploration Department, and managing the geological, technical and digital resources available to the Exploration team
• Promotes and enforces cultural, safety, environment policies and guidelines
• Ensures all work is completed and reported in compliance with all applicable US legislative requirements and the clients tenement conditions
Functional Planning / Scheduling
Exploration
• Assists in developing and maintaining an understanding of the geological controls on mineralization
• Assists in generating exploration strategies, models, and targets inclusive but not restricted to known styles of mineralization
• Contributes to the design and implementation of near-mine, district, and regional exploratory programs, from surface and underground to test and define mineralization potential
• Reports on exploration activities and programs
• Completes exploration activities compliant with the clients and government requirements
• Assists in translating geological data into readily accessible, up-to-date GIS format (spatial data), in an auditable digital data filing structure
• Ensures all drilling data is interpreted during the drilling process, and geological models are constructed using 3D mine planning software
Resource Development
• Assists in defining the resource potential of exploration prospects and identifying resource expansion opportunities
• Assists in advancing projects through to feasibility stage where resource and reserve potential exists
• Assist the design, preparation and implementation of proposals, cost estimates and capital expenditure requests for exploration drilling programs
• Undertakes structural, lithological, geotechnical, metallurgical, hydrogeological and mineralization characterization projects required to understand the distribution of mineralization and ensure the conversion of resources to reserves
• Contributes to the Life of Mine Plan (LOM), desktop and feasibility studies
• Complete other duties as required by the Exploration Manager
Compliance / Quality Control
• Responsible for uncontaminated samples being collected in compliance with NI 43-101 best practices
• Implements appropriate sample and assay quality control measures
• Investigates, corrects and documents any problems arising from sampling
• Participates in audits of sample collection, dispatch, assaying and data interpretation
Safety
• Carries out duties diligently, with highest regard for their safety, the safety of others, environment and community members
• Complies with relevant policy, procedure, guidelines, and standards, as well as national and international acts, regulations and guidelines related to health, safety, environment and community relations
• As a supervisor, have the responsibility of ensuring satisfactory work performance,
as well as compliance of staff with safety, health and environmental best practice
People
• Leads the daily management function of Exploration and Junior Geologists to achieve best practice
• Ensures the accurate capture of all information related to drilling, field sampling and mapping
• Ensures compliance with procedures and quality of work
• Schedules and ensure geological staff conduct regular drill rig inspections to assess the quality of data being captured, sampling practices and outcomes
• Promotes and supervises the implementation of effective and efficient field technologies.
• Other tasks as required
Key Performance Indicators
Safety
• Assist with constant improvements of the Company’s safety systems
• Achieve zero LTI’s
All In Sustaining Costs (AISC)
• Control and monitor monthly absenteeism
Production
• Complete as a minimum the planned exploration programs drilling for each financial year
• Maintain daily/weekly/monthly quality control and exploration deliverable targets
• Assist with preparation of weekly and monthly report by the due date
• Participate actively in staff development and training
• 100% accuracy in reporting for department costs and budgets.
Behavioral Competencies
• Possesses strong training and mentoring skills with the ability to develop an effective team
• Demonstrates strong conceptual skills, and be capable of developing lateral and practical solutions
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to respond to a changing work environment
• The ability to manage multiple projects and tasks at the same time
Qualifications & Requirements
• Bachelor of Science in Geology or related tertiary qualification from a recognized post-secondary institution
• Masters of Science in Mineral Exploration is desirable
• Eligibility to work in the United States without the requirement for employer sponsorship now or at a future date
• Broad and varied experience in the geological field, including supervisory responsibilities
• Advanced use of various company & departmental systems
• Computer skills, i.e. proficient knowledge and constant self-improvement of all aspects of geological and reporting software is required
• Relevant field geology, technical and academic experience
• Relevant people management experience
• Knowledge of the local exploration and mining regulations
• Good time management and organizational skills
Role Challenges
• Discovery of economic ore deposits through systematic exploration and lateral thinking
• Developing and mentoring the more junior personnel leading to them becoming independent thinking, highly skilled geologists
• Create and maintain harmony and efficiency within the geological team, and the company as a whole
• Keeping pace with technological advancements in exploration
• Time spent on the field: 70%-80%
• Business trips: Approximately 20% annually
With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.
Reporting to the Exploration Manager, US, this position is site-based near Winnemucca, Nevada, USA. The Senior Exploration Geologist is a technical role responsible for the implementation and management of effective processes related to the clients near-mine, district, and regional exploration activities in Nevada, USA. The position will routinely travel to tenements to complete field work, prospect assessments, supervise contractors and liaise with a variety of stakeholders involved in, supporting, and impacted by exploration programs. The position is essential in leading, guiding, and developing Exploration and Junior Geologist staff in day-to-day exploration, as well as project tasks. The role is responsible for geological interpretation, 3D modelling, new resource opportunities and support of resource estimation processes.
Key Responsibilities
• The Senior Exploration Geologist participates in planning, supervision, execution, interpretation, and modelling of underground and surface near mine, district and regional exploration projects
• The position advances the understanding of mine, near-mine, district and regional geology as a key part of the process of new orebody discovery, development of mineral resources, and mining of ore reserves
• Within the Exploration team the role is a technical specialist in geological interpretation, 3D modelling, GIS and mineralization visualization
• Participates in setting and enforcing the technical guidelines and standards as applied within the Exploration Department, and managing the geological, technical and digital resources available to the Exploration team
• Promotes and enforces cultural, safety, environment policies and guidelines
• Ensures all work is completed and reported in compliance with all applicable US legislative requirements and the clients tenement conditions
Functional Planning / Scheduling
Exploration
• Assists in developing and maintaining an understanding of the geological controls on mineralization
• Assists in generating exploration strategies, models, and targets inclusive but not restricted to known styles of mineralization
• Contributes to the design and implementation of near-mine, district, and regional exploratory programs, from surface and underground to test and define mineralization potential
• Reports on exploration activities and programs
• Completes exploration activities compliant with the clients and government requirements
• Assists in translating geological data into readily accessible, up-to-date GIS format (spatial data), in an auditable digital data filing structure
• Ensures all drilling data is interpreted during the drilling process, and geological models are constructed using 3D mine planning software
Resource Development
• Assists in defining the resource potential of exploration prospects and identifying resource expansion opportunities
• Assists in advancing projects through to feasibility stage where resource and reserve potential exists
• Assist the design, preparation and implementation of proposals, cost estimates and capital expenditure requests for exploration drilling programs
• Undertakes structural, lithological, geotechnical, metallurgical, hydrogeological and mineralization characterization projects required to understand the distribution of mineralization and ensure the conversion of resources to reserves
• Contributes to the Life of Mine Plan (LOM), desktop and feasibility studies
• Complete other duties as required by the Exploration Manager
Compliance / Quality Control
• Responsible for uncontaminated samples being collected in compliance with NI 43-101 best practices
• Implements appropriate sample and assay quality control measures
• Investigates, corrects and documents any problems arising from sampling
• Participates in audits of sample collection, dispatch, assaying and data interpretation
Safety
• Carries out duties diligently, with highest regard for their safety, the safety of others, environment and community members
• Complies with relevant policy, procedure, guidelines, and standards, as well as national and international acts, regulations and guidelines related to health, safety, environment and community relations
• As a supervisor, have the responsibility of ensuring satisfactory work performance,
as well as compliance of staff with safety, health and environmental best practice
People
• Leads the daily management function of Exploration and Junior Geologists to achieve best practice
• Ensures the accurate capture of all information related to drilling, field sampling and mapping
• Ensures compliance with procedures and quality of work
• Schedules and ensure geological staff conduct regular drill rig inspections to assess the quality of data being captured, sampling practices and outcomes
• Promotes and supervises the implementation of effective and efficient field technologies.
• Other tasks as required
Key Performance Indicators
Safety
• Assist with constant improvements of the Company’s safety systems
• Achieve zero LTI’s
All In Sustaining Costs (AISC)
• Control and monitor monthly absenteeism
Production
• Complete as a minimum the planned exploration programs drilling for each financial year
• Maintain daily/weekly/monthly quality control and exploration deliverable targets
• Assist with preparation of weekly and monthly report by the due date
• Participate actively in staff development and training
• 100% accuracy in reporting for department costs and budgets.
Behavioral Competencies
• Possesses strong training and mentoring skills with the ability to develop an effective team
• Demonstrates strong conceptual skills, and be capable of developing lateral and practical solutions
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to respond to a changing work environment
• The ability to manage multiple projects and tasks at the same time
Qualifications & Requirements
• Bachelor of Science in Geology or related tertiary qualification from a recognized post-secondary institution
• Masters of Science in Mineral Exploration is desirable
• Eligibility to work in the United States without the requirement for employer sponsorship now or at a future date
• Broad and varied experience in the geological field, including supervisory responsibilities
• Advanced use of various company & departmental systems
• Computer skills, i.e. proficient knowledge and constant self-improvement of all aspects of geological and reporting software is required
• Relevant field geology, technical and academic experience
• Relevant people management experience
• Knowledge of the local exploration and mining regulations
• Good time management and organizational skills
Role Challenges
• Discovery of economic ore deposits through systematic exploration and lateral thinking
• Developing and mentoring the more junior personnel leading to them becoming independent thinking, highly skilled geologists
• Create and maintain harmony and efficiency within the geological team, and the company as a whole
• Keeping pace with technological advancements in exploration
• Time spent on the field: 70%-80%
• Business trips: Approximately 20% annually
With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.