Senior / Lead Diamond Driller

Trade In Motion is expanding operations and is currently seeking experienced Lead Diamond Drillers for multiple upcoming exploration and mining projects across Canada and the USA. We are looking to fill 20 positions across varying experience levels within our crews.

This senior-level position is designed for seasoned operators with a strong mechanical background capable of managing deep-hole drilling programs, troubleshooting complex downhole conditions, maintaining high core recovery, and mentoring rig crews in a safe, highly productive environment. This position is open to North American applicants, with a strong focus on welcoming Canadian, US, and Mexican citizens who are eligible for the TN Visa pathway.

Key Responsibilities & Core Objectives

• Drilling Operations (80% of Time): Safely and efficiently operate and control drilling machinery and hoisting systems according to project specifications. Utilize HQ and NQ rod configurations on specialized drills, including dual-purpose rigs and Schramm (T450, T455, T685, T3W) or DR-12/DR-24 setups. Manage deep-hole programs targeting depths of 500m to 600m+.

• Troubleshooting & Downhole Mitigation: Diagnose and overcome challenging ground conditions such as broken ground, return water loss, and high artesian pressure. Adjust mud weight, optimize chemical products, and implement fault-plugging methods to resolve circulation loss.

• Maintenance & Rig Care (10% of Time): Conduct pre-shift inspections (oil checks, bolt inspections, leak fixes). Perform routine preventative maintenance every 250–500 hours to minimize downtime. Independently execute field repairs on heads, hydraulic pumps, engines, feed cylinders, and handle basic field welding/torch work as needed.

• Safety Compliance & Site Supervision (5% of Time): Enforce strict safety protocols around high-risk areas including rig rotation, pressurized hydraulic lines, and slippery work floors. Monitor crew activities to maintain a zero-harm site.

• Team Mentorship & Record Keeping (5% of Time): Maintain accurate daily logs of drilling progress, materials consumed, and operational incidents. Provide hands-on training to junior drill helpers to build their technical knowledge and safe handling skills.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: Minimum 3 to 7+ years of dedicated diamond drilling experience, with at least 2 years operating as a Lead/Confirmed Driller.

• Equipment Expertise: Direct experience operating drill rigs, compressors, boosters, dozers, service trucks, and telehandlers.

• Technical Knowledge: Strong background in mud density management, clear water injection, and bit selection to maximize core recovery.

• Travel & Environment: Ability to travel to remote project locations, adapt to long rotations, harsh weather, and remote exploration camp life.

• Eligibility: Open to North American applicants. Must hold valid citizenship in Canada or the US, or be a Mexican citizen fully eligible for a TN Visa.

• Certifications: Must hold industry-standard drilling, first aid, and safety certifications, with immediate or near-future availability.