Core Driller

About Alkalinea

Alkalinea places technical roles on key industrial construction and manufacturing projects nationwide, with a focus on building teams for electric vehicle manufacturing, battery manufacturing, critical minerals, and data centers.

Role Overview

Alkalinea is hiring a Core Driller for our client, a critical minerals company operating an open-pit copper mine in the Moab, UT area. You will operate diamond core drill rigs for mineral exploration and resource definition, with a focus on safe, accurate drilling to plan, high-quality core recovery, equipment care, and following health, safety and environmental standards. Diamond core experience is ideal, but strong drillers from reverse circulation (RC), air rotary or blast hole backgrounds are also welcome. A driller who can lead and train a Driller Assistant is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate a diamond core drill rig in line with site procedures, manufacturer specs and MSHA requirements
• Collar holes accurately and hold the right angles, depths and alignment per the drill plan
• Do thorough pre-start inspections, routine servicing and basic troubleshooting to keep downtime low
• Monitor and adjust drilling parameters such as fluid pressure, rotation speed, weight on bit and penetration rate
• Make sure core is recovered, measured, labeled and boxed correctly, with good contamination control
• Keep accurate drill logs, footage drilled and daily production reports
• Recognize changes in ground conditions and flag them to the geologist and supervisors
• Lead and mentor the Driller Assistant and keep the crew working safely
• Keep the drill pad and equipment area clean and organized
• Handle equipment breakdowns and emergencies with a calm, safety-first approach

Qualifications

• 2+ years of drilling experience, ideally as a diamond core driller
• RC, air rotary or blast hole drillers are also encouraged to apply
• Strong mechanical aptitude and a solid understanding of drilling techniques and equipment
• Experience training or leading drill helpers is a strong plus
• Real commitment to safety
• Valid driver's license; CDL is a plus

Schedule

7 days on / 7 days off, 12-hour day shifts

Housing & Relocation

Housing and relocation assistance options are available.

Working Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work 12-hour shifts outdoors on drill pads and rugged terrain, in all weather and extreme temperatures
• Lift at least 50 lbs, with exposure to dust, noise, vibration and diesel
• Wear all required PPE (hard hat, steel toes, safety glasses, hi-vis, hearing protection, and a respirator when required)

Alkalinea is focused on building teams for electric vehicle manufacturing, battery manufacturing, critical minerals, and data centers.