Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Diamond Driller

🎯 Role Definition

The Diamond Driller is a field-focused drilling professional responsible for operating and maintaining diamond coring rigs for mineral exploration, geotechnical investigations, and resource definition programs. This hands-on role includes rig setup, safe core recovery, accurate sample handling, mechanical troubleshooting, and close collaboration with geologists to meet project targets. Ideal candidates demonstrate strong technical rig skills, proven safety leadership, and the ability to work in remote and demanding environments.

Keywords: Diamond Driller, diamond coring, exploration drilling, core recovery, rig operation, geotechnical drilling, underground drilling, surface drilling, drill rig maintenance, sample handling, MSHA, HSE.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Drill Helper / Assistant Driller
Mining/Surface Labourer with drilling exposure
Field Technician (geotechnical or exploration)

Advancement To:

Senior Diamond Driller / Lead Driller
Drilling Supervisor / Foreman
Drilling Superintendent / Area Operations Manager
Site Manager or Field Operations Manager

Lateral Moves:

Geotechnical Driller
Wireline / Downhole Logging Technician
Exploration Technician or Field Geologist (with additional training)
Rig Maintenance Technician / Field Mechanic

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Plan, set up and operate diamond coring rigs (surface and underground), including mast erection, stabilizing anchors, and winch systems, to safely and efficiently execute exploration and geotechnical drilling programs.
Execute site mobilization and demobilization for drill rigs, coordinating logistics for rigs, tooling, fuel, and consumables to remote and fly-in sites while maintaining cost and schedule targets.
Operate rotary diamond drill systems and associated equipment (compressors, hydraulic pumps, generators) to achieve target core recovery rates and hole-depth specifications.
Perform precise core drilling and bit changes, select appropriate drill bits and coring systems (e.g., NQ, HQ, PQ) and optimize drilling parameters (rotation, feed, flushing) for ground conditions.
Retrieve and handle drill core with care, orient cores, measure recovery, record RQD, prepare core trays, label samples and maintain strict chain-of-custody and QA/QC protocols for laboratory submission.
Maintain meticulous drilling logs and daily reports detailing depth drilled, core recovery, drilling parameters, downtime, incidents, and maintenance activities for geologists and project managers.
Collaborate directly with on-site geologists to determine sample intervals, modify drilling programs in response to geological observations, and implement selective sampling strategies to maximize exploration value.
Conduct wireline core retrieval and use core orientation tools; ensure core is stored, photographed, marked and shipped according to project specifications.
Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic and electrical issues on the rig, perform preventative maintenance and basic repairs on engines, gearboxes, mud systems, and winches to limit downtime.
Execute pre-shift and pre-mobilization safety checks, participate in job hazard analyses and toolbox talks, ensure compliance with site HSE policies and regulatory requirements (MSHA, local authorities).
Supervise, train and mentor drill helpers and junior drillers on safe rig operations, best practices for sample handling and site housekeeping, promoting continuous improvement and competency development.
Implement and enforce lockout/tagout procedures, confined space entry protocols, and fall protection rules when working at elevated or hazardous sites.
Monitor and manage drilling fluids, water supply, mud systems and cuttings disposal in accordance with environmental permits and company policies to minimize environmental impact.
Operate and maintain ancillary equipment (water pumps, hoses, pressure gauges, winches, track units) and ensure safe operation of vehicles and plant moving rigs and supplies on site.
Perform downhole measurements and basic surveying tasks, including measuring drill-hole inclination and azimuth, and coordinating with surveyors for accurate hole positioning.
Manage inventory and ordering of drill rods, core barrels, bits, gauges, O-rings, lubricants and other consumables to ensure uninterrupted drilling operations.
Prepare and maintain preventative maintenance schedules, maintenance logs and parts replacement records; escalate complex mechanical issues to workshop teams as required.
Respond to and assist in incident investigations, document near-misses and corrective actions, and contribute to continuous improvement of safety and operational procedures.
Ensure all core and field data are digitized, backed up and delivered to the geoscience team in the requested format (digital logs, photos, sample manifests) for interpretation and reporting.
Operate under varied conditions including harsh weather, remote terrain and underground mine environments, maintaining professionalism, stamina and strict adherence to safety standards.
Support geotechnical testing tasks such as split spoon sample collection, casing installations and in-situ testing as required by the project scope.
Assist with pre-drill site assessments, barricading, public safety notifications and environmental monitoring activities to ensure compliance with permits and community commitments.
Provide on-the-job coaching for safe manual handling, use of PPE, ergonomic lifting and safe operating practices to reduce workplace injuries.

Secondary Functions

Support inventory tracking, procurement requests and logistics coordination for drill-site supplies and consumables.
Maintain tidy core storage and secure sample archives, ensuring traceability and easy retrieval for geologists and laboratories.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by providing feedback on drilling methods, tooling performance and field workflows to project and maintenance teams.
Assist with basic field administration tasks, timesheets, equipment inspection records and positive client-facing interactions while on-site.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven hands-on experience operating diamond coring rigs (surface and/or underground), with strong familiarity with core sizes and coring systems (NQ, HQ, PQ).
Core handling, orientation and logging skills including measuring recovery, recording RQD, photographing and packaging core for shipment.
Mechanical troubleshooting and preventative maintenance on diesel engines, hydraulic systems, compressors and winches.
Knowledge of drilling fluids, mud systems, water management and cuttings disposal practices compliant with environmental regulations.
Competence with wireline core retrieval, core barrel systems, and related downhole tools.
Ability to read drill plans, geological logs, site maps, and to perform basic downhole surveying and hole alignment tasks.
Experience with rig safety systems, lockout/tagout, confined space, and fall protection procedures.
Familiarity with MSHA regulations (or local mining safety regulations), first aid, H2S awareness and emergency response protocols.
Proficiency with digital logging tools, GPS, basic data entry, and using tablets or software for daily reports and sample manifests.
Basic welding, fitting and use of hand and power tools for field repairs and rig maintenance.
Inventory and spare-parts management for drilling operations.
Competence operating off-road vehicles, ATVs, forklifts or light plant as required by drill site logistics.

Soft Skills

Strong communication skills to coordinate with geologists, supervisors, and contractors and to document field activities clearly.
Excellent attention to detail for sample integrity, logging accuracy and rig safety checks.
Problem-solving and mechanical aptitude to diagnose and repair rig issues in remote settings.
Leadership and mentoring ability to train junior crew members and promote safe work practices.
Physical stamina and resilience for extended field shifts in remote or underground environments.
Time management and organizational skills to prioritize drilling tasks and meet project schedules.
Adaptability to changing site conditions, weather, and project scope.
Team-oriented mindset with a focus on collaboration and constructive feedback.
Accountability and strong work ethic with a commitment to safety and quality.
Cultural sensitivity and professionalism when working with local communities and multi-disciplinary teams.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with relevant hands-on drilling or heavy-equipment experience.

Preferred Education:

Trade certificate, apprenticeship or diploma in Mining, Mechanical Technology, Drilling Technology, or related technical field.
Additional technical courses in rig maintenance, hydraulics, or diesel mechanics preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mining Engineering Technology
Petroleum/Drilling Technology
Mechanical or Heavy Equipment Maintenance
Geological Technician or Field Geology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2–8 years of progressive field drilling or heavy-equipment operation experience; 3+ years preferred for independent driller roles.

Preferred:

5+ years of direct diamond drilling experience (surface and/or underground), including supervisory or lead-hands experience.
Demonstrated track record of safe, high-quality core recovery and accurate sample handling on multiple drilling programs.
Prior experience in remote operations, fly camps, or underground development drilling preferred.
Certifications: First Aid/CPR, H2S Alive, Confined Space Entry, Fall Protection, MSHA Part 46/48 (or regional equivalent), and valid driver's license.