Field Assistant Jobs in the Australian Mining Industry

Many duties are completed by a field assistant, in the mining industry and are necessary in the successful mining of minerals.  Normally, a field assistant takes on a variety of tasks prior to the actual mining of an area.  Laying out gridlines is a necessary task, in order to locate minerals beneath the earth’s surface.  Assistants use DGPS, to mark lines across the surface of the ground and to mark areas where minerals are located beneath the earth’s surface. 

The goal of this task is to mark the area for future workers to drill into the ground where samples are taken.
A separate group of employees drills a hole in the location that a field assistant marks.  The Field assistant returns, to the area, after the hole is drilled and collects a sample of soil/rock from the location.  The Feild assistant records the data when taking the sample and further analysis.  The final step is to come back and restore the holes, so mining activity does not affect the environments plants and wildlife population. 
A field assistant should also have some interest in earth science.  Basic computer skills are needed to input data.  The ability to drive a forklift is also beneficial.   A good work ethic and the ability to work as part of a coordinated team effort are needed.  In addition, employees should be able to work in a remote location.  The mining community is typically remote and the field assistant is traveling around this already remote area to obtain samples. 
This particular position is one that is not repetitive, in nature, because a field assistant is constantly doing one or more of the activities listed while working in a remote and interesting environment.  This position requires an individual with at least a moderate fitness level, because a field assistant walks a long distance during a typical day of regular duties.  Depending on the type of mining, employees might not come back to the mine camp for the evening, but camp out for several days however such circumstances vary with the type of mining activity taking place. 

Whether spending more than one day in the field or coming back to the mining camp each night, a field assistant is normally required to take a fly in fly out position.  When starting in this position, individuals typically work two weeks and take one week off with a roster referred to in the mining industry as 2 1.    After gaining experience, employees are typically given a schedule of 8 days on and 6 days off.  Full accommodations and meals are given to employees with a fly in fly out position and such working arrangements typically pay a beneficial salary.  Employees have the opportunity to learn through hands on experience while saving.
A Field Assistant role is a great role to get into, as experience field assistants can earn 400-600 dollars a day in Australia. People with no experience would expect to start off on around $240 dollars a day plus free food and accommodation.  On top of all this its one of the best jobs in the mining industry to see a wide variety of scenery as you are always working in different areas.

Getajobinthemines.com can help you with providing precise information needed to get one of these positions:

What licenses and tickets are needed?

Training and courses required and recommended providers.

Where the jobs are in Western Australia

FIFO – Fly in fly out jobs or DIDO – Drive in Drive Out or Residential Options

How to obtain a Field Assistant jobs in Australia.

The Rosters available with different mining companies and mine sites

For professional assistance and expert advice let Ross become your guide in getting a mining job in Australia. For more info please refer to our home page. Mining jobs Australia Information