The OpportunityThe Surface Operations Supervisor in the mining industry oversees daily surface mining activities to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production. This role supervises crews, coordinates equipment usage, ensures compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and works closely with engineering, maintenance, geology, and processing teams to achieve operational targets.
Responsibilities- Supervise daily surface mining operations, including drilling, blasting, hauling, loading, stockpiling, and waste removal.
- Coordinate workforce assignments and equipment utilization to meet production goals.
- Monitor shift performance, productivity metrics, and operational efficiency.
- Ensure adherence to mine plans, schedules, and operating procedures.
- Conduct pre-shift meetings and communicate production priorities.
- Promote and enforce a strong safety culture and safe work practices.
- Ensure compliance with:
- MSHA regulations
- Company safety policies
- Environmental standards
- Operating permits and procedures
- Conduct workplace inspections, hazard assessments, and incident investigations.
- Lead emergency response efforts when required.
- Supervise, mentor, and evaluate operators, laborers, and shift personnel.
- Support employee development and training initiatives.
- Manage attendance, discipline, and performance issues.
- Foster teamwork and effective communication across departments.
- Coordinate with maintenance teams to minimize equipment downtime.
- Monitor equipment condition and report operational issues.
- Optimize equipment availability and productivity.
- Maintain accurate production, safety, and shift reports.
- Track KPIs such as:
- Production tonnage
- Equipment utilization
- Downtime
- Safety incidents
- Participate in budgeting and cost-control efforts.
- Assist with operational planning and continuous improvement initiatives.
The above responsibilities are representative and may not include all assigned duties.
Education and Experience- High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree or bachelors degree in Geology, Mine Technology, Mining Engineering or related field preferred.
- 5-10 years of mining operations experience
- Prior supervisory or lead-hand experience in surface mining preferred.
- Experience operating or supervising heavy mining equipment such as:
- Haul trucks
- Excavators
- Bulldozers
- Drills
- Loaders
- Graders
- Knowledge of surface mining methods and production processes.
- Experience with safety management systems and regulatory compliance.
- Knowledge of:
- MSHA standards
- Surface mining operations
- Equipment safety procedures
- Production Planning
