The posting
Status: Salaried, Full-Time (Exempt)Location: Field-based, United StatesSchedule: Variable; nights, weekends, and on-call availability Work Environment This is a field-based position requiring frequent travel to active underground drilling and mining operations throughout the United States, including Nevada, Idaho, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, Colorado, Utah, and other locations as needed. Work is performed primarily in underground mining environments and may include exposure to confined spaces, low-light conditions, varying ground conditions, water, dust, noise, heat, and cold. The role requires extensive walking, climbing, scaling assessments, and inspections in active underground workings, drill stations, shops, and support areas. Travel may include vehicle, aircraft, and underground transportation systems. Summary The Underground Field Safety Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing, and coordinating health, safety, and environmental programs that support safe underground drilling and mining operations. This role works closely with field personnel, mine operators, and management to identify hazards, ensure compliance with MSHA regulations and company standards, and promote a culture of safety through training, coaching, inspections, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives. Responsibilities
Investigate workplace accidents, injuries, occupational illnesses, near misses, and hazardous conditions to determine root causes and recommend corrective and preventive actions. Conduct underground safety inspections of drill stations, mobile equipment, refuge chambers, ventilation systems, escape ways, ground conditions, and work areas to verify compliance with site requirements and MSHA regulations. Prepare, review, and communicate findings from incident investigations, audits, inspections, risk assessments, and environmental monitoring activities. Monitor compliance with MSHA regulations, company Safety Management Systems, Standard Work Procedures (SWPs), Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), and site-specific requirements. Coordinate and deliver underground safety training programs, including hazard recognition, Take 5 risk assessments, Stop Work Authority, emergency response, self-rescuer use, refuge chamber protocols, gas monitoring, ground control awareness, and underground communications. Verify task training documentation and MSHA 5000-23 compliance for underground employees and equipment operators. Support supervisors and crews in conducting workplace examinations, pre-operational inspections, behavior observations, and risk assessments. Review underground drilling plans, work procedures, and project-specific safety requirements to ensure hazards are identified and controlled before work begins. Analyze safety performance metrics, incident trends, and audit findings to develop recommendations for continuous improvement. Conduct or oversee monitoring activities related to ventilation, dust exposure, noise levels, diesel particulate matter, air quality, and other underground environmental hazards. Provide technical guidance to management and field personnel regarding underground health, safety, and environmental concerns. Assist operations with implementation of corrective actions related to ground control, line-of-fire exposures, mobile equipment interactions, and confined work areas. Promote proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), self-rescuers, gas monitors, fire suppression systems, and underground emergency equipment. Develop and maintain relationships with mine rescue teams, emergency response organizations, and site emergency management personnel. Travel extensively to underground drilling projects and remote mining operations throughout the United States. Perform additional health, safety, environmental, and training-related duties as assigned.
Competencies
Strong commitment to safety leadership and proactive hazard recognition. Thorough understanding of underground mining and drilling hazards, including ground control, ventilation, mine gases, mobile equipment, and line-of-fire risks. Strong accountability, integrity, and ethical judgment. Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills. Sound decision-making and problem-solving abilities. Strong verbal and written communication skills. Ability to build relationships with mine personnel, contractors, clients, and employees. Ability to work independently in remote underground environments with minimal supervision. Effective time management and prioritization skills. Strong presentation and employee training capabilities. Ability to identify unsafe conditions and implement immediate corrective actions. Strong understanding of emergency response procedures, escape routes, refuge chambers, and self-rescue systems. [Helper guide | PDF]
Qualifications
Education: College degree preferred but not required. Experience: 2–5 years of underground mining, drilling, safety, or related field experience preferred. Certifications & Knowledge:
Working knowledge of MSHA regulations required. Underground mining and drilling safety experience preferred. MSHA Instructor Certification preferred. Knowledge of underground hazard recognition, ventilation systems, emergency preparedness, and task training requirements. Experience with MSHA 5000-23 documentation and compliance preferred. [Helper guide | PDF]
Technical Skills:
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with Intelex or similar safety management systems preferred. Ability to analyze safety data and produce compliance reports.
