WHAT DOES A DRILLER'S OFFSIDER DO?

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1. A Driller’s Offsider, or a Driller’s Assistant, is someone who helps to set up and operate drilling rigs. The job also involves operating secondary equipment such as mud shakers, water lines, and diesel tanks and lines.

2. Drillers Offsiders also work very closely with the Driller and need to follow their instructions. The job offers the valuable experience of working onsite and learning from expert geotechnical drillers.

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RESPONSIBILITIES OF OFFSIDERS

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Here are some of the general responsibilities of the job for any candidates looking to step into this career:

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Mixing and testing drilling fluids

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1. These fluids are extremely important in the mining process. The fluids regulate the cooling and lubrication of the drill bit.

2. The oils also help with the hydraulic fluid transmission down the wellbore. These oils serve many functions and are arguably one of the most important safety aspects of any mining rig.

 

Equipment

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1. When mining a new position, you need to move the equipment in the correct manner. As a driller’s assistant, one of the responsibilities will be to work as a team and assist the senior driller with this.

2. You will need to move all secondary equipment, such as the water pipe and connecting power at new positions, allowing drilling services and activities to resume.

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Routine maintenance

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1. This is the broadest of the responsibilities. Routine maintenance can be anything from minor repairs to mining equipment to cleaning a drill site. These maintenance responsibilities are crucial to the success of any mining project. As the Driller’s Offsider, you will be responsible for ensuring drilling and mining operations run smoothly onsite.

2. These are just basic responsibilities within the Driller Offsiders’ duties. As with anything, a lot of the learning and training is done onsite.

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HOW MUCH DOES A DRILLER OFFSIDER EARN? 

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1. A Driller Offsider’s salary fluctuates based on experience and ability. As you gain more qualifications and experience, the salary and rewards may increase.

2. Typically, entry level its on average 11k per month, based on 2 on 1 off roster 120-140k per annum

3. Fast progression as skills are learned that moves the OTE to 180k

4. Benefits include food accommodation and uniform / PPE paid for or reimbursed after a period of working.

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WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO TO BECOME A DRILLER'S OFFSIDER?

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1. You can get a job in the mining industry with little to no experience as full training is provided.

2. This includes skills such as setting up a drill site, proper rod handling techniques, basic servicing, worksite inspections and reports, and more.

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Applicants for Offsider Mining jobs also need to:

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1. Be over 18 years old.

2. Have working/living rights in Australia.

3. Pass a Police Clearance

4. Undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.

5. Have a C Class Drivers Licence (standard manual licence)

6. Obtain a Senior First Aid Certificate

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OTHER CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE APPLYING FOR OUR OFFSIDER MINING JOBS

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Physical Labour

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1. Drilling is a labour-intensive business. Anyone wanting to go into the drilling industry needs to be physically fit.

2. Drill sites are often found in remote areas and if candidates are not willing to work in these environments, then they may struggle to adapt.

3. You will need to get used to working long hours and it’s common to experience increased workloads in order to meet deadlines.