A Driller's Offsider assists the drilling crew by handling drill rods, moving equipment, sample collection, site maintenance, and supporting daily drilling operations. It is a physically demanding role and often considered one of the best entry points into the mining industry

Very.

You will spend long hours on your feet, lift heavy equipment (30kg rods), work outdoors in all weather conditions, and perform repetitive manual tasks. This role is not suitable for people looking for an easy pathway into mining.

Absolutely.

Many successful Driller's Offsiders come from backgrounds such as:

Construction

Civil labouring

Landscaping

Farming

Roofing

Trades Assistant roles

Scaffolding

Physical work ethic and attitude are often more important than previous mining experience.

Rosters vary depending on the drilling contractor and project.

Common rosters include:

2 weeks on / 1 week off

4 weeks on / 2 weeks off

Roster details will be discussed during the recruitment process. All shifts are 12 hours days or nights.

Yes.

A manual licence is a minimum. For underground work a manual drivers licence is accepted, however, for surface positions you will need a HR truck licence (or at least the ability to obtain in next 3 months).

The candidates most likely to be shortlisted typically:

Hold full Australian working rights

Have a current driver's licence

Have a strong labouring background

Understand the realities of FIFO work

Are looking for a long-term career rather than a short-term pay increase

Pay rates vary between employers, roster structures and commodity sectors.

Many entry-level Driller's Offsiders earn significantly more than traditional labouring positions due to the remote work environment and roster structures. Commonly anything from $40 to $46 per hour to start with.

Yes.

Drilling roles often require spending extended periods in remote locations. Before applying, it's important to consider whether you have the personal support and commitment required to work FIFO rosters and be away from home for extended periods.

Most FIFO drilling roles provide accommodation, meals and travel to and from site, however arrangements can vary depending on the type of drilling being performed.

Underground drilling is typically based at established mine sites, where accommodation is provided in a camp or village and meals are prepared for you on site.

Surface and exploration drilling can vary significantly. You may be based at a mine site, staying in remote camps, accommodation villages, caravans or field camps. In some exploration environments, you may be responsible for preparing your own meals, and in very remote locations, accommodation can occasionally involve swags or basic field setups.

We'll always explain the living conditions, roster and site arrangements before you make a decision about any opportunity.

Drilling can open doors to a long-term career in mining. Many people progress into:

Lead Offsider positions

Driller roles

Field Supervisor positions

Exploration positions

Mining and production roles

Most Driller's Offsider positions start as casual employment, with the opportunity to transition to permanent full-time employment after successfully completing a probationary period, typically around six months.

This allows both you and the employer to determine whether the role is the right fit.

Candidates who perform well, demonstrate a strong work ethic, and meet safety and performance expectations are often offered full-time employment.

Some employers may offer full-time positions from day one, depending on their business needs and your experience.

Drilling operates 24/7, meaning shifts can be long and may include days, nights, weekends and public holidays depending on the roster and project.

Not necessarily.
You will need a National Police Clearance (obtained within the last 6 months) before we can send to any clients, I would recommend looking into this asap to speed up the process.

Many employers provide training for entry-level candidates. Having tickets such as First Aid, Working at Heights, 4WD, HR Licence or a Forklift Ticket may improve your chances but are not always required.

Yes.
You are require candidates to pass a pre-employment medical assessment and drug & alcohol screening before commencing work.

Reliable and punctual

Physically fit

Open to feedback

Comfortable working long hours

Team players

Committed to building a long-term career

For many people, the biggest challenges are:

Time away from family and friends

Long shifts

Physically demanding work

Working in remote locations

Adapting to FIFO lifestyles

Being aware of these realities before starting can significantly improve your chances of success.

This varies depending on available opportunities, client requirements and how quickly you can complete medicals, inductions and onboarding requirements.

Sometimes.

Opportunities depend on client demand, experience levels and location requirements. During the recruitment process, we'll discuss the types of drilling roles most suitable for your background and career goals.