Hiring Manager: Blas Villalobos
This is an Hourly Non-Exempt Position
Company
USC Hockley, LLC
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct pre-shift workplace and equipment inspections; identify hazards and implement controls (ground conditions, ventilation, signage, barricading, traffic awareness).
- Perform scaling/barring of loose ground and maintain safe working areas in accordance with the ground control plan.
- Install ground support as assigned (e.g., mesh, straps, split sets, resin/grouted bolts, timber/cribbing, shotcrete support activities) and coordinate with specialized ground support crews.
- Operate assigned underground equipment and tools as authorized (e.g., LHD/scoop, haul truck, utility vehicle, scaler, bolter, jackleg/stoper, pumps, fans, generators) in accordance with procedures.
- Support development and production activities by cleaning faces, building berms, managing brow conditions, and preparing work areas for drilling, blasting, and mucking.
- Assist drill-and-blast activities as directed (e.g., face marking, hole measuring, stemming support, blast area clearance), within training/authorization and regulatory requirements.
- Install, extend, and maintain services (ventilation ducting, air/water lines, electrical cables, dewatering lines, communication lines) under appropriate lockout/isolation controls.
- Perform mucking and materials handling: load, haul, dump, stockpile, and transport supplies while maintaining grade control and minimizing spillage.
- Conduct post-activity area checks (e.g., after blasting or mucking): examine ground, verify ventilation and access controls, and make areas safe before other work proceeds.
- Perform routine equipment care: pre-use inspections, lubrication, refueling/charging, hose and cable management, basic troubleshooting, and defect reporting.
- Maintain housekeeping, manage materials, and follow underground communication and traffic management protocols.
- Accurately complete shift reports, workplace exam records, production/tonnage tracking, and maintenance defect reports.
- Participate in safety meetings, training, and incident investigations; use stop-work authority and escalate when conditions are unsafe.
- Participate in safety meetings, training, and incident investigations; stop work and escalate when conditions are unsafe.
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent (GED) preferred; equivalent underground mining experience considered.
- Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain site authorizations for underground equipment.
- Current MSHA Part 48 training status (Underground) or ability to obtain/complete required training prior to performing unsupervised work underground.
- Ability to pass site-required medical evaluation and fit-for-duty requirements (e.g., respirator clearance if required).
- Willingness to work rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and overtime as operationally required.
Physical Demands:
- The physical demands outlined below are essential for an employee to effectively perform the fundamental aspects of this job:
- Environment: Ability to work in surface processing plants and underground mine areas, including confined spaces and uneven, wet, and dusty conditions; frequent walking, climbing, bending, and kneeling in variable temperatures.
- Physical: Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and tools up to 75 lbs (with assistance or mechanical aids as required) and safely navigate uneven terrain.
- Safety: Ability to pass required vision and hearing screenings; wear required PPE for extended periods (hard hat, cap lamp, hearing and eye protection, respirator where required, steel-toe boots, gloves); and work safely around high noise, vibration, and mobile equipment traffic.
Competencies:
The successful candidate will demonstrate the following core competencies:
- Accountability: Takes ownership of results; follows through on commitments; and holds self/others to established standards.
- Big Picture Thinking: Understands how daily decisions impact safety, quality, cost, and service; prioritizes work to meet overall business objectives.
- Communicates Effectively: Shares information clearly and respectfully; listens for understanding; and escalates issues appropriately.
- Continuous Improvement: Identifies opportunities to improve safety, quality, and productivity; supports standard work; and participates in problem-solving.
- Customer Focus: Delivers quality product and service; meets commitments; and maintains a sense of urgency to support customer needs.
- Growth Mindset: Seeks feedback; learns from mistakes; and pursues training and development opportunities.
- Initiative: Takes appropriate action without being asked; identifies and addresses issues proactively; and supports others as needed.
Working Conditions:
- Underground environment with variable temperatures and humidity; exposure to dust, diesel particulate, fumes, and water.
- Work performed around high-energy equipment and site hazards (mobile equipment traffic, ground hazards, dust/fumes); strict adherence to exclusion zones and re-entry rules required.
- May require extended time in headings, stopes, raises, and development drifts; work may be remote from surface facilities.
- Shift work and potential for emergency response or call-outs per operational needs.
Safety, Compliance & Performance Expectations:
- Follow all applicable mining regulations and site standards for explosives, ventilation, ground control, traffic management, and energy isolation.
- Use SLAM risk assessments and verify critical controls before starting work.
- Follow site requirements for documentation and critical controls, including equipment pre-use inspections, workplace exams, and (if applicable) explosive inventory/usage and misfire reporting.
- Meet quality targets for drilling accuracy, fragmentation, dilution control, and advance/tonnage while prioritizing safety.
- Communicate hazards, delays, and equipment defects promptly to the shift supervisor and maintenance.
Training:
Employees are to participate in all required training. Employees are to keep all their training current and up to date.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None
Education, Experience, and Certifications:
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED), and three to five years of related experience and/or training.
Other Requirements:
Must be able to complete and pass post-offer checks, including, but not limited to, background, drug, references, and education.