Core Cutting Technician
Job type: Seasonal, Rotation - based (May to Oct)
Location: Field-based - Projects around Canada
Day Rate: $288 - $420 per day depends on field Experience *based on 12hour work
Travel Arrangement, meals and accommodation are provided by the company.
The Core Cutting Technician is responsible for the precise and accurate cutting, splitting, and sampling of drill cores in an exploration camp environment. This role requires a strong understanding of safety protocols, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively as part of a geological team. The technician will ensure that core samples are prepared according to strict geological and quality control standards, supporting subsequent laboratory analysis and geological interpretation.
The Core Cutting Technician is responsible for assisting the exploration programs on site with the core cutting, camp maintenance.
The position will report to the Ground Truth Operations Manager remotely, and to the Camp Manager of the Exploration Camp.
Work schedule: Rotation-based - Shifts are 21 days on and 7 days off *subject to change based on program needs, weather conditions or other logistical constraints.
Operational Responsibilities:
Core Handling and Preparation:
Safely load and unload drill cores from core boxes.
Clean and organize drill cores for cutting.
Mark core with appropriate cut lines as directed by geologists.
Measure and record core lengths and recoveries.
Core Cutting and Splitting:
Operate core saws and splitters in a safe and efficient manner.
Ensure accurate and consistent cutting and splitting of core samples according to project specifications.
Maintain the integrity of the core samples during the cutting process.
Sampling and Bagging:
Collect and bag core samples, ensuring correct labeling and numbering.
Prepare duplicate and blank samples as required for quality control.
Organize and store samples for shipment to laboratories.
Equipment Maintenance:
Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of core cutting equipment (saws, blades, and splitters).
Identify and report any equipment malfunctions or maintenance needs to the supervisor.
Ensure adequate supply of consumables (e.g., saw blades, sample bags).
Documentation and Reporting:
Maintain accurate records of core cutting and sampling activities.
Assist in data entry and basic reporting as required.
Communicate regularly with geologists regarding core progress and any issues.
Camp Responsibilities:
Participate in maintaining a sanitary, safe and organized camp to foster an environment that respects the well-being and health of all camp members.
Collaborate with camp members to share in the upkeep and daily chores of the camp including but not limited to cooking, cleaning, collection of firewood and collection and filtering of water to achieve a cohesive living environment with a fair distribution of camp chores.
Safety and Integrity Responsibilities:
Complete the mandatory online Safety Training during the onboarding process.
Adhere to all Safety Employee Rights and Responsibilities; including but not limited to, refusal of any unsafe work, whilst working towards a safe alternative.
Report all Hazards, Near Misses, Close Calls, Incidents, Injuries and Non-Conformances.
Work competently, safely and professionally at all times: in the field, in camp and transit.
Participate in daily Safety Meetings as well as After Action Shift summaries, and all Emergency Response Plans (ERP).
Wear and maintain all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Ensure all supervised field staff and contractors conduct themselves professionally while they are on the project and when in nearby communities.
Working Conditions
The Core Cutting Technician position requires employees to work outside in various terrain and weather conditions. The weather conditions include but are not limited to; a temperature range of -35°C to +35°C, very dry to very humid climate, heavy rainfall, lightning storms, wind and snow. Terrain can vary from rolling hills to steep mountain sides that will be traversed on foot daily.
A typical field season runs from mid-May to late October. Extreme isolation in a wilderness setting is one of the perks of the job but is also one of the factors that increases the risks with this type of work. Wildlife is plentiful, including bears, moose, and wolves.
Work days are 12-hour shifts that run 7 days a week for the duration of the project unless otherwise stated.
The project location may be reached by a variety of transportation methods such as; truck, helicopter, boat, fixed-wing aircraft or all-terrain vehicles.
Every camp will be provided with a wall tent or tents of similar structure depending on location, satellite internet and all other camp elements.
Employees will be working and living in close quarters with the rest of their crew for the duration of the project.
Communication outside of and at camp may be limited as there is no cellphone service, and the satellite internet, if available, is not high-speed.
Exploration projects are frequently remote and isolated. It is important to recognize that transportation between the project and the city may take upwards of 10 hours.
Lifting and Physical Requirements-Field Component
This role requires a high degree of physical strength and stamina in order to perform the job responsibilities. Physical demands may include:
- Lifting up to 50 Lbs. unassisted
- Repetitive bending
- Hiking on uneven/ mountainous terrain for extended periods of time
- Exposure to cold, heat and noise
Any medical conditions that may be serious in nature such as but not limited to; severe allergies, breathing conditions, heart conditions, diabetes, epilepsy and others, are highly recommended to be reported to the Health and Safety Staff and Lead Geologist or direct Supervisor. It is important management knows what kind of care an individual may require in the event of an emergency.
Exploration Field Gear provided by GroundTruth Exploration is to be used strictly for company fieldwork and will be assigned at the beginning of the season. All employees will be responsible for the maintenance and care of the gear.
Employees will be required to supply appropriate personal gear including work clothes, underlayers, work gloves, full rain gear (jacket and pants), steel toe -work boots with rigid ankle support, personal camping gear and a Leatherman or similar multi-tool knife.
Background in Geological Sciences, Mining, or a related field (undergraduate or post-graduate student).
Legally entitled to work in Canada.
Mandatory certification of Standard First Aid Level C, CPR & AED training
Previous experience in core cutting, sampling, or a similar role in an exploration or mining environment is preferred.
3 Work References included in resume
Skills:
Proficient in operating core cutting equipment.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Basic understanding of geological principles and core logging is a plus.
Ability to work in remote camp conditions for extended periods.
Remote fieldwork experience
Camp management experience
Mechanic and Carpentry experience
