What are the responsibilities and job description for the NGM - Drill & Blast Subject Matter Expert position at Nevada Gold Mines?
Position Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
A Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Drill & Blast Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead the drill & blast strategy across the largest gold-producing complex in the world. NGM’s combination of diverse geologies, complex underground geometries, and large‑scale open pits creates one of the most technically challenging drill & blast environments in North America.
Key aspects of the role focus on technical leadership, standardization, and performance improvement across both underground and open pit mining operations.
In this influential, multi-site role, you will drive the technical integrity, continuous improvement, and operational excellence of our drill and blast practices - ensuring they are safe, efficient, repeatable, and aligned with NGM’s strategic objectives.
This is a unique opportunity for a senior technical professional who enjoys combining hands-on field engagement, advanced analytical work, and enterprise level influence to elevate drilling and blasting performance across the largest gold-producing complex in the world.
At Nevada Gold Mines, our DNA values guide everything we do: Zero Harm, Responsible & Accountable, Partnerships, Results Driven, Fit for Purpose, Honest & Transparent, and Sustainable Legacy. We are committed to being the employer of choice, developing our people, and building strong technical capability across our operations.
Responsibilities
JOB DESCRIPTION
A Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Drill & Blast Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead the drill & blast strategy across the largest gold-producing complex in the world. NGM’s combination of diverse geologies, complex underground geometries, and large‑scale open pits creates one of the most technically challenging drill & blast environments in North America.
Key aspects of the role focus on technical leadership, standardization, and performance improvement across both underground and open pit mining operations.
In this influential, multi-site role, you will drive the technical integrity, continuous improvement, and operational excellence of our drill and blast practices - ensuring they are safe, efficient, repeatable, and aligned with NGM’s strategic objectives.
This is a unique opportunity for a senior technical professional who enjoys combining hands-on field engagement, advanced analytical work, and enterprise level influence to elevate drilling and blasting performance across the largest gold-producing complex in the world.
At Nevada Gold Mines, our DNA values guide everything we do: Zero Harm, Responsible & Accountable, Partnerships, Results Driven, Fit for Purpose, Honest & Transparent, and Sustainable Legacy. We are committed to being the employer of choice, developing our people, and building strong technical capability across our operations.
Responsibilities
- Lead Drill & Blast Standards: Develop, maintain, and ensure consistent application of drill and blast standards across underground and open pit operations.
- Ensure Compliance & Safety: Maintain alignment with explosives regulations, environmental requirements, and NGM’s Zero Harm standard.
- Enhance Cross ‑ Functional Collaboration: Partner with geotechnical, mine design, maintenance, and operations teams to improve planning integration and operational execution.
- Optimize Performance: Analyze design parameters and performance data to improve key outcomes such as fragmentation, over/underbreak, drill accuracy, wall control, consumables usage, and explosive product selection.
- Advance the adoption of modern drill navigation, instrumentation, and blast design technologies to drive repeatable excellence.
- Drive Continuous Improvement: Support mine ‑ to ‑ mill initiatives, coordinate technical studies, and implement opportunities that enhance efficiency and reduce cost.
- Support Training & Capability Building: Strengthen D&B engineering skills through coaching, field engagement, and mentorship in Compass - NGM’s engineering development program.
- Guide Procurement & Technology Decisions: Provide input on equipment, explosives, and instrumentation specifications to ensure cost ‑ effective, fit ‑ for ‑ purpose solutions.
- Ideal candidates bring a balance of strong technical fundamentals and the ability to influence field execution across diverse mining environments.
- Bachelor of Science degree in Mining Engineering or a related field (or equivalent experience) required.
- 10 years of mining experience including both open pit and underground drill & blast exposure required. Excellent safety record and the ability to demonstrate safety leadership.
- Must pass an ATF Employee Possessor background check.
- Extensive knowledge of drill & blast design, explosives products, and field application required.
- Strong analytical capability and the ability to prepare comprehensive reports, studies, and technical assessments required.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills required.
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to explosives handling, personal environmental exposure, and contaminant management preferred.
- A comprehensive compensation package, including bonuses, benefits, and stock purchase plans designed to support your professional growth and well-being.
- A dynamic, forward-thinking work environment with opportunities to influence the future direction of our mining operations.
- Endless opportunities to grow and learn alongside industry colleagues.
- Access to a variety of career opportunities across Nevada Gold Mine locations.