Location: Greenstone Mine, Geraldton, Ontario or Pickle Lake, Ontario

Schedule: 20/10 Rotation (12-hour day and night shifts)

Quick Facts & Benefits

- Competitive industry wages with production incentives
- RRSP program and Employee Stock Share Plan
- Comprehensive benefits package
- Mandatory PPE provided
- Travel allowance and relocation assistance

About Orbit Garant Drilling

We are one of Canada's largest drilling companies, with a strong Canadian foundation and an expanding global presence. Headquartered in Val-d’Or, Québec, we offer surface and underground drilling services to mining companies and industries worldwide. With over 200 drill rigs and 1,200 specialized employees, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality services and innovative drilling solutions.

Position Summary

The Surface Drill Helper is a physically demanding role providing critical operational support to lead Diamond Drillers in outdoor surface exploration and mine environments. Drill Helpers maintain a high level of physical activity and alertness throughout their shift, ensuring safety, operational efficiency, and continuous core production in varied weather conditions. This role requires a strong work ethic, a commitment to continuous learning, adaptability to remote camp environments, and the ability to maintain situational awareness with minimal supervision.

Core Duties & Responsibilities

Physical & Environmental Demands

- Lifting, moving, and carrying heavy equipment and drilling supplies (up to 75 lbs or more).
- Performing repetitive, labour-intensive tasks outdoors across all seasonal weather extremes (heat, cold, rain, snow, mud).
- Standing, walking on uneven terrain, bending, and kneeling for extended periods.
- Safely manipulating heavy tools, diamond tooling, and drill components.

Drill Site & Rig Preparation

- Assisting with the complete setup, mobilization, leveling, and teardown of surface diamond drill rigs, rod racks, staging, and safety barriers.
- Clearing and organizing the drill pad and work area to maintain a safe, clean, and hazard-free environment.
- Safely operating and maintaining chainsaws for site clearing, timber notching, and staging setup (following proper cutting and inspection standards).

Tool & Drill Rod Handling





- Loading, unloading, and staging diamond drill bits, reaming shells, core barrels, and drilling consumables.
- Safely tripping and handling drill rods ranging.

Operating Lifting & Rigging Mechanisms

- Operating lifting equipment including wireline hoists, hydraulic cylinders, winches, tuggers, and manual/electric chain blocks.
- Selecting appropriate, rated slinging and rigging gear (wire rope, nylon slings, shackles, safety hooks) suited for the load.
- Guiding loads and maintaining explicit, controlled travel paths during hoisting.

Core Recovery & Geological Sample Handling

- Retrieving the inner core tube from the drill string via wireline hoist systems.
- Safely extracting geological core samples without causing fracture or contamination.
- Washing, measuring, and placing core samples accurately into core boxes with precise run markings and secure labeling for geological transport.

Water Services & Pumping Systems

- Setting up, laying, and maintaining overland water supply lines, portable high-pressure water pumps, and water line heaters.
- Conducting pre-operational checks, monitoring discharge pressures (up to 300 psi), checking for leaks, lubricating pump components, and safely refueling equipment.
- Troubleshooting water supply interruptions and freeze-ups during winter operations.

Hand & Power Tool Operation

- Safely operating specialized hand tools including pipe wrenches, inner-tube wrenches, sledgehammers, and torque tools.
- Operating power tools such as grinders, impact drills, and cut-off saws while inspecting and maintaining equipment.

Workplace Safety, Communication & Compliance

- Proactively identifying, reporting, and mitigating job site and environmental hazards.
- Strict adherence to Occupational Health and Safety standards, Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) protocols, and mandatory PPE compliance.
- Maintaining clear verbal,



hand signal, and two-way radio communications with the Driller, field supervisors, and support crews.
- Full compliance with Orbit Garant’s Workplace Conduct, Attendance Management, and Safety policies.

Mandatory Skills & Qualifications

- Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
- Valid Standard First Aid & CPR certification (mandatory for surface operations).
- High level of physical fitness, stamina, and ability to handle heavy physical labour.
- Ability to work a 20/10 rotation on 12-hour shifts (both days and nights).
- Willingness to work in remote locations and camp environments.
- Strong team player with a positive attitude and an eagerness to learn diamond drilling operations.
- Ability to meet pre-employment requirements, including drug/alcohol screening and client site-specific background checks.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Mandatory Disclosure Regarding AI Tools

Please be advised that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used to screen and assess applications for this position to enhance efficiency and objectivity.

Orbit Garant Drilling Services is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require accommodation, please notify us during the application process.

Pay: $25.00-$27.00 per hour

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee stock purchase plan
- Extended health care
- Mileage reimbursement
- Relocation assistance
- RRSP match

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Dryden, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Application question(s):

- Were you referred by somebody? If yes, please provide their name and relationship/source.
- Are you able to complete a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, as well as a physical assessment, including the ability to lift 75 pounds independently?
- Are you able to pass a criminal record check upon hire if required by site?

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (required)
- First Aid Certification (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Drillers Assistant - Surface (Dryden)
🏢 Orbit Garant Drilling
📍 Dryden