Operations Manager — Mine Ventilation Division

Sudbury, Ontario | Full-Time | In Person

$110,000–$150,000 per year

Lead the operation. Strengthen the team. Grow the division.

PSL Patrick Sprack Limited is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Mine Ventilation Division.

This is a senior operational leadership role for someone who understands the mine ventilation industry, knows how to build strong teams and can turn planning into consistent field performance. You will oversee service operations, maintenance programs, equipment replacements and mine ventilations construction projects while supporting the continued growth of the division.

About PSL

Established in 2006, PSL is an integrated technical services provider supporting commercial, industrial, institutional and mining operations across Northern Ontario and beyond.

Our multidisciplinary teams deliver expertise across HVAC-R, electrical, petroleum, overhead doors, power generation, facility services and other specialized systems. We are committed to safe execution, responsive service and practical solutions that keep complex facilities operating reliably.

Job Summary The Mine Ventilation Operations Manager is responsible for the strategic leadership, planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of all mine ventilation systems and ventilation-related activities. This position ensures that sufficient airflow, environmental controls, and ventilation infrastructure are maintained to support safe, compliant, and efficient underground mining operations.

The role provides leadership to ventilation personnel and works closely with Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Geology, Safety, and Technical Services teams to optimize mine ventilation performance while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and company standards.





The Mine Ventilation Operations Manager is accountable for managing ventilation projects, budgets, personnel, contractor performance, emergency preparedness, air quality monitoring programs, and long-term ventilation strategies that support current and future mine development.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

- Lead, supervise, mentor, and develop the Mine Ventilation team.
- Establish departmental goals and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Foster a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Conduct performance evaluations and support employee development plans.
- Manage staffing requirements, succession planning, and workforce development.
- Oversee contractor performance and ensure compliance with site standards.
- Participate as a key member of the site leadership team.

Mine Ventilation Planning

- Develop and maintain short-term, medium-term, and life-of-mine ventilation plans.
- Coordinate ventilation requirements with mine planning and production schedules.
- Review proposed mine development layouts and provide ventilation recommendations.
- Evaluate ventilation requirements for new mining areas, ramps, drifts, shafts, raises, and production levels.
- Ensure mine expansion projects incorporate appropriate ventilation design criteria.
- Develop strategic plans for future ventilation infrastructure needs.

Ventilation System Management

- Manage all underground ventilation systems including:
- Primary fans
- Auxiliary fans
- Ventilation rises
- Bulkheads
- Doors
- Regulators
- Stoppings




- Ducting and auxiliary ventilation systems
- Ventilation monitoring equipment
- Ensure airflow distribution is maintained according to mine plans.
- Optimize airflow efficiency while minimizing operating costs.
- Monitor system performance and implement corrective actions as required.
- Coordinate ventilation infrastructure upgrades and installations.

Technical Services

- Oversee ventilation surveys and data collection activities.
- Review and analyze ventilation measurements and reports.
- Ensure accurate airflow measurements are completed according to schedule.
- Utilize ventilation modeling software to assess system performance.
- Validate ventilation models and update assumptions based on operational changes.
- Perform ventilation simulations and scenario analyses.
- Provide technical recommendations to improve operational efficiency and worker safety.

Budgeting & Financial Accountability

- Prepare and manage annual departmental budgets.
- Forecast operational and capital expenditures.
- Monitor departmental spending and identify cost-saving opportunities.
- Develop business cases and capital requests for ventilation projects.
- Manage procurement of ventilation equipment and systems.

Qualifications

Education

- Bachelor’s degree in mining engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related discipline.
- Qualified Engineer (P.Eng.) designation preferred.
- Mine Ventilation specialization is considered a strong asset.

Experience

- Minimum 8-10 years of underground mining experience.
- Minimum 5 years of mine ventilation experience.
- Minimum 3-5 years in a supervisory or management role.
- Experience leading technical and operational teams.
- Experience with ventilation design, ventilation modeling, and underground environmental management.

📌 Mine Ventilation Operations Manager (Ontario)
🏢 PSL Patrick Sprack
📍 Ontario