Deputy Drilling Manager-FIFO-PNG
GRiP
Full-time
On-site
Yulai, Central, Papua New Guinea
$8,333 - $8,750 AUD yearly
Position Title: Deputy Drilling Manager
Location: Tolukuma Papua New Guinea (PNG)
Point of hire: Manila Ninoy International Airport to site (via Port Moresby)
Roster:Family Freindly (FIFO) TBA
Employment Type: 12 month Contract / Fixed-Term (with potential for long-term continuation based on performance)
Reporting To: Drilling Manager (Expat)
Role Overview: The Deputy Drilling Manager will work in a cross-shift arrangement with an expatriate Drilling Manager to ensure continuous, safe, and efficient drilling operations. This role is critical in maintaining operational discipline, enforcing standards, and managing local drilling crews in a challenging operating underground and surface environment. Currently operating 8 drilling rigs BLY and Epiroc
The successful candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, excellent English communication and report-writing skills, and the ability to be firm, fair, and consistent when holding local teams accountable.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Shift Management
• Cross-shift with the Expat Drilling Manager to provide continuous operational coverage
• Oversee daily drilling operations to ensure production targets are met and exceeded
• Ensure drilling activities comply with project plans, schedules, and budgets
Leadership & Workforce Management
• Supervise and manage local drilling crews, including drillers, offsiders, and support
personnel
• Enforce discipline, performance standards, and site rules consistently
• Address performance issues promptly and professionally
• Build respect and authority with local personnel while maintaining cultural awareness
Reporting & Communication
• Prepare clear, accurate, and timely daily, weekly, and monthly reports in English
• Report on production, downtime, incidents, manpower, and equipment status
• Communicate effectively with the Expat Drilling Manager, site management, and head
office
Safety, Health & Environment (HSE)
• Enforce HSE policies, procedures, and safe work practices at all times
• Lead by example in safety leadership and toolbox meetings
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions
Equipment & Maintenance
• Monitor drilling equipment performance and downtime
• Coordinate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment availability and reliability
• Ensure correct use and care of drilling tools and consumables
Required Skills & Competencies
• Excellent spoken and written English (essential)
• Strong leadership presence and ability to manage local workforces
• Confident, firm, and professional approach to accountability and discipline
• High level of organisation, reporting accuracy, and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in remote, multicultural environments
Education Requirements
• Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in:
• Mining Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Geology
• Or a related technical discipline
• Formal drilling-related certifications or trade qualifications will be highly regarded
Experience Requirements
• Minimum 8–12 years of drilling experience
• At least 3–5 years in a supervisory or management role (Senior Driller, Supervisor,
Deputy Manager, or similar exploration drilling supervision experience)
• Strong experience managing local crews in developing or remote regions
• Previous experience in PNG, Africa, or similar operating environments is highly
advantageous
• Proven experience working alongside expatriate management
Salary & Benefits
Salary Range:
💰From AUD $8,333.00 to $8,750.00per month (net or gross depending on tax structure)
Equivalent to approximately AUD100,000 – 105,000 per annum
Additional Benefits May Include:
• FIFO flights (point of hire to site)
• Camp accommodation and meals
• Medical insurance
• Site allowances (where applicable)
Location: Tolukuma Papua New Guinea (PNG)
Point of hire: Manila Ninoy International Airport to site (via Port Moresby)
Roster:Family Freindly (FIFO) TBA
Employment Type: 12 month Contract / Fixed-Term (with potential for long-term continuation based on performance)
Reporting To: Drilling Manager (Expat)
Role Overview: The Deputy Drilling Manager will work in a cross-shift arrangement with an expatriate Drilling Manager to ensure continuous, safe, and efficient drilling operations. This role is critical in maintaining operational discipline, enforcing standards, and managing local drilling crews in a challenging operating underground and surface environment. Currently operating 8 drilling rigs BLY and Epiroc
The successful candidate must demonstrate strong leadership, excellent English communication and report-writing skills, and the ability to be firm, fair, and consistent when holding local teams accountable.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Shift Management
• Cross-shift with the Expat Drilling Manager to provide continuous operational coverage
• Oversee daily drilling operations to ensure production targets are met and exceeded
• Ensure drilling activities comply with project plans, schedules, and budgets
Leadership & Workforce Management
• Supervise and manage local drilling crews, including drillers, offsiders, and support
personnel
• Enforce discipline, performance standards, and site rules consistently
• Address performance issues promptly and professionally
• Build respect and authority with local personnel while maintaining cultural awareness
Reporting & Communication
• Prepare clear, accurate, and timely daily, weekly, and monthly reports in English
• Report on production, downtime, incidents, manpower, and equipment status
• Communicate effectively with the Expat Drilling Manager, site management, and head
office
Safety, Health & Environment (HSE)
• Enforce HSE policies, procedures, and safe work practices at all times
• Lead by example in safety leadership and toolbox meetings
• Investigate incidents and implement corrective actions
Equipment & Maintenance
• Monitor drilling equipment performance and downtime
• Coordinate with maintenance teams to ensure equipment availability and reliability
• Ensure correct use and care of drilling tools and consumables
Required Skills & Competencies
• Excellent spoken and written English (essential)
• Strong leadership presence and ability to manage local workforces
• Confident, firm, and professional approach to accountability and discipline
• High level of organisation, reporting accuracy, and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively in remote, multicultural environments
Education Requirements
• Diploma or Bachelor’s Degree in:
• Mining Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Geology
• Or a related technical discipline
• Formal drilling-related certifications or trade qualifications will be highly regarded
Experience Requirements
• Minimum 8–12 years of drilling experience
• At least 3–5 years in a supervisory or management role (Senior Driller, Supervisor,
Deputy Manager, or similar exploration drilling supervision experience)
• Strong experience managing local crews in developing or remote regions
• Previous experience in PNG, Africa, or similar operating environments is highly
advantageous
• Proven experience working alongside expatriate management
Salary & Benefits
Salary Range:
💰From AUD $8,333.00 to $8,750.00per month (net or gross depending on tax structure)
Equivalent to approximately AUD100,000 – 105,000 per annum
Additional Benefits May Include:
• FIFO flights (point of hire to site)
• Camp accommodation and meals
• Medical insurance
• Site allowances (where applicable)