Project Geologist

Some contracts are about collecting data. This one is about making sure the entire programme runs well.

We're looking for a Project Exploration Geologist to oversee a geotechnical drilling campaign in regional North Queensland. Starting in late September / early October, this contract is expected to run through to January and offers the chance to take ownership of a well-defined programme from mobilisation through to completion.

You'll play a key role in coordinating daily drilling activities, working closely with contractors, consultants and site management to ensure the programme remains safe, productive and on schedule. Rather than sitting behind a desk, you'll be heavily involved in the day-to-day execution of the campaign, helping solve problems in real time and ensuring quality geological and geotechnical data is collected throughout.

Ideally, the successful candidate will work a 5/2 roster and stay locally for the duration of the drilling programme, with accommodation provided. However, a 2/1 FIFO roster via Cairns may also be considered for the right person.

This role offers plenty of variety. You'll assist with programme planning, mobilisation and demobilisation activities, contractor coordination, logistics, core logging, data validation, geological modelling and stakeholder engagement. You'll also work alongside specialist consultants to support the collection and interpretation of geotechnical information.

The programme will involve drilling in and around historical underground workings and known voids, making previous exposure to a production mining environment particularly valuable. If you have worked around underground operations, mine infrastructure or geotechnical drilling programs this is role where you'll feel at home.

We're keen to hear from geologists with minimum 5 years of experience who enjoy being close to the field, taking ownership of outcomes and working within small, collaborative teams. Base metals experience is preferred.

Key requirements: 

• Minimum 5 years' experience managing or coordinating drilling programs
• Experience with geotechnical drilling and logging highly regarded
• Experience preparing or contributing to geotechnical reporting preferred
• Production geology experience advantageous
• Manual driver's licence essential
• Senior First Aid highly regarded
• Experience with Surpac and/or Deswik highly regarded
• Exposure to underground workings, mine voids or brownfields environments advantageous.

If you're looking for a contract where you'll have genuine ownership of a drilling campaign, strong support from site leadership and the flexibility to make the role work around the right roster, we'd like to hear from you.


Unfortunately, MPI Recruitment can only consider applicants with relevant qualifications and experience who are Australian Permanent Residents or hold valid working rights for Australia.