How to hire a mine equipment operator

How to hire a mine equipment operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step mine equipment operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a mine equipment operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new mine equipment operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The mine equipment operator hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A mine equipment operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, mine equipment operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of mine equipment operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Mine Equipment Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Mine Equipment Operator	Agricultural workers maintain the quality of farms, crops, and livestock by operating machinery and doing physical labor under the supervision of farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers.	$16-26
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25
   Heavy Equipment Operator	Heavy equipment operators are skilled workers who are trained to handle heavy equipment. They are usually in the construction industry... Show more	$12-27

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Loaders
   • Graders
   • End Loaders
   • OSHA
   • Shovels
   • MSHA
   • Bulldozers
   • Plant Equipment
   • Water Truck
   • D6
   • Operational Checks
   • D8
   • Control Room
   • Shuttle Car

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Operate other various equipment including but not limit to shovels, loaders, snow plows, and water trucks.
   • Track Dozers: D8L, D9.
   • Operate heavy equipment such as loaders, forklifts, mining trucks and dump trucks.
   • Remove debris such as loose shale from channels and planer travel areas using battery and diesel scoops.
   • Preform grind checks every shift to determine if any work needs to be done before start up of crusher plant.
   • Follow all power equipment rules and regulation including any regulatory agency policies to include OSHA.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your mine equipment operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A mine equipment operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, mine equipment operators' average salary in louisiana is 52% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level mine equipment operators 39% less than senior-level mine equipment operators.
   • Certifications. A mine equipment operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a mine equipment operator's salary.

   Average mine equipment operator salary

   $43,664yearly

   $20.99 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level mine equipment operator salary

   $34,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 16, 2025

4. Writing a mine equipment operator job description

   A mine equipment operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a mine equipment operator job description:

   Mine equipment operator job description example

   • Operate mine equipment, including, but not limited to: miner (machine that cuts ore), roof bolter (to mount a 3’ bolt in the roof of the mine) dozer and shuttle car
   • Execute tasks to assist in production process, such as: change bits in miner, move power cables, and hand shovel conveyor belt tail sections
   • Complete pre-shift inspections, as well as preventative maintenance and equipment clean up, to ensure all equipment is operating safely and efficiently
   • Perform other duties as assigned

   REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
   

   • High school diploma or GED
   • Valid Driver’s License
   • Minimum one (1) year general labor and/or industrial plant experience

   OPPORTUNITIES
   

   • Medical plans with prescription drug coverage, dental insurance and vision insurance
   • 401(K) with immediate vesting and generous employer match
   • Work-life balance with family-friendly work schedules
   • Opportunity to grow within position through Intrepid’s career path programs
   • PPE, uniform shirts and boot vouchers are provided

   SCHEDULE AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
   10-hour workday, 4 days a week at minimum, with a weekly rotating shift schedule. Schedule subject to change.

   • Underground mining environment that is often not well lit and is at low heights
   • Exposed to louder than moderate noises (ex: vehicle noises, machinery noises, etc.)
     Employees are required to wear safety attire and personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times

   PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
   

   • Standing, walking, sitting (while driving) over 2/3 of work time, squatting, talking or hearing, making visual inspections, making precise hand and fingers movements, twisting, stooping, crouching, kneeling, reaching or grasping
   • Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., and push and/or pull up to 50 lbs.
   • Will be required to wear personal protective equipment as needed and engage in strenuous physical activity

   A pre-placement physical and hair follicle drug test will be required for anyone selected for this opportunity. Placement into the position will not be made until the results are received and cleared by Intrepid.
   

   ABOUT US
   Intrepid is an entrepreneurial organization committed to developing unique and environmentally sound ways of extracting minerals of global importance to multiple industries. While our legacy potassium products hold a strong reputation in the agriculture and feed industries, the expansion of our water, brine and other solutions contributes to the oil and gas industries to support energy resources. This diversification of products and customers expands our growth and impact beyond yesterday’s needs. Working at Intrepid, you will experience the commitment, teamwork, and growth in every role and experience.

   We are proud to be an EEO/AA Employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find mine equipment operators for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any mine equipment operators they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level mine equipment operators with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your mine equipment operator job on Zippia to find and attract quality mine equipment operator candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as ag hires, farm job, farming work , joe produce, picking jobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with mine equipment operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new mine equipment operator

   Once you have selected a candidate for the mine equipment operator position, it is time to create an offer letter. In addition to salary, the offer letter should include details about benefits and perks that are available to the employee. Ensuring your offer is competitive is vital, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and it is important to be open to discussion and reach a mutually beneficial agreement. After the offer has been accepted, it is a good idea to formalize the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new mine equipment operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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