Want an entry level job, starting tomorrow? Driller's offsider roles are booming right now
Why are driller's offsiders in such high demand right now? (No, not that type of drill - think much bigger) More importantly - what should you know before applying?
🔩 What a driller’s offsider actually does day to day
Working primarily with exploration crews, heading out to remote sites in hopes of making ground-breaking (pun definitely intended) discoveries, a driller's offsider is basically hired muscle. An amazing entry-level role, basic, but super tough work - it’s physical, repetitive, dusty, sweaty, and safety-critical.
• Rig set-up and pack-down: laying out tools, hoses, lines
• Rod handling: adding/breaking rods - heavy, repetitive, all shift
• Sample handling: bagging, labelling, logging, and quality checks
• Fluids and consumables: mixing drilling fluids, diesel/water runs, greasing, changing bits
• Cleaning and maintenance: site housekeeping (keeping things tidy and organised), keeping decks safe, washing down, spotting hazards
• Comms and safety: pre-starts, Take 5s, JHAs, radio calls, following the driller’s instructions
💪🏼 Who thrives in the role - it's definitely not for everyone
• Consistent, coachable people who follow procedures
• Fit, heat-smart workers who manage fatigue and hydration
• Team players who can communicate clearly on radios and take feedback well
• People who like routine, don’t mind getting dirty, and keep a steady pace all day
📈 Why these jobs are everywhere
• Surge in exploration (gold, lithium, critical minerals)
• High churn - many new starters underestimate the physical/mental grind
• Popular stepping stone and progression to senior offsider and driller roles (big pay jump)
👍🏼 The good stuff (yes, one of them is money)
• Fast entry to mining, plus on the job training
• Clear progression path to driller/supervisor/technician roles
• Travel and camp life, getting to see remote areas of Australia
• Pride in hard, honest work
• Good earnings (allowances, overtime) once you’re competent
👎🏼 The not so good stuff
• Very physical - whole-body vibration, lifting, weather exposure
• Long shifts (12+ hrs), swing rosters
• Remote camps, isolation, missing family and friends
• Monotony and fatigue risk if you don’t self-manage
• High injury risk if you rush or ignore procedures
🦺 Safety, fitness, resilience and mindset
To really take care of yourself (and your fellow workers), there's a bit more to it than just getting the job done. This is seriously one of the toughest jobs out there, so you need to be physically and mentally prepared.
• Develop good physical strength, balance, flexibility and mobility
• Mental wellbeing and easy self-care strategies you can do anywhere
• Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast: never rush jobs - focus and patience
• Hydration and fatigue awareness, good sun/heat protection, rest and recovery plans
• Take regular micro-breaks and whole-body stretches
• Pace yourself - day 1 isn't a fitness test, get the safety stuff 100% before anything else
📝 Application and suitability
• HR licence, first aid, white card
• Fit for repetitive lifting and standing for long periods
• Okay with FIFO, remote work, and 12-hour shifts
• Comfortable following strict safety procedures
• CV highlights reliability, fitness, teamwork, and any hands-on roles (construction, farm, warehouse, hospitality back-of-house, defence, sport)
🗨️ Interview preparation
“Tell me about a time you worked in heat/fatigue and stayed safe.”
“Example of following procedure under pressure.”
“How do you handle repetitive tasks without cutting corners?”
💼 Where to find jobs
This is honestly one of the easiest job searches out there. Head to seek.com.au, create a profile, and start searching. Set up alerts for keywords - driller offsider, sample prep, field assistant + entry level, FIFO, mining.
Register with labour hire and recruitment agencies - great for first gigs. Check out WorkPac, Techforce, Chandler Macleod, Programmed, Hays, CoreStaff, Stellar, Mining People, Brunel, and Unite Resourcing.
Many drillers/contractors run ongoing talent pools. Create a profile on company websites, even if there’s no live ad. Keep actively applying to ads, but also be ready for a call, as they may reach out to the pool on hand first. There are many companies across Australia - take a look at which ones are actively recruiting/advertising in your area/state, or desired work location.
Offsiding isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the fastest, fairest ways to break into mining. If you bring a coachable attitude, protect your body and mind, and respect the process, you can turn a tough first swing into a career that moves quickly and pays you to build skills. Otherwise, the sight of a calico bag may haunt you for the rest of your life.
Looking for more support for a thriving career in mining and resources?
⛏️ This is Australia’s #1 resource for:
Job seekers - learn how to find your perfect mining role and stand out with powerful applications, from job search strategy and ATS-friendly CVs, to interview preparation and pre-employment checks.
Students and graduates - discover entry pathways, qualification options, and how to navigate the competitive FIFO and mining job markets with confidence.
Career changers - explore transferable skills, resume positioning, and how to transition smoothly into Australia’s mining and resources industry.
Industry mentors and trainers - use this as a structured reference for supporting clients, students, or employees entering the sector.
A comprehensive 150+ page guide covering every step of your mining career journey - from understanding the job market to landing your first (or next) role.
💎 What readers will gain:
A complete framework for job searching, CV writing, and interview success
Insider tips on what recruiters and hiring managers look for
Direct links to leading mining companies, job boards, and agencies
Practical guides and action plans to keep you organised and confident
💻 Format: Digital ebook (PDF download)
ISBN: 978-1-7644256-1-2
Last updated: January 2026 (Current version: 26.01) Did you know? We regularly update this eBook, and you receive lifetime access to every new version!
Licencing for employers, organisations and training providers is available, please contact us for pricing.
This pack includes an ATS-optimised, recruiter-favourite CV Word template, plus a detailed user guide that shows you exactly how to build your CV, tailor it to each job ad, and present your experience in mining-ready language - even if you’re new to the industry.
What’s included
• CV template (Word/docx file, 2 pages)
+ ATS-friendly layout, easy to edit
• User guide (PDF, 37 pages)
+ ATS formatting guidelines + what to avoid
+ Professional summary formulas + adding a personal touch
+ Key skills, addressing priority role requirements, safety processes + mining systems
+ Showcasing your work history experience using a mining mindset + translating to mining terminology
+ Examples for entry-level, new to industry, graduates, experienced workers, career changers + return to workforce after career breaks
+ Checklists for presentation, consistency, content quality + proofreading
+ Bonus mini guide on how to scan a job advertisement for keywords and phrases + 4 step framework
Who it’s for
• Job seekers looking for their first mining/FIFO role from any industry, including examples from retail, hospitality, admin, logistics + more
• Career changers from non-mining industries including defence, teachers, police, civil construction + return to workforce after parental leave/study/year abroad
• Mining workers who are looking to change roles or apply for development opportunities, or step up into team lead, leading hand and supervisor roles
Why not pay for a full CV rewrite?
Hiring a CV writer can cost hundreds, and you often end up with a polished document you don’t fully understand or feel confident presenting, let alone editing.
This pack is designed to give you a mining-ready CV and the knowledge to maintain it yourself. It’s:
+ Cost-effective: a fraction of the price of a full rewrite
+ You learn the process: understand what recruiters and ATS look for
+ Tailor it endlessly: update your CV for every role, as many times as you like
+ Built for mining/FIFO: keywords and phrases, safety language, and examples that match the industry
+ Lifetime updates included: when MYNR releases improved versions, you’ll receive access to updates at no extra cost
Format & current version
💻 Instant download (ZIP file)
📅 Current version 26.01 (March 2026)
This industry-focused strategy call is for job seekers, graduates and workers who are serious about their next step in mining and resources, whether you:
• Are a job seeker trying to break into mining/FIFO for the first time
• Recently graduated from university, trades or high school
• Currently work in the industry and want to plan your next move, or
• Need help with adjusting to FIFO lifestyle and improving wellbeing
In 40 minutes we’ll explore where you’re at now, what you’re aiming for, and how we can help develop a plan to achieve your goals. You’re not getting generic CV advice - this is mining-specific, industry-aware support that considers both your career and wellbeing.
HOW IT WORKS
• Book and pay online
• Complete our intake form
• Select day/time for phone call
40 MINUTE STRATEGY CALL
• We have a chat and get to know your current situation, discuss your goals and values, explore potential career paths, and look at your current health and wellbeing state.
• We explain clearly how we can best help, ensuring you choose the best support for you and get the most out of our services.
• After your session, you’ll receive a concise written summary of key points and our recommendations.
• If you’re happy to move forward, your $98 is credited towards one of three packages:
1. CV & Application Review Package: For job seekers focused on getting into mining/FIFO and improving applications.
2. Career & Professional Development Package: For graduates and industry workers wanting a tailored career and development plan.
3. Wellbeing & Lifestyle Reset Package: For workers who want to improve wellbeing, supporting a long-term career and healthy lifestyle.
WHY WE DON’T OFFER “FREE CONSULTS”
• Free calls = high flake rate, and flakes only belong on a hot meat pie or in a soft serve cone.
• Research proves that YOU get more value and follow-through.
• Note: Booking this call does not lock you in to a package. You’re welcome to use this call as a standalone strategy session, and decide afterwards whether continuing is right for you.
• Accessibility: If you’re unemployed or experiencing financial hardship, limited concession options may be available. Please get in touch to discuss what might be possible.
