Careers in Mining Closure/Site Rehabilitation
The following provides a brief description of several of the many occupations normally found in this phase including the typical activities, employment requirements, work schedules, and typical salary ranges. It is important to note that salary ranges vary from region to region and will change over time. Additional sources, such as www.jobfutures.ca, www.acareerinmining.ca, job postings on employers' websites, and job banks (e.g. www.pdacjobs.com) provide more information about salaries.
To create a balanced view of jobs across all skill levels, entry level, skilled, trades, technical and professional jobs are included. This job inventory is intended to highlight some key occupations of the estimated 120 occupations in mining. Some jobs are available in more than one of the mining phases. Contractors and suppliers also provide employment opportunities in various support services throughout the mining cycle. Some support services of particular importance to mine closure/ rehabilitation include cooking, tree planting, agriculture, hydrology, health and safety, and security. For a comprehensive listing of occupations at each phase of the mining cycle, see Mining Occupations.
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER
Description
Human Resources Managers are present throughout all phases of the mining cycle. Critical to the success of mine closure will be the management of staff and employees. As the mine approaches closure, human resources managers must coordinate a staged release of employees. It is critical to establish the skills that need to be retained in order to complete the tasks required. This is the job of a human resources manager: to design the specialized workforce needed for a successful closure.
Employment Requirements
Human resources managers generally require a university degree in Industrial Relations or Human Resources. Often companies will require previous experience in human resources management.
Work Schedule
Human resources managers typically work a 40-hour workweek (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.); however, they may be required to work extended hours, or even shift work to accommodate employees working on nights and afternoon shifts.
Salary Range
$91,000 - $127,000 a year
CIVIL ENGINEER
Description
Civil engineers are responsible for the development and implementation of mine closure measures. They review closure liabilities and serve as technical advisors in dealing with environmental complications during reclamation. In the closure phase, civil engineers are required to develop closure methods that are environmentally sound while using specific materials and providing permanent closure of mine openings. These engineers are required to consider costs, governmental regulations, and potential environmental hazards in decommissioning activities.
Employment Requirements
Civil engineers require a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
Work Schedule
Civil engineers work typical workweeks (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.); however, they may be required to work longer hours if pressured by deadlines. Additionally, many civil engineers work in a supervisory role during the closure process. Civil engineers with a supervisory role may be required to work similar hours to those whom they are supervising.
Salary Range
$53,000 - $120,000 a year
LABOURER
Description
Once production has come to an end, a small group of employees is tasked with permanently shutting down operations. Labourers are required to assist in decommissioning, which generally means the draining of hydraulic fluids and oils from mobile equipment, draining pipelines, cleaning up, disposing of waste, and removing equipment and parts. Labourers are often required for reclamation activities as well. This includes general landscaping, re-shaping the land, and restoring topsoil.
Employment Requirements
Minimal experience is required to become a mine labourer. A high school diploma is preferred.
Work Schedule
A labourer's work schedule in the closure phase will vary widely depending on the way in which each mine chooses to operate. At some sites, closure activities take place on an average workweek schedule (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.), while at others, workers are expected to work shifts (days, afternoons, nights) or long hours in order to meet closure deadlines.
Salary Range
$15 - $30 an hour
WATER SAMPLER
Description
A water sampler takes samples of water during different stages of a mine's cycle. During the mine closure stage, water samplers are required to test water over time to ensure a mine site has been rehabilitated and that water pollution is not occurring after shut down. Samplers use water-quality testing equipment. Simple measurements can be taken in direct contact with the water source in question. More complex measurements that must be made in a lab setting require a water sample to be collected, preserved, and analyzed at another location.
Employment Requirements
A grade 12 level of education is generally required, along with proficiency in reading and writing.
Work Schedule
A water sampler can work a variety of different schedules. If their employment is tied to an operating mine, then they will likely be required to work during day, afternoon, and night shifts, and perhaps even work on a rotating schedule. If a water sampler is employed post-closure and their employment is not tied to an operating mine, for example if they are working for a municipal government, then the hours are likely to be closer to an average workweek (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Salary Range
$20 - $27 an hour
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITOR
Description
Environmental monitoring occurs at all phases of the mining cycle. License applications (for new mines/pits/quarries and expansions to existing operations) require environmental monitoring to gather base line data. A critical part of the closure/mine rehabilitation phase is environmental monitoring. An environmental monitor makes observations, carries out routine inspections and collects environmental data (similar to a geological technician, but for the environment). An environmental monitor will examine the qualities of wildlife, fish, birds, vegetation and water.
Employment Requirements
A university degree in Mining, Environmental or Civil Engineering.
Work Schedule
Environmental monitors will, for the most part, be working typical office hours (Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.). Some may also work fly-in/fly-out schedules, depending on the mine site location.
Salary Range
$45,000 - $67,000 a year
