Exploration Geologist

Exploration Geologist Job Description

Exploration Geologist

Reporting to: Lead Geologist & Project Manager

Job Purpose

To traverse remote, undiscovered territory and collect valuable data by conducting field surveys and

performing other specialized field support work to assist teams on different projects.

This role’s critical contribution to the success of the company is to yield acute, consistent and accurate

survey data that can be relied upon to identify and target areas of interest, leading to future drill

programs and potential discovery of large mineral deposits.

Job Overview:

Work will include geochemical sampling (Rock, Soil, Till, Stream), and assisting the lead geologist

collect valuable field data to produce a geological interpretations and project reports.

A new recruit will gain experience in exploration techniques used to target and plan for exploration

programs. There may be situations where the Exploration Geologist will be expected to switch to other

relevant roles as needed throughout the season as demands for services change. The successful

candidate will be trained for each job type individually and must be able to complete all associated

tasks safely and competently without direct supervision.

General Responsibilities are common to most GroundTruth employees. Detailed Responsibilities can be

found on following pages.

Operational Responsibilities

General Responsibilities:

• Conducting effective surveys/sampling/line cutting and staking by following specific company methods safely, to achieve daily quality and production goals
• Navigating and hiking through pre-planned, remote traverses, using navigation tools (GPS, Map & Compass) to maintain geographic accuracy for the performed work
• Carrying and operating ICOM radio and other communication devices at all times in order to keep informed on any daily work plan changes, such as helicopter pick up times, as well as, to mitigate safety risks associated with remote field work
• Operating a variety of hand-tools outlined per designation (ie, Hammers, Power drill, Mattocks, Machetes, Axes), in an uncontrolled remote wilderness environment in a safe manner, to prevent injuries
• Performing daily assembly of personal packs with the required tools for the job, safety and tech gear, to ensure full preparedness for the field-work day and to be adequately equipped for potential high-risk situations while away from camp
• Leading by example by adhering to all safety protocols and procedures while working in or around high-risk machinery such as helicopters
• Leading by example by maintaining knowledgeable and proficient in wilderness survival skills Tagging-out defective or damaged equipment and returning it to headquarters in a timely way to prevent incident or injury

Detailed Responsibilities of a Exploration Geologist

Job Responsibilities

• Using hand held tools (hammer, cordless drill, auger, mattock, axe) to collect consistent, high quality rock, soil or till samples as in accordance with the Standard
• Operating Procedure without direct supervision
• Ensuring that digital sample location, description and photographic data is collected accurately and completely
• Completing the required number of samples within the timeline expectations of the program
• Assisting the mapping lead in traverse planning and logistics.
• Assisting with sample preparation and data entry.
• Using magnetic susceptibility meter and handheld XRF

Physical Demands

• Carrying a pack weighing up to 70 lbs over steep mountainous terrain, in adverse weather conditions for up to 10 hours per day
• Repetitive use of back, arms and shoulders requiring upper body torque

Tools & Equipment

• iCom Radio
• Hand Held Garmin GPS
• Smartphone
• Hand Lens
• Scribe
• Cordless Drill
• Compass
• Auger
• Rock Hammer
• Axe
• Machete
• Sampling Supplies
• Field Pack
• Emergency and safety supplies

Camp Responsibilities:

• Managing and maintaining a sanitary, safe and organized camp to foster an environment that respects the well-being and health of all camp members
• Assisting with the assembly and tear down of wall tent camps to ensure safe and efficient mobilization days
• Collaborating with camp members to share in the upkeep and daily chores of the camp including but not limited to cooking, cleaning, collection of firewood and collection and filtering of water to achieve a cohesive living environment with a fair distribution of camp chores
• Maintaining all camp equipment so it is available and working when needed. Ensuring all electronic tools for the job (ie handheld devices and ICOM radios) are fully charged and ready for the work day each morning

Safety Responsibilities:

• Ensuring open dialogue and communication with Supervisor on any aspects of training that remain “unclear” in a timely manner, to ensure additional coaching is provided prior to working in hazardous conditions
• Reporting all Hazards, Near Misses, Close Calls, Incidents, Injuries and Non-Conformances encountered on the job, to identify safety hazard trends and mitigate future incidents
• Participating daily Safety Meetings as well as After Action Shift summaries, and all Emergency Response Plans (ERP)
• Wearing all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the job and communicating any damaged PPE to be replaced in order to prevent injury

Upkeep of Certifications and Qualifications:

• Responsible to maintain a valid Standard First Aid Level C, CPR & AED certificate
• Responsible to maintain a high degree of physical fitness with ability to meet the specific physical demands outlined for the respective designation

Working Conditions

The Exploration Geologist position requires employees to work outside in various terrain and weather

conditions. The weather conditions include but are not limited to; a temperature range of -35°C to +35°

C, very dry to very humid climate, heavy rainfall, lightning storms, wind and snow. Terrain can vary from

rolling hills to steep mountain sides that will be traversed on foot daily.

A typical field season runs from mid-May to late October. Work days are 12-hour shifts that run 7 days a

week for the duration of the project unless otherwise stated. Shifts are typically 28 days on and 10 days

off, however, changes happen frequently depending on contracts and logistical considerations.

The project location may be reached by a variety of transportation methods such as; truck, helicopter,

boat, fixed-wing aircraft or all-terrain vehicles. Every camp will be provided with a wall tent or tents of

similar structure depending on location, satellite internet and all other camp elements. Employees will

be working and living in close quarters with the rest of their crew for the duration of the project.

Extreme isolation in a wilderness setting is one of the perks of the job but is also one of the factors that

increases the risks with this type of work. Wildlife is plentiful, including bears and moose.

Communication outside of camp may be limited as there is no cellphone service, and the satellite

internet, if available, is not high-speed. Exploration projects are frequently remote and isolated. It is

important to recognize that transportation between the project and the city may take upwards of 10

hours.

Physical Requirements

Employees will be expected to have sufficient physical strength and stamina in order to perform the job

responsibilities. All Exploration Field Technician roles, no matter which specialty, may require hiking

long distances and packing up to 70lbs on your back for extended periods of time in challenging terrain

and weather conditions.

Any medical conditions that may be serious in nature such as but not limited to; severe allergies,

breathing conditions, heart conditions, diabetes, epilepsy and others, are highly recommended to be

reported to the Safety & Training Officer, Supervisor and Project Manager. It is important that the

company knows what kind of care an individual may require in the event of an emergency. Remember,

it may take 10 or more hours to transport a person in need of professional medical care from a project

location to a health center.

Gear Requirements

Exploration Field Gear from GroundTruth Exploration is to be used strictly for company fieldwork and will

be assigned at the beginning of the season. All employees will be responsible for the maintenance and

care of the gear.

Employees will be required to supply appropriate personal gear including work clothes, underlayers, work

gloves, full rain gear (jacket and pants), work boots with rigid ankle support, personal camping gear (Job

Specific* - 3 season personal tent, -10C sleeping bag, Thermarest) and a Leatherman or similar multi-tool

knife. A complete list is included with your hiring package. It is highly recommended to purchase high

quality gear that fits you well. You will be completely dependent on your gear for the season, and

replacements are hard to access. Make sure you are happy with your gear and have field tested it before

you arrive at your worksite, and that you bring all maintenance and repair materials you will need for the

season.