Water Well Drilling Offsider

Our Opportunity

Work Location: Cloudbreak - Fortescue’s Cloudbreak mine is located on the traditional lands of the Palyku and Nyiyaparli peoples.

Roster: ​8D/6R FIFO ex Perth

The Water Well Drilling Offsider plays a key role in supporting the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of Fortescue’s water well drilling programs.
This position provides advanced technical and operational support to the Driller, contributing to continuous improvement in productivity, safety, and environmental performance.

The role includes mentoring less experienced offsiders, undertaking higher-level equipment maintenance, and supporting operational leadership in line with Fortescue’s values and field excellence standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Operate drill rig support and ancillary mobile plant equipment safely and efficiently in line with OEM specifications, Fortescue standards, and site-specific procedures.
• Lead by example in demonstrating safe work practices, ensuring compliance with all Drilling Safe Work Instructions (SWIs) and hazard control measures.
• Proactively identify and communicate improvements to drilling processes, logistics, and site efficiency.
• Mentor and guide Entry and Experienced Offsiders in daily tasks, promoting skill development and adherence to safety and quality expectations.
• Monitor consumables and inventory levels, and coordinate with logistics to maintain uninterrupted drilling operations.
• Conduct advanced maintenance and fault identification on rig support equipment, ensuring readiness and reliability.
• Assist the Driller in the setup, operation, and demobilisation of complex well drilling systems and associated infrastructure.
• Actively participate in safety leadership initiatives, risk assessments, and field audits, contributing to a strong safety culture.
• Maintain clean, organised, and compliant work areas, with an emphasis on environmental care and housekeeping standards.
• Undertake physical and technical duties in demanding outdoor environments, demonstrating resilience and situational awareness.
• Support and participate in ongoing training and development towards future progression to Driller or Supervisory positions.

Qualifications and Experience

• Current MC Driver’s Licence.
• Current LF High Risk Work Licence (Forklift).
• Current DG and/or CN High Risk Work Licence (as applicable).
• First Aid Certification.
• Operate and Maintain a Four-Wheel Drive Vehicle competency.
• Certificate II in Drilling (or equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years’ experience on water well drill rigs or equivalent in complex drilling operations.
• Demonstrated capability in advanced rig operation support, maintenance, and safe lifting/handling procedures.
• High level of safety leadership and hazard awareness.
• Proven ability to mentor, train, and coordinate small teams in the field.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Physically fit and capable of sustained manual labour in remote outdoor environments.
• Experience working within large-scale mining or resource operations – desirable.
• Familiarity with Fortescue’s digital systems (e.g., SAP, FieldSafe, Pulse) – desirable.
• Demonstrated contribution to process or safety improvement initiatives – desirable.

About Us

Be part of something big. Fortescue is leading the world with our plan to decarbonise our iron ore operations, projects that harness renewable energy and the development of technology that will change our planet forever.

Our Commitment

Fortescue celebrates individual strengths and team members are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. Our global workforce drives and promotes an inclusive culture, both within our organisation and throughout the communities we interact with. Diverse backgrounds include First Nations Peoples, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community, gender, neurodiverse, cultural diversity, all age groups, and those with an intersectional or multiple diverse characteristics. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

https://fortescue.com/careers 

Internal Candidates / Current Contractors please apply via Success Factors Careers Portal. For further information on how to apply please visit the Fortescue Hub. 

Fortescue reserves the right to close applications early should a suitable pool of candidates be identified. Fortescue will never contact you to ask for payment of any kind, whether directly or through a third party.