Job description template
Mining Machine Operator Job Description Template
A copy-ready mining machine operator job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.
Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows mining machine operators earn a median of $61,810 ($29.72/hour); the middle 50% earn $51,610–$77,570.
Job title
Mining Machine Operator
Job summary
[Company name] is seeking a dependable mining machine operator to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will operate continuous mining machines, cut coal, ore or rock at the face and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.
Responsibilities
- Operate continuous mining machines
- Cut coal, ore or rock at the face
- Load material onto conveyors or cars
- Follow roof control and ventilation plans
- Inspect and maintain equipment
- Change cutting bits
- Follow mine safety rules
- Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations
Required qualifications
- No formal educational credential
- Current license or certification as required by [state]
- Working knowledge of continuous miner operation and roof control
- Teamwork and alertness
- [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]
Preferred qualifications
- MSHA new miner training
- Annual refresher training
- State miner certification
- Experience with continuous miners
Skills
- Ventilation
- Methane monitoring
- Equipment maintenance
- Mine safety
- Stamina
- Communication
Work environment and schedule
Operators work underground in dark, dusty, noisy mines with limited space. Mines often run multiple shifts, including nights and weekends, with overtime.
Pay and benefits
$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]
Equal opportunity
[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
Tips for a mining machine operator job posting that attracts applicants
- Use the title candidates search for. “Mining Machine Operator” is the clearest; alternates include Continuous Miner Operator, Underground Miner, Coal Miner.
- Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
- Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
- Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a mining machine operator so applicants self-select accurately.
- Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Mining Machine Operator training: widens your applicant pool.
Next steps
Screen and interview with our Mining Machine Operator hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.
