Engineering a world of possibilities
Miner I is an entry-level underground position designed to support safe mining and construction activities within a training and research facility established in a former narrow vein deposit. Under the guidance of experienced miners, the role assists with drilling, blasting, mucking, ground support installation, and general underground developmentEssential Duties and Responsibilities
Assist with underground mining activities in narrow vein stopes and headings
Follow mine plans, shift instructions, and supervisor direction
Support drilling operations using jacklegs, stopers, or handheld drills
Assist with loading and stemming blast holes under the supervision of a certified blaster
Perform mucking operations using hand tools, slushers, or small equipment
Install and maintain ground support including rock bolts, screen, timbers, and lagging
Assist in the construction of bulkheads
Assist with applying shotcrete
Scale loose rock from backs, ribs, and faces using proper scaling techniques
Assist with ventilation controls including brattice, fans, and ducting
Maintain a clean and safe work area underground
Conduct pre-task safety checks and hazard identification
Properly handle and store tools, materials, and supplies
Comply with MSHA regulations, mine safety rules, and company policies
Participate in safety meetings, training, and emergency response drills
Equipment and Tools Used
Jackleg and stoper drills
Handheld pneumatic and electric tools
Scaling bars and hand tools
Slushers or small LHD equipment (as authorized)
Ground support installation tools
PPE including respirators, hard hats, and cap lamps
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED (preferred)
Ability to work underground in confined, low-profile environments
Ability to perform physically demanding work (lifting, bending, climbing, prolonged standing)
Strong attention to safety and detail
Ability to follow instructions and work as part of a team
Preferred Qualifications
Prior underground or surface mining experience
MSHA New Miner or Underground Miner Training
Experience with hand drilling or ground support installation
Mechanical aptitude
About Mines & Golden, CO
When the world looks for answers, the world looks to Mines.
Colorado School of Mines is a top-ranked public university solving the grand challenges facing our society, particularly those related to the Earth, energy and the environment. Founded in 1874 with specialties in mining and metallurgy, Mines’ scope and mission have continually expanded to meet the needs of industry and society. Today, we are the No. 38 public university in the nation, recognized for our innovation and undergraduate teaching in science, technology engineering and math (U.S. News and World Report, 2023).
Mines graduates are change makers, boundary breakers and problem solvers. Since our earliest days, a Mines education has been and continues to be a transformational opportunity, with one of the strongest returns on investment out there for talented STEM students of all backgrounds.
At the same time, Mines faculty members are pushing their fields in new directions, whether that’s (it's?) manufacturing, space resources, quantum engineering, carbon capture or (and?) more. Mines was recently classified as a R1 “Very High Activity” research institution by Carnegie, a notable feat for any university but particularly one of our size.
Are you looking for an inspiring, mission-driven workplace where you can contribute to solving the world’s problems and educating the next generation of change makers? Are you an individual who values a diverse community, where our different perspectives, experiences and cultures enrich the educational and work experience?
Look to Mines.
Equal Opportunity
Through its policies, procedures and resources, Mines complies with federal law, Colorado state law, administrative regulations, executive orders and other legal requirements to prevent discrimination (including harassment or retaliation) within the Mines campus community and to address potential allegations of inequity or concerns for safety.
Hourly Rate
$30.00 per hour for 20 hours per week
How to Apply
Interested applicants should apply online as soon as possible but before Monday, January 19, 2026. If you submit your application after this date, it may or may not be considered. Applicants will be asked to complete an online application and upload a resume. References will not be collected or contacted until later in the selection process and the candidate will be informed before that contact is made.
Contact Dorie Gelber, Human Resources, at dorie.gelber@mines.edu with any questions about this opportunity.
Background Investigation Required Prior to Start
Accommodations - It is the intent of Mines to comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008, and their implementation rules and regulations, in support of equal opportunities for qualified applicants with disabilities to promote diversity and inclusion at Mines. To meet this goal, Mines will make reasonable accommodations during the employment selection process and within our working environment.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on our site as a result of your disability. You can request a reasonable accommodation by contacting our Human Resources team at hr@mines.edu or 303.273.3250 for assistance.
Colorado's premier engineering and applied science university for 150 years and counting