Charge Up Trainer – Expert (Underground Mining Operations) – (03) Vacancies
Position Description
The Charge Up Trainer – Expert is responsible for delivering high-quality training, coaching, and competency assessments for underground charge-up personnel. This role ensures that all charge-up activities, including explosive handling, blasting practices, and related safety procedures, are performed in full compliance with regulatory requirements, site standards, and industry best practices.
The Trainer plays a key role in building crew capability, reducing operational risk, and supporting continuous improvement within the drill & blast function.
Join our exceptional team and embody Barrick’s core values as you work with us. We are in search of individuals who can champion Barrick’s DNA by:
- Communicating Honestly, Transparently, and Acting with Integrity
- Exhibiting a Results-Driven approach
- Delivering solutions that are Fit for Purpose
- Dedicating themselves to Building a Sustainable Legacy
- Taking Responsibility and being Accountable
- Committing to Zero Harm
- Cultivating strong and meaningful Partnerships
If you’re ready to contribute to our world-class team while embracing these values, we encourage you to apply and become a valued member of our diverse workforce.
Reporting to: Underground Mine Foreman
Duration: Fixed Term
Responsibilities:
Training & Competency Development
- Deliver theoretical and practical training for all charge-up tasks, including:
- Explosives storage, transportation, and handling
- Charging development headings, production rings, and stope preparations
- Priming, loading, stemming, and tying in blast patterns
- Misfire management and emergency response
- Use of electronic, non-electric, and detonator-based firing systems
- Assess and verify operator competencies against site-based or national standards.
- Develop training materials, manuals, standard work procedures, and assessment tools.
- Provide one-on-one coaching for new and existing charge-up operators.
- Identify skills gaps and create targeted training plans to build workforce capability.
Safety Leadership & Compliance
- Promote a strong safety culture and ensure all training incorporates critical control management.
- Ensure compliance with:
- Mine safety legislation
- Explosives regulations
- Company policies and procedures
- Conduct and document field observations, task audits, and safe work verifications.
- Participate in incident investigations related to blasting, explosives, or misfires and implement corrective actions.
Operational Support
- Work closely with the Charge Up Supervisor and Drill & Blast Engineers to ensure training aligns with operational needs.
- Provide expert input into blast design execution, charging techniques, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain training records, certifications, and competency matrices using the site’s learning management systems.
- Assist in onboarding new charge-up personnel and ensuring they meet site entry and explosives qualification requirements.
Continuous Improvement
- Evaluate training outcomes and implement improvements to training delivery and materials.
- Introduce new technologies, equipment, and industry methods to advance operational efficiency and safety.
- Contribute to the refinement of SOPs, SWPs, and critical control verifications related to explosives and blasting.
Qualification Requirements:
- Certificate IV in Training & Assessment (or equivalent VET/industry training qualification).
- Experience with modern blasting technologies (e.g., i-kon, EBS, smart blasting systems).
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 5–10 years underground charge-up experience, preferably in high-production mining
- Valid Shotfirer / Blaster License or equivalent explosives competency.
- Demonstrated expertise in development and production charging, blast tie-ins, and electronic detonator systems.
- Proven experience training or mentoring underground charge-up personnel.
- Strong understanding of relevant underground mining legislation and explosives regulations.
- High level of hazard awareness and risk management capability in an underground environment.
- Experience using learning management systems (LMS) for training and recordkeeping.
- Exposure to mine emergency response or incident investigation.
Key Competencies & Attributes
- Strong communication and coaching skills.
- High personal safety standards and ability to lead by example.
- Ability to deliver clear, structured training in both classroom and field environments.
- Problem-solving skills with a focus on reducing operational risk.
- Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary underground team.
- Patience, professionalism, and strong interpersonal skills.
Performance Indicators
- Competency progression and skill development of the charge-up crew.
- Compliance with explosives legislation and internal safety standards.
- Reduction of misfires, charging errors, and blasting-related incidents.
- Quality and accuracy of training documentation and assessments.
- Positive trainee feedback and supervisor evaluations.
- Contribution to continuous improvement initiatives.
What We Can Offer You:
- A comprehensive compensation package including bonuses and site-specific benefits
- The ability to make a difference and lasting impact
- Work in a dynamic, collaborative, progressive, and high-performing team
- Opportunities to grow and learn with industry colleagues
- Access to a variety of career opportunities across the organization
We are committed to maintaining a safe work environment, ensuring that every person goes home safe and healthy every day, and leaving a sustainable legacy in our host communities.
Thank you for your application; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
