Driller and driller offsiders in Western Australia

Do you enjoy being part of a team and want to advance your drilling career? Become part of a drill team in Western Australia (WA).

Driller and driller offsiders (or driller assistant) work closely together in ‘rig’ teams. Opportunities within these teams include taking samples of minerals and working on construction sites.

Mining is one of WA’s major industries, with over 50 different types of minerals being mined in here. The main resources include iron ore, natural gas, gold, alumina, and nickel.

Below you can find out more about what you need to work as a driller or driller offsider in WA and what you need to move. If you’re ready to check out all the driller jobs available now go to Seek.

You don’t need a licence to work as a driller or driller offsider in WA.

You must hold a Construction Induction Card, also known as a white card. More information is available under the Construction Induction Training page on the DMIRS website.

Depending on your role, you may need a Heavy Rigid licence (HR Class) and complete a first aid course. More information on the HR Class licence is available on the Department of Transport (DoT) website.

Driller and driller offsider licences in WA

Required registration and licences

  • Construction Induction Card

  • Driver’s licence (C Class)

You may also need:

  • Heavy Rigid licence (HR Class)

  • First Aid Certificate

Driller and driller offsiders moving to WA from another state or territory within Australia

There is no current requirement for drillers and driller offsiders to apply for mutual recognition when moving to work in WA. A white card is nationally recognised and does not need to be transferred.

You’ll need to ensure your driver’s licence/s are transferred. If you’re bringing a vehicle with you, you must transfer the registration over to WA. Learn more about licence and vehicle registration transfers via the DoT website.

How much can I earn as a driller or driller offsider in Australia?

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics Employee Earnings (May 2021 release), drillers earn an estimated $134,404 per year. 

$134,404

What kind of work could I have as a driller or driller offsider in WA?

Some work a driller or driller offsider can expect in WA includes:

·       Preparing mining sites prior to drilling

·       Moving, assembling and operating drilling rigs and machinery

·       Taking core samples

·       Performing maintenance and repairs and cleaning drilling equipment

·       Recording performance details and keeping logs of operations

·       Undertaking development work such as the opening up of new shafts

·       Positioning and detonating explosives in bore holes

·       Monitoring drilling operations for safety

·       Operating pumps to extract air, water and other waste.

You don’t need to undertake an apprenticeship to become a driller or driller offsider. Employers may hire new staff as a driller offsider (or driller assistant) before promoting them to a driller.

To improve your employability, 1-to-2-year traineeships are available in drilling operations. Trainee drillers may work as a driller offsider while completing their traineeship.

Learn more via the Jobs & Skills WA website.

How to become a driller or driller offsider in WA

Training and qualifications (optional)

Driller offsider:

  • Certificate II (RII20920) or III in Drilling Operations (RII3185)

Driller:

  • Certificate III (RII3185) or IV in Drilling Operations (RII30915)

  • Certificate II in Autonomous Workplace Operations (52845WA)

  • Certificate IV in Autonomous Control and Remote Operations (52851WA)

Ready to look for your next driller or driller offsider role in WA?

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