Description
About the Role
In the role of Field Operations Lead, you will plan and execute our field activities across North America to meet our business objectives without causing harm to our people, our contractors and partners, or the communities and environments where we operate.
Responsibilities
Plan - Lead planning of complex exploration projects and moderate-scale development programs in North America, including drilling campaigns, electromagnetic surveys, and reconnaissance programs
Lead 1–3 concurrent projects of varying size, complexity, and jurisdiction, with accountability for planning and execution
Lead procurement strategies: contractor selection, bid evaluation, benchmarking, and contract administration for North America-based programs
Develop detailed project-level risk and hazard identification, risk assessments, mitigation plans, and critical control implementation, with particular attention to seasonal and terrain-specific construction conditions across North American operating environments
Lead project kick-offs with integrated teams and contractors, covering scope, execution strategy, and risk management
Generate creative field operations scenarios outside conventional boundaries that lead to efficient programs
Execute
Lead end-to-end execution of assigned projects from mobilization through demobilization and closure
Provide strong leadership during changing field conditions, including remote, seasonal, and extreme weather events across diverse North American geographies
Track and forecast production rates, spend profiles, and resource requirements
Manage and direct all field activities: lead contractor performance evaluation, feedback, and improvement
Maintain daily contact with and monitor the status of KoBold personnel and contractors while in the field; maintain close communication with the Project Geologist, Project Data Scientist, and the Senior Project Planner
Close
Lead site remediation and rehabilitation activities per applicable federal, state/provincial, and local regulatory standards
Lead contractor performance reviews and lessons learned to drive continuous improvement
Compliance and Stakeholder Engagement
Lead execution within regulatory compliance, monitoring, and reporting in accordance with applicable US federal and state or Canadian federal and provincial mining, environmental, and land use legislation, and the practices of our joint venture partners
Ensure execution is done within applicable permitting processes, land access agreements, community relations, third-party agreements, and any joint venture requirements
With leadership direction and support, represent KoBold Metals with local North American stakeholders, including communities, landowners, municipal authorities, Indigenous groups, and environmental bodies
Qualifications
At least 12 years of experience conducting field operations in mineral exploration and mining, oil and gas, or a related industry, with demonstrated progression in complexity and responsibility
Advanced knowledge of construction methodology, including seasonal and terrain-specific construction (tracks, pads, access roads) relevant to North American operating environments
Advanced understanding of helicopter-supported exploration, including utilization optimization and emergency response considerations
Strong understanding of procurement processes: RFP development, bid evaluation, and contract administration
Strong understanding of reclamation, rehabilitation and closure planning
Demonstrated commitment to health and safety standards, including incident management, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation and verification
Strong conceptual knowledge of HSE, Land and Permitting, Legal, and Business Development systems as applied to exploration projects
Ability to manage and supervise KoBold staff and contractors on all aspects of field activities, including complex and higher-risk field programs
Ability to design complex field programs including scope, cost estimates, risk assessments, procurement, and project execution plans
Ability to work in remote and isolated locations for extended periods of time across North American environments
A high degree of independence and the ability to work effectively with limited supervision
Must speak, read, and write in English; additional language skills (including French) are of benefit
Valid First Aid Certification (Level 3 or Wilderness First Aid preferred)
Preferred
Experience with US federal and state or Canadian federal and provincial regulatory frameworks governing exploration operations
Experience working on projects with dedicated exploration teams including both Geologists and Data Scientists, demonstrating sustained partnership and effective interdisciplinary collaboration
Familiarity with project management principles and managing projects remotely across multiple jurisdictions
Experience with logistics tied to complex remote operations, including helicopter, weather, camps, chartered flights, and drilling operations
French language skills are an asset for projects in Quebec or other francophone regions
What We Value
Effective communication with team members across Geology, Data Science, HSE, Aviation, Legal, Community Relations, and Land and Permitting
Perpetuating KoBold’s ethical standards through your own actions and in communicating with others
Leading constructive field operational dialogue with colleagues; offering ideas freely and being willing to be wrong
Receiving constructive and critical feedback well and providing constructive input and guidance to others
Recognizing and elevating the team’s contributions, both in the field and to leadership, reinforcing a culture where strong work is visible and valued
Interest in contributing beyond your role and responsibilities