Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. KoBold Metals is an AI-native mineral exploration and mine development company. The Field Operations Lead plans and executes North American field programs, leading project delivery, safety, contractor performance, regulatory compliance, and stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Skills
- 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
- Valid First Aid Certification (Level 3 or Wilderness First Aid preferred)
- All candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States or Canada
- Additional language skills (including French) are of benefit
- 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
Company Overview