Shovel Operator - Mount Milligan Mine - 7x7 Camp
Centerra Gold is recruiting Shovel Operators (Technician, Loading) for its Mount Milligan Mine in central British Columbia, a truck-shovel open-pit copper and gold operation located about 155 km northwest of Prince George and near Fort St. James. This camp-based heavy equipment role follows a 7 days on / 7 days off rotation with 12-hour shifts and focuses on safe, efficient operation of large-scale loading and mining equipment, including CAT 988 and 994 loaders, CAT 390 excavators, and 7495 electric shovels. Mount Milligan offers comfortable camp accommodations with private washrooms, TV, Wi-Fi, and an onsite gym, along with free bus transportation from regional communities. The position provides a competitive hourly wage of CA$36.10 plus bonus and a comprehensive benefits package, supporting long-term employment in a safety-sensitive open-pit mining environment.
Position
Field
Equipment OperatorsWork Rotation
Accommodations
Responsibilities
The Shovel Operator (Technician, Loading) is responsible for safely operating large loading and mining equipment to meet production targets at the Mount Milligan open-pit copper and gold mine.
- Operate 994 and 988 CAT loaders, 390 CAT excavators, and 7495 electric shovels in an open-pit environment.
- Operate additional heavy equipment as needed, including haul trucks (CAT 740, 777, 789, 793), dozers, graders, and other excavators.
- Support the operational integrity of the Mining department to achieve safety, environmental, quality, cost, and production objectives.
- Perform pre-shift and post-shift safety inspections and complete daily equipment inspection and production reports.
- Identify and report unsafe mechanical conditions or defects to the shop foreman and supervisor in a timely manner.
- Maintain good housekeeping practices on equipment and within work areas to support a clean, safe jobsite.
- Follow established traffic patterns, comply with mine haul road rules, and avoid road hazards and other hazardous conditions.
- Participate actively in site safety programs, policies, procedures, and toolbox meetings.
- Wear and maintain required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times in the safety-sensitive work environment.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, safety, and equipment reliability.
- Collaborate with other operators, supervisors, and maintenance teams to solve problems and improve operational efficiency.
- Perform additional related duties as assigned in support of mine production and operations.
Requirements
Candidates for this shovel operator position require proven heavy equipment operating experience, strong safety awareness, and the ability to work effectively in a camp-based open-pit mining environment.
- Valid Class 5 Driver’s License.
- Experience operating heavy equipment in an industrial or mining setting.
- Prior experience working in an open-pit mining environment.
- Demonstrated proficiency operating CAT 988 and 994 loaders, CAT 390 excavators, and 7495 electric shovels.
- Ability to operate haul trucks (CAT 740, 777, 789, 793), dozers, graders, and other heavy machinery as required.
- Capability to perform thorough pre-shift and post-shift inspections and accurately complete equipment reports.
- Basic understanding of equipment maintenance and mechanical condition reporting.
- Ability to safely climb, access, and egress large mining equipment.
- Physically capable of lifting objects up to 50 lbs and working long 12-hour shifts in varying weather conditions.
- Collaborative work style with strong teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills.
- Proven record of excellent attendance, reliability, and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Ability to remain alert, focused, and safety-conscious in a safety-sensitive, drug- and alcohol-free workplace.
Perks and Benefits
This shovel operator role at Mount Milligan Mine offers a competitive wage, structured rotation, camp accommodations, and a comprehensive benefits program designed to support long-term employment and overall wellbeing.
- Competitive hourly wage of CA$36.10, plus annual incentive bonus opportunities.
- 7x7 rotation with 12-hour shifts providing predictable time at site and time off.
- Camp accommodations with private washrooms, TV, Wi-Fi, onsite gym, and recreational activities.
- Free bus transportation to and from site from Prince George, Fort St. James, and Mackenzie.
- Tax-free travel allowance based on distance traveled to site.
- Extended group health, dental, vision, and travel insurance coverage.
- Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D).
- Company-sponsored pension plan with Company match.
- Employee and Family Assistance Program.
- Healthcare Spending Account and Lifestyle Wellness Spending Account.
- Reimbursements for approved work gear and equipment.
- Employee Share Purchase Plan (ESPP) with Company match.
- Parental leave top-up program.
- Professional development opportunities and internal career growth within Centerra Gold.
- Workplace culture committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and a zero-tolerance, safety-focused environment.
Worksite/Project
Mount Milligan Mine
Located approximately 155 kilometers northwest of Prince George in central British Columbia, Canada, the Mount Milligan Mine is a conventional truck-shovel open-pit operation producing both copper and gold. The mine features a 60,000-tonne-per-day capacity copper flotation processing plant. In February 2024, Centerra Gold announced an agreement with Royal Gold to extend the mine's life to 2035, with plans to further increase its longevity through ongoing exploration and development. This extension underscores the mine's significant role in the regional economy and its contribution to Canada's mining industry.
Mount Milligan MineEmployer Hiring
Centerra Gold
Centerra Gold is a Canadian-based mining company with a strong focus on the production of gold and copper through safe, sustainable operations. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Centerra’s flagship Canadian operation is the Mount Milligan Mine, located in central British Columbia. This open-pit copper-gold mine includes an on-site concentrator and offers long-term employment opportunities in mining, processing, environmental management, and maintenance. Centerra also operates the Kemess Underground Project, a development-stage asset located in northern BC, which further strengthens the company’s presence in Canada. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Centerra invests in clean energy initiatives—such as converting parts of Mount Milligan’s power supply to low-emission sources—and continually explores ways to improve environmental performance across its sites.
Centerra Gold