Plans and improves extraction by connecting mine design, scheduling, production performance, geotechnical constraints and operational risk.
Related role band: $145k–$190kTechnical & business support · Entry
Graduate engineer or geologist
Starts in a structured engineering or geology stream, applying university learning to supervised mine-site projects and field decisions.
Indicative 2026 annual cash$85k–$120kGross, generally before super
Common roster contextSite positions often use 8/6 or 5/2/4/3; city, residential and hybrid arrangements also occur.
Role at a glance
What this role actually does.
Starts in a structured engineering or geology stream, applying university learning to supervised mine-site projects and field decisions. The precise scope changes with the employer, asset, jurisdiction and written authorities.
The work
Core duties
- 01
Collect and check field or plant data
- 02
Complete supervised analysis and reporting
- 03
Learn how technical decisions reach operations
The assets
Equipment and systems
- 01
Mine plans or geological databases
- 02
Engineering or geoscience software
- 03
Field and quality records
Before mobilisation
Typical foundations
- 01
Relevant engineering or geoscience degree for the chosen stream
- 02
Graduate-program selection and site induction
- 03
Senior review for technical decisions and reporting
Prove capability
Evidence employers can verify
- 01
Degree, placement and discipline
- 02
Analysis personally completed
- 03
QA and supervisor feedback
Entry pathway
A credible way into the role.
- 01
Choose engineering or geology rather than treating the titles as one qualification
- 02
Seek placements and graduate intakes
- 03
Build field exposure before specialising
Earning context
What tends to move pay
- 01
Experience and verified scope
- 02
Roster, location and shift pattern
- 03
Employer, contract and allowances
Before accepting
Questions to ask about the offer
- 01
Is this base salary, gross cash or a package including super?
- 02
Which roster, point of hire, ordinary hours and overtime terms apply?
- 03
What duties, equipment and written authorities are included in the offer?
Progression
Possible next moves.
Collects, checks and interprets geological evidence to guide exploration, ore control, mine planning and resource decisions across Australian mineral operations.
Related role band: $115k–$185kUses asset, failure and condition data to improve maintenance strategies and manage equipment risk.
Related role band: $140k–$200kProgression depends on demonstrated competence, vacancies, performance, qualifications and any appointment requirements. A related profile is a starting point, not a guarantee of that exact title or scope. Browse all 98 role profiles →
Keep exploring
Related role profiles.
Sources and role examples
Editorial note
Salary bands are broad 2026 Australian mining comparisons, not promised rates. Role requirements summarise common practice and do not replace legislation, regulator guidance, an employment agreement, site procedures or a written appointment. Pay presentation reviewed 27 September 2026.