Jumbo Operator
Operate heavy machinery used for underground drilling in the mining industry.
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right now
Job growth
-
5-year projection
Salary
-
Typical salary
Job satisfaction
-
Job opportunities
-
Jobs in SEEK right now
Salary
-
Typical salary
Job growth
-
5-year projection
Job satisfaction
-
What's it like to be a Jumbo Operator?
Jumbo Operators usually work in the mining industry, operating heavy excavators. They use drilling rigs for underground mining and to help install support structures. It’s common for Jumbo Operators to work in rural and remote locations, often working on a fly-in/fly-out basis.
Tasks and duties
- Setting up and operating various types of rock drills to drill blast holes, test holes and rock bolt holes.
- Procuring and transporting materials, tools, equipment, blasting agents and accessories.
- Inspecting, cleaning and washing general working areas to ensure they are safe.
- Inspecting scales, rock bolts, screens and straps.
- Checking and lubricating vehicles, bolting machines, jumbo drills and other machinery.
- Installing and dismantling air and water lines, ventilation duct work and other service lines.
- Making repairs to drilling equipment.
How to become a Jumbo Operator
To become a Jumbo Operator, you usually need experience working in an underground mine. Some employers prefer candidates with a relevant Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification.
- Complete Year 12.
- Complete a relevant VET qualification such as a Certificate III in Underground Metalliferous Mining (RII30320).
- Alternatively, you may be able to secure an apprenticeship or traineeship as a Jumbo Operator and gain a nationally recognised qualification while working.
- If you can’t secure an apprenticeship, seek an entry-level role in an underground mine. Experience in maintaining or operating underground equipment will be beneficial.
- Get a current First Aid Certificate and any security checks, medical clearances and licences required by your employer.
Compare your salary
Find out how your salary compares with the average salary for Jumbo Operators.
Latest Jumbo Operator jobs on SEEK
Be one of the first to discover these recently listed jobs, or browse all Jumbo Operator jobs on SEEK right now.
Did you find this helpful?
Skills and experience employers are looking for
Having the right skills and experience can make you an in-demand applicant. Jumbo Operator employers on SEEK are looking for job seekers with expertise in the following areas.
Source: SEEK job ads and SEEK Profile data
Did you find this helpful?
Latest Jumbo Operator reviews
May 2021
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Large (200+ employees)
Specialisation
Mining
The good things
Being a jumbo operator you have the opportunity to work in multiple areas across Australia and international, a jumbo operator is really the peak of employment in mining other than leadership roles in...
The challenges
It will takes years working up the ladder to get to this point and your best chances to get to this point is moving to a mining town and gaining experience in a local mine where you can work your way ...
Read more
May 2021
Experience
10+ years
Organisation size
Medium (20-199 employees)
The good things
Money good home for a week out of 2
The challenges
Living away from home long hrs hard work
Read more
Source: SEEK role reviews
SEEK has not verified the truth or accuracy of these comments and does not adopt or endorse any of the comments posted on this page.SEEK collects and posts the comments for what they are worth and for information purposes only to assist candidates to find employment through seek.com.au
Explore similar careers
Subscribe to Career Advice
Get expert career advice delivered to your inbox.
You can cancel emails at any time. By clicking ‘subscribe’ you agree to SEEK’s Privacy Statement.