Project Geologist - Exploration

OceanaGold is a growing mid-tier gold and copper producer listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). With four operating mines—Haile in the USA, Didipio in the Philippines, and Macraes and Waihi in New Zealand—we are committed to safe, responsible mining that generates strong returns and supports sustainable development.

Our purpose is mining gold for a better future. The gold, copper, and silver we produce power renewable energy, life-saving medical devices, and the technology that connects communities. Beyond this, our operations drive economic growth and improve health and education outcomes in the regions we serve, supporting over 3,700 direct jobs globally.

Guided by our values—Care, Respect, Integrity, Performance, and Teamwork—we strive to be a trusted company people want to work for, partner with, and invest in, creating lasting value for all our stakeholders.

Our Waihi Operation in the North Island of New Zealand is an underground operation. A recent consent to develop the previous Martha mine has provided our project with an extension of life providing our 350 staff and contractors, and the people of Waihi, an assurance that we plan to be here for the long-term.

Are you tired of FIFO? Missing family, friends and milestone celebrations regularly?
Imagine having a true work-life balance located in the stunning region of Waihi. No more FIFO! No more extreme heat waves! Experience the unbeatable lifestyle of a stunning residential mining location, just a short distance away from the most incredible beaches and awe-inspiring scenery. Your days off are available for hiking, adventuring, fishing, and skiing in winter.

The Project Exploration Geologist is responsible for the execution and supervision of geological functions related to advancing the company’s exploration projects within the Waihi District generative pipeline. The primary role is to facilitate exploration and resource development activities to advance the company’s Waihi North project. Responsibilities in the role include the management of drill programmes, the management and collection of geological data and the preparation of geological interpretations and reporting.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Exploration

• Deliver to the departmental schedule, budget and strategy that are determined each year.
• Assist in the management of regional exploration programmes in epithermal provinces in the North Island of NZ.
• Train, develop and mentor other junior technical staff and contractors to ensure exploration programmes meet the highest standards of technical excellence and efficiency.
• Collate and assess all available data to identify potential targets and generate conceptual targets.
• Interpret and validate the geology and assay value results to guarantee integrity and reliability of the geological database.
• Help to ensure exploration is being conducted in the most cost-effective manner and is within the agreed budget.
• Ensure that all tenement conditions are maintained.
• Interact with other geology functional groups, other departments, and external groups with a positive team-oriented attitude.
• Ability to positively present results and programs to a diverse range of stakeholders utilizing a variety of formats such as written memos and PowerPoint slide shows, including senior Oceana Gold managers.
• Regularly liaise with the Mine Geology and mine planning groups to keep abreast of mine geology issues and to exchange information and ideas.
• Help build and maintain an exploration pipeline of high-quality targets, including a range of targets from reconnaissance to advanced drill targets.
• Actively participate in identification of new business opportunities through innovative and creative thinking that challenges conventional geological paradigms in these epithermal provinces.
• Help foster a positive work environment within the exploration team and the broader geological team.
• Ensure departmental compliance with statutory acts and regulations and consent conditions.
• Execute departmental training strategies and conduct appropriate training modules.
• Carry out administrative functions (write reports, attend meetings and disseminate information) commensurate with role.
• The Project Geologist will be accountable for the following specific functions, including but not limited to:

Drilling

• Actively promote and encourage safe drilling practices with the drilling contractor.
• Design and execute drill programmes to effectively test exploration targets and to ensure the programmes accurately defines the extents of all economic mineralisation and at the drill spacing required for relevant resource categories to meet study and mine design requirements.
• In conjunction with the Geological Services Superintendent, hold the drill contractor accountable to the drill contract to ensure the programme is safely delivered to schedule and budget within technical requirements of design, core recovery and orientation performance. 
• Ensure all drill data incorporated into the database is of the highest quality.
• Instigate Continuous Improvement initiatives to improve and streamline drilling efficiencies.

Data and Models  

• Ensure that the highest quality data is collected to geological, geochemical and geophysical databases through rigorous QAQC protocols.
• Create geological domain wireframes in Vulcan/Leapfrog using all relevant data including drilling, mapping and historic records.  Wireframes must be geologically sound, be created independent of mining and production considerations and suitable for resource modelling.

Meetings and Reporting

• Accountable for the quality of the weekly and monthly exploration drill and resource reporting.
• Contribute to the monthly activity reporting, project based and annual resource/reserve report.
• Writing reports to meet regulatory obligations with NZPAM and contribute to NI 43101 reports, or equivalent, for release to the market.
• Attend and contribute to the Daily Prestart, toolbox meeting.
• Provide coverage for the Senior Exploration Geologist in supervision of activities, attendance of meetings and reporting in their absence.

• Full and Current Driver Licence, ability to drive manual vehicles is preferred.
• Tertiary Qualification – B Sc. Geology.
• Postgraduate studies in Geoscience viewed favourably.

Experience            

• Minimum 7 years post-graduate experience in both mining and exploration, with significant exposure to epithermal systems.
• Minimum 2 years Supervisory experience.
• High level technical skills in general geology and exploration.
• Strong epithermal experience preferred.
• Demonstrated strong interpersonal skills to a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Advanced PC skills and computer literacy.
• Proficiency with GIS and 3D modelling software.
• Working knowledge of database management protocols.

WHAT'S ON OFFER:

• Residential role - live and work in Waihi, the gateway to the stunning Coromandel region
• Competitive salary + short-term and long-term bonus
• 9-day fortnight lifestyle roster (take a long weekend every other week)
• 10 hour shifts (7am to 5pm)
• Discounts on retail and services
• Free Southern Cross Healthcare
• Life Insurance
• Free Gym Membership 
• BP Fuel card discount
• Career Development Opportunities 
• Long service recognition
• Living Our Values recognition program
• Access to OceanaGold Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Exceptional working environment where people are valued and respected
   

YOU MATTER: OceanaGold is committed to providing equal employment opportunities. We believe a variety of perspectives are not only welcome – they are essential to our success. Should you require any assistance applying for this opportunity, please contact us at [email protected]

**Applications close 30 December 2025. Shortlisting will commence immediately. Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand.

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED