Shotfirer - Drill & Blast (Blast Team) Mt Arthur Coal | NSWEC

About BHP

At BHP we support our people to grow, learn, develop their skills and reach their potential.

With a global portfolio of operations, we offer a diverse and inclusive environment with extraordinary career opportunities. Our strategy is to focus on creating a safe work environment where our employees feel strongly connected to our values and objectives, and where the capability of our people is key to our success.

Come and be a part of this success.

About Mt Arthur Coal

Mt Arthur Coal is an open-cut coal mine 100 per cent owned by BHP. Located in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales it's the largest producer of energy coal in the region, operating alongside olive growers, wine makers, horse breeders and the nearby residential community of Muswellbrook.Our greatest asset is and has always been our people and communities, which is why we are committed to working together on our Pathway to 2030 - a program to responsibly close Mt Arthur Coal. We are about doing the right thing and working with everyone to co-create a shared vision for the future of the region.

Mt Arthur Coal is seeking experienced and safety-focused Shotfirers to join our Drill & Blast team working within the Blast crew. This is a key operational role responsible for the safe and efficient execution of blasting activities in a large-scale open cut environment.

Roster & Lifestyle

• Lifestyle roster - 4 days on, 5 days off / 5 days on, 4 days off, 12-hour day shift only
• Provides excellent work-life balance with consistent time off

About the Role

Reporting to the Drill & Blast Supervisor, you will be responsible for coordinating and executing blasting operations in line with site procedures, legislative requirements, and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, load and fire production blasts safely and efficiently
• Ensure compliance with all explosives handling and storage requirements
• Conduct pre- and post-blast inspections and reporting
• Manage exclusion zones and ensure correct implementation of firing procedures
• Coordinate with drill crews, supervisors, and blast crew members
• Maintain accurate records of explosives usage and blast activities
• Identify and manage hazards, including misfires and high-risk areas
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture within the team

About You

• Current NSW Shotfirer Licence
• Demonstrated experience in open cut coal blasting operations
• Strong understanding of explosives legislation and safety requirements
• Ability to work effectively within a team in a high-risk environment
• Excellent communication and organisational skills
• Commitment to safety, compliance, and continuous improvement

Pathway to 2030 – be part of the legacy

Mt Arthur Coal is progressing toward a planned cessation of mining in 2030, with a clear focus on responsible operations, safe delivery and thoughtful transition planning.

This role offers a rare opportunity to:

•    Be part of the legacy of one of NSW’s most significant mining operations•    Build your career through involvement in a mine closure process•    Contribute to rehabilitation planning and the transition of the site to its next productive land use•    Help define what “good” looks like in late life operations and responsible closure

Working at an open-cut coal mine like Mt Arthur Coal involves certain risks, including operating in or around heavy machinery, exposure to environmental hazards such as tailings dams, and managing fatigue from long or night shifts. Before applying, please ensure you understand these risks and can commit to following all safety requirements and procedures designed to keep you and others safe.

About Our Process

At BHP, we are committed to employing individuals who align with the BHP Charter Values and meet the requirements of the role. As part of the recruitment process, there are a number of checks which may be conducted to demonstrate applicants suitability for a role including police / criminal background checks, medical, drug and alcohol testing, due diligence checks, right to work checks, and/or reference checks. 

Supporting a Diverse Workforce

The size, stability and magnitude of our business not only provides significant opportunity for professional development, but also attractive salary packages with performance-based bonuses and a best-in-class employee share program. We know there are many aspects of our employees' lives that are important, and work is only one of these, so we offer benefits to enable your work to fit with your life. These benefits include flexible working options, a generous paid parental leave policy, other extended leave entitlements and parent rooms.