Exploration Geologist

JobsCloseBy Editorial Insights

OceanaGold is seeking an Exploration Geologist for Macraes in Otago, NZ, a fulltime onsite role with an 8 days on, 6 days off dayshift roster and drive in from Dunedin or Oamaru. You will log drill core and RC chips, identify sampling intervals, support drilling programs, import data into databases, and contribute to QA/QC, resource modeling and technical reporting while upholding safety and environmental standards. Essential: geology degree, NZ work rights, valid driver's license (manual preferred), and 1+ year brownfields exploration experience; honours or postgraduate qualifications are a bonus. Strong communication and stakeholder relation skills matter. Apply by 13 March 2026, tailor your CV to fieldwork, QA/QC and data management, and email [email protected] with any questions.

Company Description

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.

Job Description

Imagine having a true work-life balance living in the stunning region of Otago. Due to internal growth, our Macraes exploration team are on the hunt for an Exploration Geologist. 

This is a drive in, drive out opportunity from nearby Dunedin or Oamaru, each with stunning landscapes, adventures and beaches to explore! For the more adventurous, Queenstown is just a 3 hour drive, offering endless amounts of exciting activities (skiing, hiking, water sports, fishing and more) to enjoy on your days off. 

This role will have you collecting geological data that informs geological models and assisting with supervision of drill rigs - including geological logging of drill holes, drill hole sampling and interpretation. The position holder may be required to work in operational areas of the mine as well as in the field, and will be expected to develop productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Working an 8 days on, 6 days off roster (dayshift only), training and professional development will be provided to ensure efficient and effective performance of duties.

Key tasks and responsibilities:

• Geological logging of drill core and RC chips.
• Identify intervals required for sampling, assist with the sampling and submission of those intervals to the laboratory.
• Import geological information into databases ensuring accurate records are maintained.
• Follow Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures.
• Assist in planning and executing drilling programs.
• Assist with the interpretation of geochemical and geological data.
• Support resource modelling and estimation efforts.
• Assist with preparation of technical reports and contribute to regulatory submissions, as required.
• Ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
• Share wisdom, knowledge and experience with team to encourage increased performance.

Qualifications

• A degree in geology is essential. Honours or postgraduate qualification would be highly regarded.
• Full and Current Driver Licence. Ability to drive manual vehicles is preferred.
• Must have current New Zealand work rights / Visa

Experience                  

• Ideally more that 1 year’s postgraduate experience in a Brownfields exploration environment.
• Geology degree that includes papers relevant to Economic Geology.
• Geology fieldwork/ project work as part of degree.
• Previous experience working in a mining environment.
• A solid practical understanding of QA/QC theory.
• Computer literacy including experience in GIS, mining software and databases, advantageous.

Additional Information

• Residential role, live and work in the stunning region of Otago, NZ.
• 8 days on, 6 days off, 12 hour, dayshift only roster
• Career Development Opportunities 
• Competitive salary + bonus potential
• Free Southern Cross Healthcare Insurance
• Monthly health and wellbeing allowance
• Discounts on retail and services
• 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

OGC VALUES: CARE | RESPECT | INTEGRITY | PERFORMANCE | TEAMWORK

**Applications close 13 March 2026. Shortlisting will commence immediately. Applicants must be eligible to work in New Zealand. 

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]
 

PLEASE NOTE: APPLICATIONS FROM AGENCIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED