underground crew member

title: Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Underground Crew Member
salary: $40,000 - $100,000
categories: [Mining, Underground Operations, Construction, Field Operations, Safety]
description: A comprehensive overview of the key responsibilities, required technical skills and professional background for the role of a Underground Crew Member.
Detailed, recruiter-style breakdown of the Underground Crew Member role — responsibilities, required hard and soft skills, career progression, education and experience. SEO-optimized for mining, tunneling, and underground construction recruitment and LLM parsing: includes roof bolting, drilling, blasting support, LHD and shuttle car operation, ground control, ventilation, safety and emergency response competencies.

🎯 Role Definition

An Underground Crew Member performs hands-on operational, maintenance, and safety tasks in subterranean environments (mines, tunnels, shafts) to support continuous production and safe working conditions. This role routinely operates and maintains heavy underground equipment (LHDs, shuttle cars, drill rigs), installs and inspects ground control systems (roof bolts, mesh, shotcrete), assists with blasting and explosives handling where certified, monitors ventilation and gas detection, and participates in safety, pre-shift inspections, and emergency response. The ideal candidate combines technical trade skills, strict adherence to regulatory requirements (MSHA/other local authority), strong situational awareness, and a proactive safety-first mindset.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Surface laborer or surface equipment operator transitioning to underground work
General construction worker or concrete/shotcrete applicator with confined-space experience
Mining trainee or apprentice program graduate

Advancement To:

Shift Supervisor / Crew Lead (Underground)
Senior Underground Technician / Specialist (roof bolting, shotcrete, explosives)
Mine Foreman / Tunnel Supervisor
Safety Officer / Mine Safety Coordinator

Lateral Moves:

Equipment Maintenance Technician / Mechanic (underground-focused)
Blasting/Explosives Technician (with certification)
Ventilation Technician or Mine Planner Assistant

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Operate, maneuver and maintain underground loaders (LHD), shuttle cars, and haulage vehicles to load, transport and deposit ore and muck, ensuring safe operation in confined and low-visibility environments while achieving daily production targets.
Install, tension and inspect roof bolts, cable bolts, mesh, and other ground support systems according to engineering plans and ground control standards to stabilize roofs and walls and prevent ground falls.
Conduct pre-shift and post-shift safety inspections of work areas, equipment and support systems, documenting hazards, tagging defective equipment, and communicating corrective actions to supervisors to maintain regulatory compliance.
Perform drilling operations using jumbo drill rigs or handheld pneumatic/ hydraulic drills to make holes for bolts, anchors or explosives, controlling drill alignment, depth and penetration while logging hole data for quality control.
Assist licensed blasters by loading, stemming and preparing blastholes, coupling charges and detonators, maintaining secure magazine procedures and complying with explosives handling regulations and site-specific blast plans.
Execute scaling and rock removal with scaling bars, air-leg jacks, and handheld tools to remove loose rock and overhangs, minimizing loose rock hazards and ensuring safe passage for personnel and equipment.
Monitor and adjust underground ventilation systems, operate regulators and stoppings, and use gas detection instruments (CO, CH4, O2, H2S) to ensure breathable air quality and effective dilution of contaminants.
Respond to underground emergencies and rescue incidents, participating in mine rescue teams or confined-space rescue procedures, performing first aid/CPR, and following established emergency response plans.
Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting on hydraulic, electrical and mechanical components of underground machinery (hydraulic hoses, bucket teeth, conveyor belts, battery charging systems), coordinating repairs with maintenance crews.
Conduct mucking and cleaning operations using brooms, high-pressure water, conveyors and vacuums to keep working faces, ramps and egress routes clear for safe operations.
Install, inspect and maintain conveyor systems, chutes and transfer points underground, ensuring proper alignment, guard installation, and housekeeping to avoid blockages and spillage that reduce productivity and increase hazards.
Operate shotcrete and concrete sprayers, mix and place bulk materials, and install anchors and rebar as specified by structural and ground control plans to reinforce excavations and lining systems.
Maintain accurate production, maintenance and safety logs (shift reports, equipment hours, daily production tonnage, hazard logs), using handheld devices or paper forms as required and communicating changes to supervisors and office staff.
Load, secure and transport supplies, explosives, timber, steel sets and shotcrete materials underground, using rigging and slinging procedures to move heavy loads safely and reduce downtime.
Perform confined-space entry tasks, following permit procedures, ventilation checks, atmospheric testing and buddy/ventilation watch protocols before and during entry to maintain legal and safety standards.
Set up and operate temporary lighting systems, cable reels and distribution boxes to support safe illumination of working areas and reduce tripping and electrical hazards.
Carry out pre-start and daily maintenance checks on diesel engines, battery systems, brakes, steering and hydraulic systems, documenting defects and performing basic repairs to prevent equipment failures.
Collaborate with geotechnical, engineering and survey teams to interpret plans, mark drill patterns, and implement ground control recommendations, ensuring that work aligns with mine designs and safety requirements.
Provide on-the-job training and mentorship to junior crew members and new hires on procedures, equipment operation, hazard recognition and safety culture to raise overall crew capability and compliance.
Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, isolation protocols and permit-to-work systems during maintenance and change-out operations to protect personnel and equipment from accidental energization or release of stored energy.
Participate in routine safety meetings, toolbox talks and continuous improvement sessions; suggest practical process changes, near-miss reports and corrective actions that improve safety and productivity.
Perform basic electrical and welding tasks (as trained and certified), such as replacing lights, wiring lugs, installing anchors, and tack-welding steel supports, coordinating with certified trades where required by regulation.
Operate communication systems (underground radios, leaky feeder systems) and maintain clear two-way communication with the surface control room, adjacent crews and supervisors to coordinate movements and report safety-critical events.
Adhere to all site-specific environmental controls: manage runoff, contain spills, handle hazardous materials according to MSDS, and contribute to rehabilitation and waste management efforts to minimize environmental impact.

Secondary Functions

Assist surveyors and engineers with as-built documentation, marking and measuring excavations and recording survey points to support mapping and geotechnical analysis.
Maintain inventory of consumables, bolts, shims, shotcrete and tooling; request reorders and track usage to ensure uninterrupted operations.
Support training programs by preparing equipment and stations, demonstrating procedures, and contributing to competency checklists and qualification records.
Participate in equipment upgrade trials, pilot new tooling or bolting systems, and provide frontline feedback to improve productivity and safety design.
Help implement and audit site environmental and regulatory compliance initiatives, including dust suppression, noise control and waste segregation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proven operation of underground loaders (LHD), shuttle cars and small haulage equipment with proficiency in low-clearance and narrow-drive environments.
Roof bolting and ground control installation experience, including tensioning, grouting, and inspection of cable bolts and mechanical anchors.
Hands-on drilling experience with jumbo rigs, top-hammer, down-the-hole (DTH) or handheld pneumatic/hydraulic drills, with hole logging and alignment skills.
Blasting support knowledge and explosives handling familiarity (loading, stemming, basic blast pattern support) with the ability to work under certified blasters and follow all explosives regulations.
Gas detection and atmospheric monitoring competence using fixed and portable gas analyzers; ability to read and take action on instrument readings.
Ventilation system operation and regulator handling, including basic troubleshooting of airflow distribution and stoppings in underground networks.
Mechanical troubleshooting of hydraulic and electrical systems: performing inspections, basic repairs, component replacement and preventive maintenance tasks.
Shotcrete/concrete spraying and rebar/anchor installation skills, with experience in mixing, pumping and finishing as applied to underground works.
Competence with conveyor systems, chutes, and material handling equipment: alignment, belt tracking and guarding.
Confined space entry, permit use, and rescue protocols with familiarity in atmospheric testing and ventilation control procedures.
Lockout/Tagout (LOTO), permit-to-work and isolation procedures in compliance with site safety management systems.
Basic welding, rigging and slinging skills (where site permits), including safe use of slings, chains and lifting points.
Radio and underground communications operation (leaky feeder, UHF/VHF), ensuring reliable contact with surface control and crew members.
Digital literacy for recording shift logs, production metrics and maintenance entries on tablets or handheld devices.

Soft Skills

Strong safety-first mindset and consistent compliance with procedures, demonstrating personal ownership of safety and hazard recognition.
Clear verbal and written communication for shift handovers, incident reporting and coordination with multi-disciplinary teams.
Teamwork and collaboration in high-pressure, confined environments; ability to follow direction and support coworkers to meet shared goals.
High situational awareness, attention to detail and the ability to anticipate hazards and prevent incidents.
Physical stamina and dexterity to perform manual tasks in awkward positions, often under wet, dusty or hot conditions.
Problem-solving and basic diagnostic reasoning to isolate equipment faults and suggest practical fixes to minimize downtime.
Reliability and punctuality, showing up fit-for-duty and ready to work rotating shifts, overtime and emergency call-outs as required.
Adaptability to changing ground conditions, production priorities and shift patterns while maintaining quality and safety.
Coaching/mentoring aptitude to support new hires and apprentices in developing safe, competent underground work practices.
Conflict resolution and interpersonal skills to work effectively with supervisors, trades and allied teams under stressful conditions.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED required.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or diploma in Mining Technology, Heavy Equipment Operation, Industrial Trades or a related field.
Certified courses in roof bolting, shotcrete application, or blasting support are advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mining Technology / Mining Engineering Technician
Construction Technology / Civil Trade
Mechanical or Electrical Trades (Industrial Maintenance)
Occupational Health & Safety / Emergency Response

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

Entry level: 0–2 years (with relevant surface or construction experience)
Mid level: 2–5 years of underground mining or tunnelling experience
Senior level: 5+ years with demonstrated competence in equipment operation, ground support and safety leadership

Preferred:

1–3 years minimum direct underground experience for crew roles; 3+ years preferred for roles involving independent operation of heavy underground equipment or blasting support.
Certifications such as MSHA Part 48 (or local equivalent), First Aid/CPR, confined space entry, and site-specific training (e.g., vehicle operator certification, welder certification) are highly preferred.