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Salary: USD 125,000 - 150,000 / annual
KoBold Metals is a scientific mineral exploration and mine development company using AI, data science, and new technology to discover critical minerals (copper, lithium, cobalt) needed for electric infrastructure, vehicles, data centers, and electronics. The company has made its first major discovery—Mingomba, a high-grade copper deposit in Zambia—and runs exploration programs across eight countries.
As Field Operations Lead, you will plan and execute field activities across North America (US and Canada) for 1–3 concurrent exploration and moderate-scale development projects annually. You report to the Field Operations Director for North America & Europe and collaborate with geologists, data scientists, and other specialists.
**Key Responsibilities:**
**Planning:** Lead complex exploration project planning including drilling campaigns, electromagnetic surveys, and reconnaissance programs. Manage 1–3 concurrent projects of varying size and complexity across multiple jurisdictions. Develop procurement strategies (contractor selection, bid evaluation, contract administration). Conduct detailed risk and hazard identification, assessments, and mitigation planning with attention to seasonal and terrain-specific North American conditions. Lead integrated project kick-offs covering scope, strategy, and risk management. Generate innovative field operations scenarios for efficiency.
**Execution:** Lead end-to-end project execution from mobilization through demobilization and closure. Provide strong leadership during changing field conditions, remote locations, seasonal challenges, and extreme weather. Track and forecast production rates, spend, and resource requirements. Manage and direct all field activities, including contractor performance evaluation and feedback. Maintain daily contact with KoBold personnel and contractors; communicate closely with Project Geologist, Project Data Scientist, and Senior Project Planner.
**Closure & Compliance:** Lead site remediation and rehabilitation per federal, state/provincial, and local standards. Conduct contractor performance reviews and lessons-learned sessions. Execute within regulatory compliance and reporting requirements (US federal/state and Canadian federal/provincial mining, environmental, and land use legislation). Ensure compliance with permitting, land access agreements, community relations, third-party agreements, and joint venture requirements. Represent KoBold with local stakeholders including communities, landowners, municipal authorities, Indigenous groups, and environmental bodies.
**Requirements:**
**Required:**
- At least 12 years of field operations experience in mineral exploration, mining, oil & gas, or related industry, with demonstrated progression in complexity and responsibility
- Advanced knowledge of construction methodology, including seasonal and terrain-specific construction (tracks, pads, access roads) relevant to North American environments
- Advanced understanding of helicopter-supported exploration, including utilization optimization and emergency response
- Strong understanding of procurement processes: RFP development, bid evaluation, contract administration
- Strong understanding of reclamation, rehabilitation, and closure planning
- Demonstrated commitment to health and safety standards, including incident management, root cause analysis, and corrective action implementation
- Strong conceptual knowledge of HSE, Land and Permitting, Legal, and Business Development systems as applied to exploration
- Ability to manage and supervise KoBold staff and contractors on all field activities, including complex and higher-risk programs
- Ability to design complex field programs including scope, cost estimates, risk assessments, procurement, and execution plans
- Ability to work in remote and isolated locations for extended periods across North American environments
- High degree of independence and ability to work effectively with limited supervision
- Fluent in English (speaking, reading, writing); additional language skills including French are beneficial
- Valid First Aid Certification (Level 3 or Wilderness First Aid preferred)
**Preferred:**
- Experience with US federal/state or Canadian federal/provincial regulatory frameworks governing exploration operations
- Experience working on projects with dedicated exploration teams including Geologists and Data Scientists, demonstrating sustained partnership and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Familiarity with project management principles and managing projects remotely across multiple jurisdictions
- Experience with logistics for complex remote operations (helicopter, weather, camps, chartered flights, drilling)
- French language skills for projects in Quebec or francophone regions
Expect to travel to project sites with a minimum of one week per year; field-facing roles spend significantly more time in the field.
