Senior Geologist, Global Exploration

Orla Mining is striving to be the emerging gold producer of choice with a geographically diversified asset base, a prospective development and exploration portfolio, an experienced management team with a successful track record, and a high-quality board and shareholder base. 

Orla operates the Camino Rojo Oxide Gold Mine, a gold and silver open-pit heap leach mine, located in Zacatecas State, Central Mexico. This low-cost operation is 100% owned by Orla, covers over 139,000 hectares, and includes a large sulphide mineral endowment located beneath the oxide resources.  We are also advancing permitting and development on our South Railroad Project, a feasibility-stage, open-pit heap leach project located on the prolific Carlin trend in Nevada. This project is part of our larger South Carlin Complex which includes a prospective land package. We recently acquired the Musselwhite Mine located in Northern Ontario on Lake Opapimiskan, a gold mine with more than 25 years of operating history. The addition of Musselwhite has allowed Orla to more than double our gold production and provide a strategic entry into a Tier 1 mining jurisdiction. The Musselwhite Mine is highly prospective with the potential to expand resources and mine life for years to come.

Orla is building a legacy of excellence, respect, and sustainable value through responsible gold mining.

We are striving to create a net positive benefit for all and leaving a legacy beyond the life of our mines. We do this through building and operating high-quality mines supported and led by an experienced team. We are custodians of the assets we run and the environments in which we operate, and we are committed to fostering a culture of excellence, care, and respect.

The purpose of this role is to optimize the quality of Orla’s global exploration activities. This role will report directly to our Senior Vice President, Exploration.

Responsibilities include:

In partnership with site teams (exploration and geology), develop optimal exploration program plans (EPP) at each site to maximize the discovery of new resources and reduce costs. Plans should include non-technical considerations that could be critical issues standing in the way of successful execution.

Provide a global view of the broader portfolio and adjust plans quickly to deal with different jurisdictions, respond to new exploration data, and incorporate improvements in geological modelling.

Monitor the execution of exploration programs to keep track of geologic results and progress being made to complete projects on time and within budget.

In partnership with site teams, generate and rank new targets that can be reviewed in the budget process as a means of feeding the global project pipeline.

Monitor the quality of geologic data to support exploration interpretations and decision making. Update data quarterly and with annual budget cycles.

Review, edit, and complete geological or exploration sections of Orla’s technical reports.

Build and maintain productive relationships with key stakeholders, including site geologists and exploration managers, operations team, investor relations & corporate development, internal and external consultants, C-Suite as required, etc.

Provide input and support for the planning and delivery of technical training to the exploration and geology site teams to build capability as required.

Perform geological and structural modeling as required. Provide interpretations as input to the development of resource estimates and block models.

Review models developed by site teams. Provide feedback to improve quality and coaching to strengthen skills.

Provide input, technical review, and GIS support to produce Exploration Press Releases.

If required, sign off on geological technical reports as a “competent person” according to the standards or NI43-101 and as required by the Senior Vice President, Exploration.

Review and validate geological, structural, and mineral resources data for corporate development opportunities.

Assess exploration potential and make recommendations regarding the quality of the assets reviewed.

Assist with the production of assessment-related documents and presentations.

Skills and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Geological Engineering, MSc a plus.

Minimum of 7 years working in the mining industry and in Global Exploration roles.

3+ years of progressive experience working with, overseeing, and managing exploration teams.

Practical experience planning and/or managing large exploration programs with multiple drill rigs.

Proven exploration experience for different types of deposits; Epithermal, Orogenic, Carlin, etc.

Experience working with large mining and exploration companies with multiple sites located in different countries is a plus.

Very good knowledge of QAQC principles, including implementation and data assessment.

Strong leadership and organization skills with a high degree of adaptability and effectiveness.

Ability to communicate at all levels and manage multiple tasks.

Proficiency using exploration and mining software.

Excellent exploration programs, data interpretation, targeting, QAQC, and GIS skills.

Member of the Association of Professional Geoscientists (APGO) is mandatory.

Capability to travel to sites as required.

At Orla, we prioritize our people, creating and maintaining a workplace culture of diversity and inclusion where employees are respected, valued, and recognized for their contributions.