Mine Site Supervisor / Superintendent
$180,000 – $280,000
About the role
Mine Site Supervisors and Superintendents run the frontline production and maintenance crews that turn a mine plan into ore in the crusher. On a WA iron ore operation that means coordinating 20–60 haul truck operators, drill rig operators, service crews and Trainer/Assessors across a 12-hour shift and delivering the tonnes target while maintaining the safety systems the site is licensed to operate under. Supervisors on the statutory register (S1/S2/S3 tickets in WA) carry personal legal responsibility for the safety of the crew under the Work Health and Safety (Mines) legislation, which is why pay rates sit well above the operators they lead. Superintendents step up again, running multi-crew departments (Mining, Processing, Maintenance, HSE) and reporting directly to the Mine Manager. Base salaries for Supervisors typically start around $180,000 and Superintendents commonly reach $250,000–$280,000 plus site allowances and short-term incentive bonuses of 10–20 per cent. The role suits experienced operators or tradespeople who enjoy coaching, planning and problem-solving more than doing the task themselves. Rosters are typically 8:6 residential or 2:1 FIFO. Progression paths include Manager (Mining / Processing / Maintenance), Registered Mine Manager and eventually General Manager.
Certificates & qualifications required
- S1, S2, S3 Statutory Supervisor tickets (WA) or equivalent in other states
- Cert IV in Leadership and Management
- Diploma in Frontline Management is common
- Standard 11 Generic Mining Induction
- Coaching / behavioural safety training
- Advanced First Aid
How to get a job in this field
- Build 5+ years of solid trade or operator experience with a clean safety record.
- Volunteer for Leading Hand and Acting Supervisor opportunities.
- Complete Cert IV Leadership and Management and statutory tickets.
- Apply for step-up Supervisor roles at your current operator.
- Move to Superintendent after 3–5 years as a Supervisor with strong crew results.
