Field Operations Lead

KoBold Metals is pioneering scientific mineral exploration to address the global demand for critical minerals like copper, lithium, and cobalt, which are essential for electric infrastructure, vehicles, data centers, and electronics. The mining industry has seen a decline in discoveries, with 10x fewer discoveries per dollar spent compared to 30 years ago due to the depletion of easily accessible deposits.

KoBold integrates artificial intelligence, human intelligence, and cutting-edge technology to transform mineral exploration into a repeatable science. Their multidisciplinary teams—comprising data scientists, engineers, and geologists—develop data systems, design new sensors, and establish workflows to predict subsurface mineral deposits. Their first discovery, Mingomba (a high-grade copper deposit in Zambia), was found at a fraction of industry-standard costs. KoBold is now developing Mingomba with rigorous technical standards, aiming to create thousands of good jobs for generations while ensuring safer, more predictable outcomes.

KoBold operates exploration programs across eight countries, with potential for further discoveries.

The company is privately held, backed by investors including T. Rowe Price, Canada Pension Plan Investments, Andreessen Horowitz, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, BHP, and Mitsubishi.

About the Role

As the Field Operations Lead, you will plan and execute field activities across North America to meet business objectives while ensuring safety for people, contractors, partners, communities, and the environment. Reporting to the Field Operations Director (North America & Europe), you will lead 1–3 projects per year across the United States and Canada.

Responsibilities

Plan

• Lead planning for complex exploration projects and moderate-scale development programs, including drilling campaigns, electromagnetic surveys, and reconnaissance programs
• Oversee 1–3 concurrent projects of varying size, complexity, and jurisdiction, with full accountability for planning and execution
• Develop procurement strategies, including contractor selection, bid evaluation, benchmarking, and contract administration for North America-based programs
• Create detailed project-level risk and hazard assessments, mitigation plans, and critical control implementation, with attention to seasonal and terrain-specific construction conditions across North American environments
• Lead project kick-offs with integrated teams and contractors, covering scope, execution strategy, and risk management
• Generate innovative field operations scenarios that enhance efficiency

Execute

• Oversee end-to-end execution of assigned projects from mobilization through demobilization and closure
• Provide strong leadership during changing field conditions, including remote, seasonal, and extreme weather events across diverse North American geographies
• Track and forecast production rates, spend profiles, and resource requirements
• Manage and direct all field activities, including contractor performance evaluation, feedback, and improvement
• Maintain daily contact with KoBold personnel and contractors in the field, while coordinating with the Project Geologist, Project Data Scientist, and Senior Project Planner

Close

• Lead site remediation and rehabilitation activities per federal, state/provincial, and local regulatory standards
• Conduct contractor performance reviews and lessons-learned sessions to drive continuous improvement

Compliance and Stakeholder Engagement

• Ensure operations comply with US federal and state or Canadian federal and provincial mining, environmental, and land use legislation, as well as joint venture partner practices
• Adhere to permitting processes, 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

Qualifications

Required

• At least 12 years of experience in field operations for mineral exploration, mining, or oil and gas, 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 considerations
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, including RFP development, bid evaluation, and 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 projects
• Ability to manage and supervise KoBold staff and contractors on all aspects of 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
• Must speak, read, and write in English; additional language skills (including French) are beneficial
• Valid First Aid Certification (Level 3 or Wilderness First Aid preferred)

Preferred

• Experience with US federal and state or Canadian federal and 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 tied to complex remote operations, including helicopter, weather, camps, chartered flights, and drilling operations
• French language skills for projects in Quebec or other francophone regions

What We Value

• Effective communication across disciplines, including Geology, Data Science, HSE, Aviation, Legal, Community Relations, and Land and Permitting
• Adherence to KoBold’s ethical standards through actions and communication
• Constructive field operational dialogue, openness to ideas, and willingness to accept feedback
• Receiving and providing constructive feedback well
• Recognizing and elevating team contributions to reinforce a culture of visibility and value
• Eagerness to contribute broadly to the company’s success

What to Expect

Joining KoBold offers hands-on exposure to exploration projects worldwide. All employees are expected to travel to project sites for at least one week per year. Field-facing and technical roles spend significantly more time in the field.