Project needs more than miners

Once operating, Northern Dynasty Mines' Pebble Project would need employees to fill as many as 1,000 jobs, from top-level supervisors and managers, to engineers and technicians, to clerical and maintenance staff.

Here is a brief overview of the kinds of jobs an operating mine will need as outlined in a company publication called Mining Careers.

Management

Jobs at this range will include everything from a general manager and their immediate deputies, such as operations manager, an assistant manager of mining operations and a general supervisor. All would need to be organized, problem-solvers, conscious of safety and have skills at preparing and meeting annual budgets in the millions of dollars and the ability to manage large groups of people.

These jobs are likely to require degrees in mining or metallurgical engineering or a geology degree, plus several years of experience in similar positions. An engineering degree would be an asset but not necessarily a requirement for the general supervisor's position, but the employee would need a post-secondary certification.

Administration and support

These middle-management jobs include an administrative manager and superintendent, business development manager, human resources manager and assistant, a financial and logistics manager, accountants, paymaster, clerical staff and a travel coordinator. As their job titles imply, these functionaries will see to the day-to-day activities of running the mining business — everything from being responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the mine to being in charge of arranging travel for workers to and from the mine site.

This category also includes such positions as community liaison officer, security supervisor and personnel, purchasing and warehousing supervisor, purchasing agents, warehouse personnel, and accommodations supervisor and personnel.

Some jobs will require university degrees in economics, commerce, business administration. public administration or accounting; others will need at least a high school diploma. A few would be available to those with at least a 10th-grade education.

Specialties, miners, operators and maintenance

These would include positions in the mine safety, health and environment categories. There would be a need for scientists, engineers and technical specialists. Also, assorted trades — plant operators versed in mechanical and electrical supervision, people capable of serving as mine shift bosses and workers, millwrights, welders, drillers, fuel farm workers, equipment operators, drivers and maintenance workers.

Again, varying degrees of college and secondary education and mining experience will be needed.