How You Can Get Paid To See Australia Like Nobody Else

Some of us just aren’t satisfied with working in the same place all the time. The world is calling our name, with new mates to meet, places to visit and memories to make. While saving up your annual leave to escape for a few weeks makes sense to some, for others, the holy grail is being able to travel while you work - and there are heaps of roles in the resources sector that let you do just that. 

Liaison Officers

Mines are typically opened in regional or rural areas, and because they are such massive projects, they can have a huge impact on the local communities. The people who live in the surrounding areas are going to be interested in how many jobs could be created, what infrastructure is going to be built, and any environmental effects the project could have.

Liaison officers work with local communities to ensure projects maintain a positive presence in the area. Many Liaison officers work directly with First Nations communities and elders, keeping them across developments in the project and voicing their concerns to upper management. 

Environmental Scientists

Being a scientist doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in the lab all the time. Environmental scientists get the opportunity to travel to mining projects to take samples, provide advice and monitoring mining sites as projects progress. Every project has its own unique challenges and considerations, and it’s your role to make sure those factors are taken into account, including things like managing impacts on land, water, air and local noise.

It’s a really cool blend of desk and field work that allows you to learn about the environment on the ground-level - literally. The mining industry is actually the third-largest employer of environmental scientists in Australia!

FIFO/DIDO Work

You’ve probably heard of FIFO / DIDO workers before - they’re workers who fly or drive into work, stay at on-site accommodation during their roster, and then head home when they’re off work. This can include a massive range of jobs, from electricians and shotfirers to mobile plant operators and site managers. In these roles you’re typically working every day during your shift period, but you’ll still get to enjoy breaks, mealtimes and recreation with your workmates before and after work.

The big benefit for these roles is that you get to make new mates and work in a super-close team, while also getting the benefit of keeping your roots in your city of choice while you’re off the clock. You’ll still get to see some pretty amazing places, but you’ll still have your own place to head back to when it’s over.

Residential Mining Jobs

While working FIFO or DIDO can definitely be an opportunity for travel in and of itself, there’s also another way to work on a major mining project. If you’re really looking to immerse yourself in a community, why not find a place to stay close to the project? Some companies offer subsidised housing and living expenses, meaning you can save extra money while you work.

There’s also something really special about living in a smaller town, with a great sense of community that’s hard to find in the big city. Despite the stereotypes, so-called mining towns aren’t dusty outposts in the middle of nowhere, but are thriving communities with people from all over the place. 

Overseas Opportunities

Building skills in the mining industry here means you can set yourself up for work in the industry around the world. Thousands of Australians are working on mine sites across the planet in some of the most amazing locations you could imagine. From Papua New Guinea, South America, Canada and many more, you could find yourself exploring the world and getting paid for it. 

If you’re someone with a thirst for adventure, you don’t have to become a flight attendant or a tour guide to see amazing parts of our country and the rest of the world. If you’re keen to learn more about mining and resources jobs you could get involved with, make sure you check out our short course Resourcefulness, supported by AUSMESA.