Company: Metallic Minerals
durango, Colorado • on-site • long-term contractWho We Are
Metallic Minerals is advancing two polymetallic exploration projects: La Plata in southwest Colorado and Keno Silver in the Yukon, Canada. The La Plata Project lies in the San Juan National Forest, about 25 miles northwest of Durango, and includes private historical mine parcels controlled by Metallic. Straddling Montezuma and La Plata Counties, it hosts a porphyry-style inferred resource of 181 million tons grading 0.36% copper equivalent (copper, silver, gold, platinum and palladium) containing 1.3 billion pounds of copper. We are also evaluating more than 20 critical minerals, 14 of them strategic materials for which the United States relies on foreign supply.
Our values are Safety, Transparency, Professionalism and Commitment. The project has been active since 2019, with structured community engagement since 2024. Learn more at www.laplataproject.com and metallic-minerals.com.
About the Role
Based in Durango and reporting to the Vice President of Exploration, the Project Manager leads the La Plata team: four direct reports; Operations Manager, External Relations Manager, Senior Geoscientist and a Regulatory and Contracts Specialist, supported by advisors in External Relations, Environment and Permitting, and Tribal Relations.
You will run a safe, efficient, well-permitted road-based and helicopter-supported core drilling program in mountainous terrain, with overall responsibility for field safety and operations, budgets, contracts, permitting, external relations and environmental studies, while building lasting relationships with the communities and Tribal Nations of southwest Colorado.
Key Responsibilities
safety and operationsBuild a strong field safety culture and deliver the field program: drilling, mapping, sampling, geophysics, cultural and environmental surveys. Manage helicopter drill platform construction, drill water and fluid systems, staging and logistics, core transport and the core facility, the emergency response plan, and reclamation in line with permit conditions.
budget and reportingPrepare and manage annual budgets and forecasts, approve expenditure within delegated authority, lead weekly coordination meetings, and report on safety, drill schedule, budget, permitting and community engagement.
Contracts and procurementOversee fair, competitive RFPs and lead contract negotiations. Work with the External Relations Manager and Tribal Relations Advisor to bring Native-owned and local businesses into the project, including through community Expressions of Interest.
permittingBe accountable for permits and compliance with the USFS, La Plata and Montezuma Counties, DRMS, CDPHE and the Colorado Division of Water Resources, including responsibly sourced and permitted drill water.
external relationsSupport the External Relations Strategy, build trust with Tribal Nations, neighbors, NGOs and media across Durango, Hesperus, Breen, Mancos, Cortez and other communities, and represent the project at public meetings and open houses.
environmentOversee baseline and annual cultural, flora, fauna, hydrology, hydrogeology and social studies, engaging Tribal and local community members where appropriate, and build environmental protection into field planning.
About You
You are an organized, independent leader with a record of delivering exploration drill programs in complex environments, with safety and environmental care at the center of how you work. You build high-performing teams, manage diverse contractors with emotional intelligence and discretion, and communicate clearly, whether writing a report or speaking at a community meeting. Heli-supported diamond drilling experience is highly regarded.
Qualifications
requiredDegree in geoscience, engineering or a related field, and membership in a relevant professional organization
10+ years of exploration and drill program management, including 5+ years in a senior supervisory role
Experience preparing and managing program budgets
Experience managing external relations, community programs and government agency communications
Excellent written and verbal communication, including report writing
Sound judgment and strict confidentiality on sensitive business, personnel and project matters
Willingness to live in or near Durango, and legal authorization to work in the United States
Valid driver's license and ability to drive unpaved mountain roads (4WD and side-by-side) and to work outdoors at high elevation in changeable weather
PreferredHeli-supported and road-based drilling in mountainous terrain
Projects that meaningfully engage Tribal Nations and/or rural communities as key partners and stakeholders
Environmental baseline studies and drill hole permitting
Residence in or familiarity with southwest Colorado and the Four Corners region
Terms
Long-term contract, five days a week, based in Durango with fieldwork in the La Plata Mountains. $70.00 to $82.50 per hour depending on experience, plus short- and long-term incentives, participation in the company share program, and relocation to Durango.
How to Apply
Email info@laplataproject.com with the subject line “Project Manager – La Plata Project”, attaching:
Your resume
In place of a cover letter, a response of no more than 500 words to this question: What key aspects would you focus on in managing a heli-portable and road-based drill program in mountainous terrain, and how would you approach the community-facing aspects of the program?
Applications close November 18, 2026. Interviews are held on a rolling basis. As a small team we may not reply to every applicant, but status updates and feedback are available on request.
Metallic Minerals is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including members of local communities and Tribal Nations.