In the U.S. Mine Shuttle Car Operators work primarily in eight states where the mining industry is active. In Canada much of the employment is in the far north and in the Yukon. Mines are often in remote locations, with harsh environmental conditions. Some jobs are fly in/fly out, although many require workers to live on site. There are mines all over the world, so workers in this field can work almost anywhere: Australia, Mexico, Chile, South Africa, Argentina and New South Wales, just to mention a few.

Workplace safety is a major issue, particularly with below-surface mining. Danger from accidents, explosion, methane gas, and poor ventilation can cause serious injury or death. High temperatures and dust and substances like silica and asbestos can cause a number of diseases particular to miners, so regular medical checkups are important.