What should I expect when pursuing an entry-level job in the mining industry (or any industry)? (degree, employer)

[TinBo]

I am close to finishing an earth science Bachelor's degree with a concentration in Geography, and am soon going to be leaving for a 10-month volunteer program where I will be doing various types of physical work like painting houses, building and gutting houses, building trails, providing environmental education to others, and the like. I also already have about four months of experience in trail building, fence building, and house mucking and gutting, and four months of experience being a tutor and student assistant for disability students at my college, but I can't get a recommendation from my previous employer there.

I am currently looking to see what career paths would be good for me. My career path is to become a Park Ranger some day, but since I haven't finished my degree yet and want to get a job and a place to live while I finish my degree online, I considered looking into entry-level jobs in the private sector. I took an interest in the mining industry because my father told me it will constantly be a valuable field to go into no matter how the economy goes (from my understanding), and it seems like a field where I can put my earth science degree to use once I get it, and until then, maybe be a place where I can do challenging basic labor work and move up over time.

From what I've read, it can be difficult to get an entry-level job without skills, certification, diplomas, and experience, but I am hoping that the work I get from volunteering will provide me with some sort of skills that will qualify me for an entry-level job if not in the mining industry, then elsewhere.

So when I begin my job search in mining or for any physical labor job, what should I expect and do to prepare ahead of time? What would best match my skillset that I would actually have half a chance at? I'm willing to go to even the most remote of places or do the worst of the work.