Drill Operator Technician

State of Montana•Helena, MT

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Drill Operator Technician serves as a subsurface exploration technician, conducting on-site exploration and sampling operations throughout Montana. The role involves operating specialized drilling and Cone Penetration Test (CPT) equipment; gathering and preparing soil and rock samples; and maintaining and repairing drilling machinery, equipment, tools, and vehicles. The position reports to the Subsurface Exploration Crew Leader and ultimately to the Field Investigation Unit Supervisor, and does not directly supervise other agency personnel. Travel is required. Employees typically depart for project sites on Monday, work at the assigned location through Thursday, and have most Fridays off. This position is part of the Field Investigation Unit career ladder, which offers advancement opportunities. The agency may use a training assignment, with any applicable conditions stated in writing at hire. The position has three levels: Drill Operator Technician I is entry level and requires no geotechnical subsurface exploration experience. Level II requires at least six months of relevant experience and satisfactory performance of the career-ladder work elements. Level III requires at least two years of progressive experience in specified drilling methods, including one year of MDT subsurface exploration experience and passage of the career-ladder field elements test. The minimum education and skills are typically acquired through education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma. During the first year of employment, a Commercial Driver’s License (Type A or B) is to be attained in accordance with the career ladder. A Class B license may be an initial step, but a Class A license with air brake and tanker endorsements must ultimately be maintained throughout employment. The applicant’s driving record will be verified, and compliance with state and department vehicle-use rules is a condition of employment.

Requirements

Education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma.
Attain a Commercial Driver’s License, Type A or B, during the first year of employment in accordance with the career ladder; ultimately maintain a Class A CDL with air brake and tanker endorsements.
Knowledge of geotechnical subsurface exploration and CPT operations, equipment, and tools; sample collection and preservation; boring layout; and applicable federal, state, and department exploration policies and procedures.
Knowledge of light-duty mechanical repair, fabrication and welding procedures, maintenance techniques, and diagnostic analysis.
Knowledge of subsurface exploration and sampling methods and techniques, and EPA regulations governing safe drilling and sampling of soil and water known to be contaminated with hazardous materials.
Knowledge of MUTCD traffic-control flagging procedures and possession of a Flagger certificate.
Ability to safely and effectively operate heavy and hazardous machinery, tools, and vehicles.
Skill in operating, maintaining, and repairing specialized exploration and sampling equipment, tools, vehicles, support equipment, and hand tools, including light-duty welding and fabrication.
Ability to work effectively with a team of drillers in potentially hazardous environments and inclement weather.
For Level II: at least six months of geotechnical subsurface exploration experience and satisfactory performance of the work elements required to advance to Level II.
For Level III: at least two years of progressive geotechnical subsurface exploration experience in Hollow Stem Auger drilling, Odex drilling or downhole hammer experience, casing advancing or mud rotary, and rock coring; one year of MDT subsurface exploration experience; and passage of the career-ladder field elements test.
Successful applicants must authorize the Department to obtain their permanent driving records and comply with state and MDT vehicle-use policies.
Proof of eligibility to work in the United States is required if selected for hire.

Responsibilities

Conduct on-site subsurface exploration and sampling operations.
Operate specialized drilling equipment and Cone Penetration Test equipment.
Gather and prepare soil and rock samples.
Maintain and repair drill machinery, equipment, tools, and vehicles.
Monitor field-operation equipment needs and recommend equipment and supply purchases.
Work as part of a drilling team in potentially hazardous environments and inclement weather.
Travel to project sites throughout Montana.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
State retirement plan and additional savings opportunities through deferred compensation
Overtime compensation or compensatory time for time in pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
Paid vacation
Paid sick leave
Paid holidays
Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
Benefits apply on the first day of employment
Relocation assistance may be offered at the time of offer
Work/life balance commitment