Driller Assistant

Professional Engineering Consultants•Topeka, KS

18h

About The Position

The Driller Assistant supports the Driller, other Driller Assistants, and Project Engineers with daily geotechnical drilling operations, with occasional environmental drilling work. The role assists with field activities, equipment and tool handling, drilling and sampling, well installation and abandonment, soil borings, and exploration tasks. It also includes equipment maintenance, inspections, fluid monitoring, sample handling, inventory control, paperwork, and safety responsibilities. The position involves frequent fieldwork, travel, overnight assignments, and physical labor. The work environment is described as friendly, respectful, collaborative, and team-oriented, with opportunities for positive career growth.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Mechanical aptitude and experience working with mechanical systems.
Sufficient knowledge of geotechnical drilling techniques to be responsible for an entire project.
Ability to travel and stay overnight for out-of-town assignments; willingness to travel 75% of the time.
Ability to work flexible schedules, including overtime, based on drilling workload.
Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and clients.
Ethical conduct, confidentiality, and attention to safety and security.
Adherence to safety protocols and guidelines.
Ability to meet physical demands, including lifting and carrying equipment, working in varied weather conditions, and traveling to different locations.
Geotechnical drilling experience with soils augers, wet rotary, and wireline coring.
Familiarity with DOT and IFTA regulations.
Valid driver’s license with an acceptable violation history.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with hydraulic systems.
Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
40-hour HAZWOPER certification.

Responsibilities

Perform drilling duties, including handling drill rods, wrenches, and other tools behind the drill rig.
Load and unload drilling equipment from company vehicles and trailers.
Assist the Driller with field activities, including drilling and sampling geotechnical test borings, installing and abandoning wells, and drilling soil borings.
Complete labor-intensive projects assigned by the Driller, Project Coordinator, or Project Manager.
Develop and maintain knowledge of drilling equipment, tooling, and field operations.
Monitor drilling equipment performance and identify maintenance or repair needs.
Complete daily reports, safety paperwork, and vehicle and equipment inspections, and submit required paperwork to the office daily.
Attend safety meetings and comply with client safety standards and programs.
Maintain clean and organized equipment and job-site areas.
Handle drilling mud sacks and empty mud into the mixer container; monitor drilling-fluid properties.
Perform equipment repairs and maintenance in the field and at the shop.
Collect samples and ensure bags and cores are correctly labeled, legible, securely closed, and kept in numeric order by designated footage.
Build chip trays.
Assist with rigging up and down and moving to new drill locations.
Fuel site equipment and perform preventative maintenance, including oil changes, greasing, and fueling.
Complete daily site, mast, and pre-shift inspections on equipment.
Provide site introductions to visitors.
Maintain an accurate parts inventory.
Assist the lead operator with routine exploration tasks.
Perform other projects and responsibilities as assigned at the company’s discretion.