Driller

American Engineering Testing•Rapid City, SD

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Driller independently operates drilling equipment and executes drilling operations, collecting high-quality soil and rock samples for construction and engineering projects. The role includes setting up and calibrating equipment, adjusting drilling parameters, performing equipment checks and maintenance, assessing drilling sites, supporting sample collection and documentation, troubleshooting operational issues, and coordinating with drilling teams and project stakeholders. The Driller also trains and mentors less experienced team members and promotes safe work practices. The position primarily operates outdoors in field environments and on construction sites, including uneven ground and adverse weather. It also operates secondarily in an office environment using standard office equipment. Travel may account for 60%–90% of work time, including overnight travel. Physical duties include frequent lifting and carrying, prolonged standing and movement, and work at hazardous waste sites while using personal protective equipment. The listed base compensation range is $26.00–$29.00 per hour, based on skill set and experience. AET offers health benefits, insurance, an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), long-term savings, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. Candidates must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Insurable driving record and ability to obtain a medical card.
Previous experience as a Drilling Assistant, Driller, or in a similar role.
Intermediate knowledge of drilling techniques, methodologies, and equipment.
Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform routine maintenance tasks.
Ability to travel 60%–90% of work time, including overnight travel.
Ability to interpret drilling instructions.
Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment.
Ability to perform physical labor, including work at hazardous waste sites while wearing personal protective equipment.
Frequently lift 30–60 pounds from the floor to 2 feet; occasionally lift 60–100 pounds from the floor to 2 feet.
Frequently carry 30–60 pounds for 10–30 feet; occasionally carry 60–100 pounds for 10–30 feet.
Stand for 80% of the day, often on uneven surfaces, and move for 80% of the day with frequent bending and stooping.
Authorization to work for any U.S. employer without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Responsibilities

Independently set up, assemble, and calibrate drilling equipment.
Verify and adjust drilling parameters, including rotation speed, torque, and feed pressure, based on project requirements.
Conduct drilling operations according to project specifications and guidelines, monitoring parameters for accurate and efficient sample collection.
Review project instructions and ensure materials and supplies are available.
Maintain knowledge of regulatory requirements for borehole sealing.
Perform pre-operational checks of drilling tools, machinery, supporting equipment, and safety devices.
Perform routine maintenance, including lubrication and replacement of worn components, and troubleshoot non-routine maintenance and repair needs.
Report equipment or operational issues promptly to the Drill Lead or Drill Supervisor.
Assess drilling sites, determine optimal drilling locations, prepare sites, mark locations, and coordinate with team members.
Work with the Drill Assistant or Drill Lead to document test boring locations and elevations.
Assist the Drill Assistant with collecting, labeling, documenting, and properly storing soil and rock samples.
Identify and troubleshoot technical issues and collaborate with the team to address challenges and keep projects progressing.
Train and mentor Drill Assistants or less experienced Drillers, fostering learning and continuous improvement.
Communicate effectively with the drilling team and project stakeholders and collaborate to achieve project objectives.
Follow AET safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Identify and report hazards, unsafe conditions, incidents, and near misses; properly use required PPE and safety equipment.
Participate in safety meetings, training, inspections, and other assigned safety activities.
Exercise stop-work authority when imminent danger poses a risk of serious injury or death and immediately notify supervision.
Demonstrate personal accountability for safety and promote safe work practices, awareness, and collaboration.