Class 2 Water Well Driller

Grip; Australia; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Grip is seeking an experienced Class 2 Water Well Driller to join our field operations across Australia. You will lead a single drilling rig, ensuring safe, efficient drilling and strict adherence to licence conditions and client requirements.

The role demands hands-on operation, independent field work, and mentoring of junior crew members while maintaining a strong safety culture and accurate operational reporting.

Qualifications

• Must hold a valid Class 2 Water Well Driller's Licence recognised for the relevant Australian jurisdiction and scope of work.
• Experience operating drilling rigs and managing day-to-day field activities.
• Ability to mentor junior drilling personnel and lead crews on site.

Responsibilities

• Operate and manage a single drilling rig, ensuring safe, efficient field operations.
• Conduct water well drilling in line with licence conditions and project requirements.
• Lead day-to-day field operations and ensure productivity targets are met.
• Coordinate loading/unloading of equipment, tools and materials for contracts.
• Maintain safety compliance and complete field reporting and documentation.
• Mentor junior crew members and support equipment maintenance and safety culture.

Skills

Safety focus

Field drilling

Crew leadership

Mentoring

Tools

Drilling rigs

Job description

Job Title
Class 2 Water Well Driller

Company
Our Client – Established Australian Drilling Contractor

Location
Australia Wide – Field-Based Drilling Operations

Employment Type
Full-Time

Reporting Line
Reports to the designated Supervisor / Manager in accordance with the Company's organisational structure.

Position Overview

Our Client is seeking an experienced and safety-focused Class 2 Water Well Driller to join its drilling operations across Australia.

The successful candidate must hold a valid Class 2 Water Well Driller's Licence and have practical experience operating drilling rigs and managing day-to-day field drilling activities.

This is a hands-on drilling position responsible for the safe, efficient and productive operation of a single drilling rig, including field operations, equipment management, crew coordination, client liaison, safety compliance and operational reporting.

The role requires a technically competent Driller who can work independently in field environments, lead by example, maintain high safety standards and ensure drilling activities are completed in accordance with company procedures, client requirements and operational schedules.

The successful candidate will also be responsible for mentoring junior crew members, supporting equipment maintenance and promoting the Company's safety culture and professional standards.

Key Responsibilities

Water Well Drilling & Field Operations

• Operate and manage a single drilling rig, ensuring safe, efficient and productive field operations.

• Conduct water well drilling activities in accordance with applicable licence conditions, company procedures and project requirements.

• Take responsibility for day-to-day field operations and drilling rig activities.

• Ensure drilling production and productivity targets are maintained in accordance with schedules established by management.

• Coordinate the loading and unloading of drilling equipment, tools and materials before and after drilling contracts.

• Monitor drilling activities and maintain operational standards throughout each project.

• Utilise drilling equipment, technologies and reporting systems to meet company and client expectations.

• Identify operational issues and implement appropriate corrective actions within the scope of responsibility.

Drilling Equipment & Maintenance

• Monitor drilling rig condition, equipment performance and operational readiness.

• Conduct required equipment inspections and pre-start checks.

• Identify and report equipment faults, defects and maintenance requirements.

• Communicate maintenance schedules and equipment issues accurately to management and workshop personnel.

• Coordinate with the workshop and external service providers where required.

• Ensure drilling equipment, vehicles, plant and associated tools are operated in accordance with company procedures.

• Maintain appropriate housekeeping and equipment care standards.

Safety, Health & Environmental Compliance

• Comply with the Company's Environment, Safety and Health Management System (ESHMS).

• Follow applicable Asset Management and Quality Management System (QMS) requirements.

• Lead by example in promoting a strong safety culture across drilling operations.

• Complete required safety documentation, including:

  • Drilling rig and vehicle induction checklists.

  • Safe Work Procedure (SWP) documentation.

  • Plant and equipment induction checklists.

  • Pre-start inspections and reporting schedules.

  • Other applicable ESHMS documentation.

• Support incident reporting, investigations and implementation of corrective actions.

• Facilitate emergency preparedness and ensure crews understand relevant emergency procedures.

• Promote ongoing compliance with company safety policies through leadership, communication, training and regular audits.

• Maintain safe working conditions and encourage proactive hazard identification and risk management.

Crew Leadership, Training & Development

• Provide operational direction and guidance to drilling crew members.

• Mentor and train junior drilling personnel in accordance with company instructions.

• Support the completion of company training, competency assessments and client onboarding requirements.

• Promote professional standards relating to personal presentation, work performance, competency and following instructions.

• Encourage continuous improvement in drilling practices and crew performance.

• Support employee professional development and career progression through implementation of company training policies.

• Maintain a positive, professional and safety-focused working environment.

Client Liaison & Field Coordination

• Act as a professional representative of the Company when dealing with clients and project stakeholders.

• Maintain effective communication with clients regarding field drilling activities and operational requirements.

• Coordinate field-level logistics to support efficient drilling operations.

• Liaise with management, workshop personnel, suppliers and service providers as required.

• Arrange authorised field purchasing of products and operational supplies.

• Communicate operational issues, equipment requirements and project updates to relevant stakeholders.

• Maintain professional relationships and uphold the Company's reputation for safety, quality and operational performance.

Documentation & Operational Reporting

• Prepare accurate, factual and timely reports relating to drilling activities.

• Complete daily reporting using company-approved electronic devices and reporting systems.

• Ensure electronic reports are synchronised for live data transfer where required.

• Maintain accurate records of drilling activities, equipment inspections and maintenance schedules.

• Complete relevant safety, operational and compliance documentation.

• Report equipment faults, operational incidents and corrective actions promptly.

• Ensure all documentation meets company policies and client reporting requirements.

Quality, Productivity & Operational Standards

• Maintain drilling productivity in accordance with operational schedules and management expectations.

• Ensure field operations comply with company quality standards and procedures.

• Provide clear direction regarding work standards and expected performance.

• Support continuous improvement in operational efficiency, safety and equipment utilisation.

• Promote the Company's core work culture, housekeeping and behavioural standards.

• Perform other reasonable duties as required by management.

Requirements

Licences & Qualifications

• Mandatory: Valid Class 2 Water Well Driller's Licence recognised for the relevant Australian jurisdiction and scope of work.

• Relevant drilling industry qualifications, training or demonstrated equivalent practical experience.

• Current driver's licence appropriate to operational requirements.

• Relevant drilling equipment competency certificates and safety training are highly regarded.

• Ability to complete company and client-specific training, competency assessments and site inductions.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience working as a Driller in water well drilling operations.

• Practical experience operating and managing drilling rigs in field environments.

• Experience taking responsibility for the day-to-day operation of a drilling rig.

• Strong understanding of drilling equipment, field procedures and operational requirements.

• Experience conducting pre-start inspections, identifying equipment faults and reporting maintenance requirements.

• Experience working to drilling production schedules and maintaining operational productivity.

• Experience mentoring or providing on-the-job training to junior drilling personnel.

• Experience liaising with clients, supervisors, workshop personnel and service providers.

• Previous experience working across remote or regional Australian drilling projects is highly regarded.

Technical Skills

• Competent in the safe operation and management of drilling rigs.

• Sound understanding of water well drilling practices and associated field operations.

• Knowledge of drilling equipment inspection, routine maintenance requirements and fault identification.

• Ability to manage drilling operations safely while maintaining production and quality standards.

• Understanding of drilling-related safety procedures, risk controls and environmental requirements.

• Ability to complete drilling rig, vehicle, plant and equipment inspections.

• Competency in completing daily operational reports and electronic documentation.

• Ability to use digital reporting systems and other operational technologies.

• Understanding of company safety, asset management and quality management procedures.

Skills & Attributes

• Strong commitment to workplace health, safety and environmental compliance.

• Ability to work independently and take responsibility for drilling operations.

• Good leadership, mentoring and crew development skills.

• Strong practical problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.

• Professional approach when dealing with clients and stakeholders.

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to maintain accurate operational records and reports.

• Reliable, self-motivated and committed to achieving operational targets.

• Willingness to work in field-based environments across Australia.

• Ability to work effectively within a team and support a positive workplace culture.

• Commitment to continuous improvement, training and professional development.

Key Success Measures

• Maintain a valid Class 2 Water Well Driller's Licence appropriate to assigned operations.

• Operate drilling rigs safely, efficiently and in accordance with project requirements.

• Achieve drilling productivity targets and operational schedules.

• Maintain compliance with company ESHMS, Asset Management and QMS requirements.

• Complete accurate daily drilling reports, inspections and safety documentation.

• Identify and report equipment faults and maintenance requirements promptly.

• Maintain high standards of equipment care, housekeeping and operational readiness.

• Support the competency, safety awareness and development of drilling crew members.

• Maintain positive working relationships with clients, management and project stakeholders.

• Contribute to a strong safety culture and the Company's operational reputation.

Why Join This Opportunity

• Opportunity to join an established Australian drilling contractor.

• Work across drilling projects throughout Australia.

• Take responsibility for the operation of a drilling rig and its associated field activities.

• Work within an organisation that prioritises safety, quality and operational performance.

• Opportunity to mentor junior drilling personnel and contribute to crew development.

• Potential career progression towards a Drilling Supervisor position.

• Join a professional drilling team committed to safe and productive operations.