Assistant Driller

Ground Control; Leeds; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Private GP service

Life insurance

Holiday buy scheme

Job summary

Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCES) is seeking a reliable Assistant Driller to join our on‑site team at our Dartford/South West projects. You will learn from experienced drillers, assist with borehole drilling, site preparation, and equipment handling in a hands‑on environment.

We offer structured training to progress to Lead Driller roles, with NVQ qualifications in Land Drilling and a supportive, safety‑driven workplace.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Assistant Driller on geotechnical projects.
• Solid health and safety awareness and safe working practices.
• Ability to use hand tools and operate equipment safely.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Driller with geotechnical drilling on site across varied sites.
• Assist with site preparation, rig set-up, and borehole drilling activities.
• Handle drilling tools, rods, and consumables safely and efficiently.
• Collect and manage soil and rock samples for testing and analysis.
• Support installation of monitoring equipment (piezometers/standpipes).
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized working environment; perform pre‑start checks.

Skills

Assistant Driller experience

Health & safety awareness

Manual tools handling

Outdoor work

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Land Drilling

First Aid certification

Job description

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

Typical Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday

Build your skills. Work outdoors. Be part of something that keeps infrastructure moving

At Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCES), we deliver innovative and sustainable geotechnical services that support safe and efficient infrastructure projects. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll be out on site, learning from experienced drillers and building a long‑term career in geotechnical drilling.

Location: Dartford/South West

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Full time, permanent

Typical Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday–Friday

Build your skills. Work outdoors. Be part of something that keeps infrastructure moving

At Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCES), we deliver innovative and sustainable geotechnical services that support safe and efficient infrastructure projects. This is a hands‑on role where you’ll be out on site, learning from experienced drillers and building a long‑term career in geotechnical drilling.

We’re looking for someone reliable, practical, and ready to get stuck in — someone who takes pride in doing the job properly and wants to develop their skills over time.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you’ll support drilling operations on site and play a key part in keeping projects running safely and efficiently.

• Support the Lead Driller with geotechnical drilling operations across a variety of sites
• Assist with site preparation, rig set‑up, and borehole drilling activities
• Handle drilling tools, rods, and consumables safely and effectively
• Collect and manage soil and rock samples for testing and analysis
• Support the installation of monitoring equipment such as piezometers and standpipes
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organised working environment at all times
• Carry out daily pre‑start checks and basic maintenance of equipment
• Follow HSE procedures, RAMS, and all site safety requirements

What you’ll get

• Structured training and clear progression into Lead Driller and supervisory roles
• Opportunity to gain NVQ qualifications in Land Drilling
• Hands‑on experience across varied geotechnical and infrastructure projects
• Supportive team environment where you’ll learn from experienced professionals
• A role that keeps you active, outdoors, and constantly developing new skills

What we’re looking for

• Experience as an Assistant Driller
• Basic knowledge of drilling techniques, soil mechanics, or geotechnical investigations
• Good understanding of health & safety and safe working practices
• Ability to use hand tools and equipment safely and confidently
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
• Reliable, hardworking, and motivated to learn and progress

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 in Land Drilling (or willingness to work towards it)
• First Aid or other relevant safety certifications
• Plant, forklift, or other site‑related tickets

Benefits;

• Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience
• Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future
• Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work
• Private GP service – fast, convenient access to medical support
• Life insurance – providing added peace of mind
• Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave

#INDHP

Equal Opportunities Statement

At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic as defined in the Equality Act 2010.

We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and across all stages of employment, including training, development, promotion, pay, and termination. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for disabled applicants and employees, and to creating a working environment free from discrimination, harassment, bullying, or victimisation.

We expect all colleagues to uphold our values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. We take a zero‑tolerance approach to any form of discriminatory behaviour and are committed to continuous improvement through training, inclusive policies, and accountability at all levels.