Assistant Driller

Ground Control; Leeds; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

Pension scheme

Private GP service

Life insurance

Subsidised gym membership

Holiday buy scheme

Job summary

Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCGS) in Leeds is seeking an Assistant Drilling Operative to support Lead Drillers on geotechnical ground investigation projects. You’ll gain hands-on experience across drilling operations, site preparation, sampling, testing and equipment maintenance, while developing your skills in a safety-focused environment.

This is a great opportunity for someone with construction or infrastructure experience who wants to build a career in geotechnical drilling and

Qualifications

• Experience in construction, infrastructure, utilities or a similar environment.
• Good understanding of health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Reliable, hardworking and willing to learn.
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Support the Lead Driller with day-to-day drilling operations.
• Help set up drilling sites, plant, equipment and supporting infrastructure.
• Assist with drilling techniques
• Assist with borehole construction, sampling and in‑situ testing.
• Carry out daily equipment checks and basic maintenance.
• Identify and report equipment defects or issues.
• Help ensure work is completed safely, efficiently and to project requirements.
• Secure equipment, tools and materials at the end of each working day.
• Follow RAMS, site safety procedures and HSE requirements.
• Report incidents, near misses and unsafe practices.
• Support the Lead Driller with professional client and landowner interactions when required.

Skills

Team player

Health & safety awareness

Machinery interest

Willing to learn

Flexible

Valid UK driving licence

Job description

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

Location: Leeds

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

At Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCGS), we deliver innovative and sustainable geotechnical solutions that support major infrastructure projects.

We're looking for a motivated Assistant Drilling Operative to support our Lead Drillers across geotechnical and geo-environmental ground investigation projects. You’ll gain hands‑on experience across drilling operations, site preparation, sampling, testing and equipment maintenance, while developing your skills in a safety‑focused environment.

This is a great opportunity for someone with construction or infrastructure experience who wants to build a career in geotechnical drilling and progress within the business.

What you’ll do;

• Support the Lead Driller with day-to-day drilling operations.
• Help set up drilling sites, plant, equipment and supporting infrastructure.
• Assist with drilling techniques
• Assist with borehole construction, sampling and in‑situ testing.
• Carry out daily equipment checks and basic maintenance.
• Identify and report equipment defects or issues.
• Help ensure work is completed safely, efficiently and to project requirements.
• Secure equipment, tools and materials at the end of each working day.
• Follow RAMS, site safety procedures and HSE requirements.
• Report incidents, near misses and unsafe practices.
• Support the Lead Driller with professional client and landowner interactions when required.

What you’ll get;

• Full training and on-the-job development.
• Hands‑on experience across a range of geotechnical drilling techniques.
• Opportunities to gain relevant industry and safety qualifications.
• Career progression within our growing Geotechnical Solutions team.
• Opportunity to develop towards more senior drilling or supervisory roles.
• Employee benefits and discounts.
• The chance to work on major infrastructure and ground investigation projects.

What we’re looking for;

• Experience in construction, infrastructure, utilities or a similar environment.
• A good understanding of health, safety and environmental requirements.
• Comfortable working as part of a team and following instructions.
• Reliable, hardworking and willing to learn.
• Good practical skills and an interest in machinery and equipment.
• Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors and on active construction sites.
• Good communication skills and a professional approach when dealing with clients and stakeholders.
• Flexible approach to supporting different projects and site requirements.
• Valid UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• Construction or groundwork experience.
• CSCS card.
• First Aid or emergency response training.
• Previous experience with drilling, ground investigation or concrete coring.

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
• Subsidised gym membership – supporting your health and wellbeing
• Holiday buy scheme – purchase up to 5 additional days of annual leave

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.