Assistant Driller

Van Elle; Sutton-in-Ashfield; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Healthcare Cash Plan (family option)

Onsite training center

24-hour confidential support line

22 days holiday + bank holidays

Job summary

Van Elle is seeking an Assistant Driller to join the UK's leading geotechnical contractor. You will assist drilling rigs and plant, support equipment movements, and help with civils tasks at site locations across the UK.

This permanent role offers a competitive salary, 7.30am–6.00pm hours, 22 days holiday plus bank holidays, company pension, Healthcare Cash Plan with family option, onsite training, and 24/7 employee support.

Qualifications

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritise and organise own work.

Responsibilities

• Assist the operation of drilling rigs, equipment and plant to manufacturers' specifications.
• Support rigging, hoisting and spotting of equipment movements according to instructions.
• Undertake general civils tasks: breaking out hardstanding, excavations and reinstatement.
• Assist in troubleshooting mechanical issues with analytical problem-solving.
• Complete duties as instructed by Lead Driller and Supervisor.
• Comply with Health & Safety legislation, risk assessments and Golden Rules.
• Ensure accurate records and paperwork are submitted on time.
• Deliver toolbox talks on a regular basis.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Ability to travel in the UK

Job description

Location

Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire, NG17 8GJ

We have exciting opportunities for Assistant Drillers to join the UK's leading ground engineering and geotechnical contractor.

What You'll Be Doing

• Assisting the operation of drilling rigs, equipment, and other plant to manufacturers specifications
• Supporting the rigging, hoisting, and spotting of equipment movements according to written, verbal, and/or signalled instructions.
• Undertaking general civils activities such as breaking out hardstanding, excavation of inspections pits, and surface reinstatement.
• Assist in troubleshooting mechanical issues quickly and efficiently with the analytical ability to find solutions to challenging technical problems
• Complete all job-related duties as instructed by the Lead Driller and Supervisor
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation, Risk assessment and Method Statements and the company's Golden Rules
• Ensure accurate records and paperwork are submitted on time
• Complete regular toolbox talks

Who We're Looking For

• Strong communication skills
• A valid CSCS card is preferred but not a requirement of the role
• Be able to prioritise and organise own work effectively with the ability to work under pressure
• Effective planning and organisation skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Ideally previous experience in a similar role would be an advantage

Other Requirements

• Eligible to work and live in the UK.
• Flexibility to travel in the UK.
• A full driving licence, that is valid in the UK (desirable)

What You'll Get In Return

• Competitive salary depending on experience.
• Hours of work are 7.30am - 6.00pm, Monday to Friday
• 22 days holiday plus bank/public holidays.
• Permanent position
• Benefits include access to Company pension and Healthcare Cash Plan with family option.
• Onsite Training Centre offers ongoing training and development opportunities.
• Access to our 24-hour confidential employee support line.

About Us

Van Elle is the UK's largest geotechnical and ground engineering contractor and, since June 2026, proud to be part of the STRABAG Group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this type of role. The list is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of this type of role.