Assistant Drilling Operative Geotechnical Drilling · Dartford

Ground Control; Dartford; Remote; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Life insurance

Subsidised gym membership

Holiday buy scheme

Online GP service

Job summary

Ground Control is seeking an Assistant Drilling Operative to join our geotechnical team in Dartford with national travel. The role involves assisting Lead Drillers with ground investigations, preparing sites, and maintaining drilling equipment, in a hands-on outdoor setting.

You will support drilling operations, sampling and testing, while following site RAMS and safety procedures. The position offers on-the-job training and opportunities to develop practical field skills across various drilling

Qualifications

• Positive, reliable, hands-on approach to work.
• Good communication and teamwork capabilities.
• Willingness to travel to multiple sites and stay away from home.

Responsibilities

• Support Lead Driller with day-to-day drilling and ground investigation activities.
• Prepare drilling sites and set up plant, equipment and supporting infrastructure.
• Assist with drilling operations including Cable Percussive, Windowless Sampling, Dynamic Probing and Concrete Coring.
• Support borehole construction, sampling and in-situ testing.
• Assist with inspections, maintenance and minor repairs; report defects.
• Ensure equipment, tools and materials are stored safely and securely; follow RAMS and HSE procedures.

Skills

Ground investigation

Teamwork

Health and safety awareness

Outdoor/field work

Tools

CSCS card

Job description

Assistant Drilling Operative

Location: Dartford with national travel

Salary: Competitive

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday

About the role

We're looking for a reliable and practical Assistant Drilling Operative to join our Geotechnical team, supporting Lead Drillers with ground investigation works across a variety of projects.

You’ll help prepare sites, set up and maintain drilling equipment, support drilling operations and assist with sampling and testing. This is a hands‑on role for someone who enjoys working outdoors, being part of a team and developing their skills within the geotechnical industry.

What you'll do

• Support the Lead Driller with day-to-day drilling and ground investigation activities.
• Help prepare drilling sites and set up plant, equipment and supporting infrastructure.
• Assist with drilling operations, including Cable Percussive (Shell & Auger), Windowless Sampling, Dynamic Probing and Concrete Coring.
• Support borehole construction, sampling and in-situ testing.
• Assist with equipment inspections, routine maintenance and minor repairs, reporting any defects.
• Help ensure equipment, tools and materials are stored safely and securely.
• Follow site‑specific RAMS, company HSE procedures and safety requirements.
• Wear the correct PPE and report incidents, near misses or unsafe practices.
• Work alongside the Lead Driller to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently and to specification.
• Communicate professionally with colleagues, clients, landowners and other site stakeholders when required.

What you'll get

• The opportunity to develop practical skills within the geotechnical and ground investigation industry.
• On‑the‑job training and guidance from experienced drilling professionals.
• Exposure to a range of drilling methods and specialist equipment.
• The opportunity to build your experience and progress within the team.

What we’re looking for

• A positive, reliable and hands‑on approach to work.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and follow instructions.
• A strong awareness of health and safety and willingness to follow site procedures.
• Some understanding of HSE, CDM requirements and site risk assessments.
• Good communication skills and a professional attitude.
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather and ground conditions.
• Flexibility to travel to different sites and stay away from home when required.

Desirable:

• Previous construction or groundworks experience.
• CSCS card.
• First Aid or emergency response training.

Benefits;

• Competitive salary – aligned with your skills and experience
• Pension scheme – helping you plan for the future
• Recognition schemes – celebrating and rewarding great work
• Online 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

#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.

#Drill