Drilling Operative

SOCOTEC Building Control Limited; Belfast City District; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Electric car scheme

Employee recognition programmes

Family-friendly support

Exclusive retail discounts

Employee assistance programmes

Enhanced company pension

Disability Confident accreditation

Job summary

SOCOTEC UK & Ireland is seeking a Drilling Operative to join the Civils & Drilling operations team in Northern Ireland. You will support drilling activities for rock anchoring, micro piling, site investigation and testing across a portfolio of high-profile infrastructure projects.

This role involves installation of Self‑Drill Hollow Bars and DTHH Drilling. You should have extensive drilling experience, be capable of travel and overnight stays, and comply with health and safety standards.

Qualifications

• Extensive drilling and construction industry experience.
• Experience operating small to medium drilling rigs.
• Adheres to company and industry health & safety standards.
• Travel extensively and stay overnight as needed.
• Able to meet the physical demands of the job.
• Valid CSCS/CPCS/Safepass card.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings/designs.
• Undertake routine maintenance and minor repairs to machinery.

Responsibilities

• Play a key role within Civils & Drilling operations on major projects.
• Support drilling activities for rock anchoring, micro piling, site investigation and testing.
• Involve installation of Self-Drill Hollow Bars and DTHH Drilling.

Skills

Drilling experience

Operate drilling rigs

Health & safety compliance

Logistics on site

Self-motivated

Interpret construction drawings

Routine machinery maintenance

Travel & overnight stays

UK driving licence

CSCS/CPCS/Safepass

Job description

About Lloyds Datum, SOCOTEC and the Infrastructure Division

Lloyds Datum Group was acquired by SOCOTEC UK & Ireland in 2025 and operates as part of the Infrastructure Division. Lloyds Datum and the wider Infrastructure team delivers essential technical services that ensure the safety, quality and compliance of major construction and civil engineering projects across the UK & Ireland. We provide independent asset and construction services to test, survey, assess, report and monitor client requirements. We do this for construction companies and owners & operators of assets across the complete lifecycle of project and asset lifecycles. We work on some of the biggest Infrastructure projects across building, rail, roads, airports, nuclear and transmission & distribution.

We verify strength, durability and performance of key materials, geotechnics, civils, foundations, pavements and structures. Our experts use industry leading methods and advanced technology to support infrastructure projects from initial site investigation through construction and long term performance, helping clients manage risk, meet regulatory standards and build safer, more resilient assets.

What's in it for you?

Your expertise deserves recognition. Alongside a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, an electric car scheme (where applicable), employee recognition programmes, family-friendly support, exclusive retail discounts, employee assistance programmes, and an enhanced company pension. SOCOTEC UK & Ireland are proud to be Disability Confident accredited.

Job Description

As a Drilling Operative, you will play a key role within the Civils & Drilling operations team at Lloyds. You will be supporting drilling activities for rock anchoring, micro piling, site investigation and testing across a diverse portfolio of high-profile infrastructure projects.

This work will involve the installation of Self‐Drill Hollow Bars and DTHH Drilling.The position is based in Northern Ireland with Projects all over the NI and ROI.

Qualifications

About you -

• Has extensive experience within the drilling and construction industry
• Has experience of operating small to medium size drilling rigs
• Has experience of adhering to Company and industry health & safety standards
• Has experience of dealing with logistical issues and problems on site
• Is self‐motivated and able to work under own initiative
• Is able to interpret construction drawings and designs
• Is able to undertake routine maintenance and minor repairs to machinery on request
• Is able to travel extensively and stay overnight as needed to meet our customer needs
• Is able to meet the physical demands of the job
• Has a valid CSCS/CPCS/Safepass card
• Has a full UK driving licence

Additional Information

Why LD / SOCOTEC?

Join a thriving community of over 2,500 industry professionals who are passionate about making a real difference. At SOCOTEC UK & Ireland, we're not just delivering services - we're shaping the future of testing, inspection, and certification across the nation.

What sets us apart? Our people. We’ve built our reputation on attracting exceptional talent like you and empowering them to deliver excellence at every turn. Our comprehensive range of TIC services means you’ll have the opportunity to work on diverse, challenging projects that truly matter.

In this role, you won’t just be another employee - your expertise will directly contribute to our mission of building a safer, more sustainable world, while you grow your career alongside some of the industry's finest professionals.

Build a traditional career path or explore opportunities across multiple disciplines - all within SOCOTEC. Your choice, your direction.

Work Your Way

Local, national, or global projects. Office-based, remote, or hybrid. We offer the flexibility that empowers you to perform at your best.

Committed to Your Growth

From day one, you'll have access to comprehensive training, mentorship, and development programs. We support every step of your professional journey. #YouGrowWeGrow

Building a safer and more sustainable world is the core mission we set out to achieve at SOCOTEC, it is at the heart of everything that we do. We are committed to acting as a key player in society, investing in innovative solutions to ensure social and environmental concerns are at the forefront of all of our business operations.

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