Drilling Tech/Drilling Assistant

SOUTH DOWNS SITE INVESTIGATION LTD; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

SOUTH DOWNS SITE INVESTIGATION LTD in Sussex is seeking a Drilling Tech/Drilling Assistant for a full-time on-site role in Haywards Heath. You will support drilling and sampling operations, including assisting with windowless sampling, hand-held sampling, and concrete coring in line with project specifications and safety procedures.

Daily tasks include preparing and maintaining drilling equipment, loading and unloading tools, and helping set up work areas for safe access.

Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in drilling, groundworks, construction, or site investigation, with ability to perform safety tasks.
• Basic understanding of site tools and equipment; willingness to learn operation and maintenance.
• Awareness of health, safety, and environmental practices, including PPE and risk assessments.
• Good communication and teamwork; able to follow instructions and document site data.
• Strong attention to detail; basic numeracy and literacy for sampling and logging.
• Full UK driving licence and reliable transport to Haywards Heath; ability to travel.
• Right to work in the UK; willing to work outdoors in varying weather.

Responsibilities

• Support drilling and sampling operations on site.
• Assist with windowless sampling, hand-held sampling, and concrete coring.
• Prepare and maintain drilling equipment; load/unload tools.
• Help set up work areas for safe access.
• Assist with hand-dug foundations and inspection pits; support BRE 365 soakage testing.
• Collect, label, and record onsite samples and logs.
• Perform basic housekeeping of vehicles and equipment; follow health and safety guidelines.
• Collaborate with site supervisors and engineers to ensure efficient site investigations.

Skills

Drilling, groundworks & site investig

Tools & equipment handling

Health, safety & environmental

Communication & teamwork

Numeracy & literacy

Driving licence (UK)

Right to work in the UK

Willingness to travel

Tools

Drilling rigs

Sampling tools

Coring equipment

Job description

Company Description

Based in Sussex and operating across the United Kingdom, SOUTH DOWNS SITE INVESTIGATION LTD brings over 16 years of specialist site investigation experience, supported by 15 additional years in general site work. The team provides a broad range of services including windowless sampling, restricted access windowless sampling, and hand-held window sampling to support geotechnical and environmental assessments. Concrete coring, hand-dug foundation and inspection pits, and BRE 365 soakage testing are core parts of their service offering. The company also undertakes structural opening up works and onsite sampling and logging, delivering practical, reliable data to clients. Applicants can expect to join a skilled, hands-on team working on varied projects nationwide.

Role Description

The Drilling Tech/Drilling Assistant is a full-time, on-site role based in Haywards Heath. The role involves supporting drilling and sampling operations, including assisting with windowless sampling, hand-held window sampling, and concrete coring in accordance with project specifications and safety procedures. Daily tasks include preparing and maintaining drilling equipment, loading and unloading tools and materials, and helping set up work areas for safe access. The Drilling Assistant will assist with hand-dug foundation and inspection pits, support BRE 365 soakage testing, and help collect, label, and record onsite samples and logs. The role also includes basic housekeeping of vehicles and equipment, following health and safety guidelines, and collaborating with site supervisors and engineers to ensure efficient and accurate site investigations.

Qualifications

• Practical experience or strong interest in drilling, groundworks, construction, or site investigation, with the ability to perform physically demanding tasks safely.
• Basic understanding of site tools and equipment (e.g., drilling rigs, sampling tools, coring equipment) and willingness to learn operation and maintenance procedures.
• Awareness of health, safety, and environmental practices, including safe manual handling, use of PPE, and adherence to site method statements and risk assessments.
• Good communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to follow instructions, work reliably with supervisors and colleagues, and maintain clear site records.
• Strong attention to detail and basic numeracy and literacy skills to support accurate sampling, logging, and documentation of site data.
• Full, valid UK driving licence and reliable transport to Haywards Heath and regional sites; flexibility to travel to different project locations as required.
• Previous experience in geotechnical, environmental, or construction settings is beneficial but not essential; on-the-job training will be provided.
• Right to work in the UK and willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and on different types of terrain.