Lead Drillers

Ground Control; Leeds; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Private GP service

Life insurance

Subsidised gym membership

Holiday buy scheme

Recognition schemes

Job summary

Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCGS) is seeking a Lead Drilling Operative to head safe, efficient on-site drilling operations on major infrastructure projects. You will supervise rotary/CP drilling, manage ground investigations, ensure accurate sampling and data logging, and mentor on-site teams while upholding HSE standards.

Join a purpose-driven firm delivering high-quality geotechnical solutions and benefit from a strong on-site role with career progression across diverse projects in

Qualifications

• Proven experience operating rotary/CP drilling rigs on ground investigations.
• Strong track record supervising on-site drilling teams and delivering safe, on-time works.
• Knowledge of HSE, RAMS requirements and logging procedures.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain rotary drilling rigs for ground investigations.
• Lead and supervise on-site drilling teams.
• Prepare sites and carry out open-hole, core, and rock coring works.
• Ensure accurate sampling, logging, and data recording.
• Maintain equipment and report maintenance issues.
• Act as on-site representative and provide progress updates to management.
• Allocate daily tasks and mentor less experienced operatives.
• Lead toolbox talks and site safety briefings.
• Maintain high standards of quality, professionalism, and client satisfaction.

Skills

Rotary/CP drilling

Site supervision

HSE & RAMS

Geotechnical sampling

Construction/infrastructure experience

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 in Land Drilling

Job description

At Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCGS), we deliver high-quality, sustainable geotechnical solutions that support major infrastructure projects. We're looking for an experienced Lead Drilling Operative to lead safe, efficient, and high-quality drilling operations on site. What you'll do

• Operate and maintain rotary drilling rigs for ground investigations
• Lead and supervise on-site drilling teams
• Prepare sites, carry out open-hole, core, and rock coring works
• Ensure accurate sampling, logging, and data recording
• Maintain equipment and report maintenance issues
• Act as the on-site representative, providing progress updates to management, Deliver drilling works safely, on time, and to specification
• Allocate daily tasks and mentor less experienced operatives
• Ensure full compliance with HSE, CDM, and RAMS requirements
• Lead toolbox talks and site safety briefings
• Maintain high standards of quality, professionalism, and client satisfaction
• Proven experience in rotary/CP drilling and ground investigations
• Strong knowledge of drilling techniques and geotechnical sampling
• Experience supervising site teams
• Good understanding of HSE and site safety requirements
• Experience working on infrastructure or construction projects

Desirable

• NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Land Drilling (or equivalent)
• First Aid or emergency response training
• Experience using digital logging or site data tools

Ground Control is a leading external maintenance business and biodiversity expert committed to enhancing and improving the physical environment for our customers and their communities.

We're a purpose driven, values centred business, on a mission to realise the potential of human nature by bringing together people, places and the planet. Human Nature - At Its Best Founded in 1973 Turnover Growing Daily

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 and inclusive policies and accountability at all levels.

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