Lead Rotary Drilling Operative - Geotech Field Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme

Online GP service

Life insurance

Subsidised gym membership

Holiday buy scheme

Job summary

Ground Control is seeking an experienced Lead Rotary Drilling Operative to join our Geotechnical team. You will lead on-site teams, operate rotary drilling rigs, and ensure safe, efficient ground investigations across varied projects.

The role combines hands-on drilling expertise with leadership to develop less experienced operatives. You will manage site operations, ensure compliance, and support multiple drilling methods in dynamic conditions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in rotary drilling and ground investigation works.
• Experience in open-hole drilling, core drilling and wireline coring.
• Experience operating and maintaining rotary drilling rigs.
• Understanding of geotechnical investigations, soil mechanics and geological materials.
• Knowledge of in-situ testing and installations.
• Experience supervising teams and planning daily site activities.
• Good understanding of HSE, CDM requirements, RAMS and safe working practices.

Responsibilities

• Operate and maintain rotary drilling rigs, including the Geobore S system.
• Lead and supervise on-site drilling operatives and support staff.
• Prepare drilling sites and ensure equipment and materials are ready for use.
• Collect, handle and record soil and rock samples for analysis.
• Maintain accurate drilling records, logs and site progress updates using digital systems.
• Liaise with clients, landowners and project teams; escalate concerns when necessary.
• Support other field operations when required, including related drilling activities.

Skills

Rotary drilling

Lead on-site teams

Open-hole drilling

Core drilling

Soil/rock sampling

HSE & RAMS

Education

NVQ Level 2/3 in Land Drilling

SSSTS/SMSTS

Tools

Geobore S system

Job description

Ground Control is seeking an experienced Lead Rotary Drilling Operative to join our Geotechnical team. You will lead on-site teams, operate rotary drilling rigs, and ensure safe, efficient ground investigations across varied projects.

The role combines hands-on drilling expertise with leadership to develop less experienced operatives. You will manage site operations, ensure compliance, and support multiple drilling methods in dynamic conditions.