Assistant Soil Driller

GESTRA Engineering, Inc.; Milwaukee, Northern (WI, KY); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,031,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision with Employer-?

Job summary

GESTRA Engineering, Inc. in Milwaukee, WI is seeking an Assistant Soil Driller to join our geotechnical team.

This entry-level role offers outdoor work, learning from a Lead Driller, and hands-on experience in subsurface exploration and site investigation. The position involves supporting drilling operations, documenting measurements and samples, driving logistics for on-site crews, maintaining equipment, and helping ensure safety and efficiency on projects across the region.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.
• Able to pass pre-employment drug screening and WisDOT physical; ability to obtain DOT Medical Card within 30 days.
• Good verbal communication and basic writing skills for field notes and collaboration with Lead Driller.

Responsibilities

• Drilling Support: Assist the Lead Driller with setup and breakdown of drill rigs; handle drilling rods, augers, and sampling tools.
• Documentation: Take detailed notes with depth measurements and blow counts; assist in basic soil/rock classification.
• Logistics: Drive the support truck to/from job sites; stage materials and tools as needed.
• Maintenance: Clean and perform routine maintenance on drilling equipment and vehicles.
• Site Safety: Participate in pre-task safety planning and maintain a clean, hazard-free workspace around the rig.

Skills

Outdoor work

Documentation

Safety awareness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

CDL (Class A/B)

Job description

GESTRA Engineering, Inc. is looking for a hardworking and dependable Assistant Soil Driller to join our geotechnical team. This is an entry-level career path for someone who enjoys working outdoors, isn't afraid of physical labor, and is interested in the science behind construction and engineering. You will work directly under a Lead Driller, learning the technical aspects of subsurface exploration and site investigation.

About the Role

As an Assistant Soil Driller, your primary goal is to support the drilling operation by managing site logistics, maintaining equipment, and documenting the drilling process. You will be a critical second set of eyes and hands, ensuring the crew works safely and efficiently while gathering accurate soil and rock data.

Schedule: Typically Monday-Friday, 7:00 am to 4:00 pm. Occasional evening and Saturday work is required based on project needs. Some out-of-town travel may be necessary.

Key Responsibilities

• Drilling Support: Assist the Lead Driller with the setup and breakdown of drill rigs; handle drilling rods, augers, and sampling tools.
• Documentation: Take detailed notes throughout the drilling process, including depth measurements and blow counts; assist in the basic classification of soil and rock samples.
• Logistics: Drive the support truck (typically a Ford F-350 or equivalent) to and from job sites, ensuring all necessary materials and tools are staged and ready.
• Maintenance: Assist with the cleaning and routine maintenance of drilling equipment and vehicles to ensure long-term reliability.
• Site Safety: Participate in pre-task safety planning and help maintain a clean, hazard-free workspace around the rig.

Requirements

• Experience: Previous experience in construction, landscaping, or outdoor manual labor is preferred but not required. We are looking for a strong desire to learn.
• Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift 50-80 pounds unassisted and perform heavy physical tasks outdoors in all weather conditions, year-round.
• Driving: Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record are required for operating company support vehicles.
• Compliance: Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and a WisDOT physical; ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within 30 days.
• Communication: Good verbal communication and basic writing skills for maintaining field notes and collaborating with the Lead Driller.

Certifications & Preferences

Driving: A Class A or B CDL (or the interest in obtaining one) is a significant plus.

Career Goals: Interest in advancing into a Lead Driller or specialized technician role.

Reliability: A consistent work ethic and the ability to be on time for early morning site departures.

Why Join Us?

Paid Training: We invest in your growth through professional certifications and CDL assistance.

Steady Work: Enjoy regional project variety with a focus on local impact and a strong team-first culture.

Career Advancement: Gain invaluable experience in civil engineering and construction management.

Impact: Your work provides the foundational data for major infrastructure and construction projects across the region.

• Health, Dental, Vision with Employer Contribution
• Life, Retirement, STD/LTD benefits are available.
• Paid time off (Vacation, Sick pay, etc.) available
• 4% Retirement Match
• Professional Development/CDL Assistance

About the Company

GESTRA Engineering, Inc. is a full service geotechnical engineering consulting firm headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. GESTRA specializes in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, geotechnical and environmental drilling. GESTRA was founded in 2000 to provide Government Agencies, Municipalities, Engineers, Architects and Contractors with high quality and cost efficient engineering services. Our projects range in size and complexity from large development projects to small challenging assignments. To enhance the capabilities of technical personnel, GESTRA maintains in house and external training programs. GESTRA provides a wide range of services, starting during the initial planning and feasibility studies to project completion.