Drilling Department Manager

Terracon Consultants, Inc.; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon Consultants, Inc. seeks an Exploration Team Department Manager to lead a growing Dallas-based drilling team. You will oversee projects across Dallas–Fort Worth–Frisco–Abilene, shaping proposals, budgets and schedules while ensuring safety and quality.

The role reports to the Geotechnical Department Manager and requires strong leadership and subsurface exploration expertise. You will manage daily operations, coordinate resources and mentor staff, driving project delivery and client

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Geology and 5 years' site exploration experience, or 9+ years in related roles.
• 3–5 years of management experience preferred.
• Proficient knowledge of drilling methods including mud rotary, auger and coring.

Responsibilities

• Supervise exploration projects to ensure on-time delivery per client and company standards.
• Prepare proposals and cost estimates with proper scope, schedule and pricing.
• Oversee daily drilling operations across multiple offices and coordinate safety practices.
• Monitor equipment utilization, scheduling, and logistics for exploration teams.
• Lead staff training, performance reviews and business development efforts.

Skills

Team leadership

Drilling methods knowledge

Safety leadership

Education

Engineering or Geology degree

Job description

General Responsibilities:

Are you ready to lead a growing and dynamic exploration team in Dallas, Texas? Terracon's DFW operations is looking for a dynamic Exploration Team Department Manager to help shape the next chapter of our success. The position will be located in Terracon's Dallas, Texas office and report to our Geotechnical Department Manager. This position will oversee drilling operations in support of our Dallas, Fort Worth, Frisco and Abilene offices.

As Our Exploration Team Department Manager, You will supervise or monitor all exploration projects to ensure that work is executed on time and in accordance with the client's requirements and within company policies, procedures and standards. You will also help prepare proposals and Cost estimates for clients that include proper scoping of services, schedule and pricing. you will oversee the daily operations of the drilling team including:

• Scheduling


• Utilization of equipment and facilities


• Safety oversight


• Timely delivery of services and deliverables


• Quality review of deliverables


• Procurement of exploration equipment and consumables


• Staff training, development, and performance reviews


• Exploration team business planning, including helping to identify, develop, win, and execute project opportunities and build and maintain client relationships.

A successful candidate will have experience with subsurface exploration techniques, be a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual comfortable leading a team and working in close collaboration with our geotechnical engineers.

Why This Role Is Exciting

• Huge opportunity for a motivated individual to grow their career and help Terracon continue our incredible growth in DFW exploration services.


• Collaborative network: Terracon has the largest fleet of drill rigs in the country and our drilling teams are supported across the country with resources and experts in the industry.


• Excellent position for someone who wants to lean into management while staying in the exciting and hands-on world of exploration.


• Growing organization: Terracon continues to expand nationwide, offering stability, opportunity, and longterm potential.

If you\'re excited to take on a role where you can truly make an impact - while contributing to a growing, peoplefocused organization - we\'d love to hear from you!

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Execute the initiatives of regional exploration services including development of drilling safety practices/initiatives, drill rig inspection programs, and compliance.


• Oversee and ensure consistent operations and practices of drilling teams by providing training, drill rig safety inspections, and monitoring/balancing workload (employees, rigs, and projects).


• Communicate and monitor Terracon's safety expectations and culture to the drilling team. Leverage the manager position to hold staff accountable for following safety rules and guidelines to ensure every employee gets home safely every day.


• Oversee the development of drilling packets for the drill teams providing clear and concise instructions for the project with appropriate safety and utility clearance documentation.


• Monitor the performance of drilling teams through site visits, safety incident and near miss investigations, quality audits, and metrics.


• Provide leadership and direction on drilling practices and rig utilization/fleet management to local offices.


• Partner with other Regional/Divisional Exploration Managers to develop and deliver coordinated and consistent exploration services across all regions.


• Monitor safety, quality, and production of regional teams and provide recommendations for improvement to Division/Service Line Management.


• Assist local offices with marketing activities related to exploration services including pricing, planning, and drill methods.


• Participate and provide input in the recruitment, interview, and selection process for drillers.


• Develop understanding and be aware of project-related risk. Be familiar with what could go wrong on a project and how to protect the Company. Be familiar with company risk policies.


• Promote continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects.

Requirements:

• Commitment to safety and ability to communicate a safety mindset effectively to your team.


• Bachelor\'s degree in technical discipline practiced by the Firm including Engineering or Geology and 5 years\' site exploration experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 9 years\' related experience.


• 3-5 years management experience preferred.


• Proficient knowledge of multiple drilling methods including mud rotary, auger and coring techniques.


• OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour course; or must attend within 90 days of hire.


• Valid driver\'s license with acceptable violation history.