Drill Assistant

AET; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

American Engineering Testing (AET) is seeking an entry-level Drill Assistant to support geotechnical drilling operations, equipment setup, maintenance, and field data collection. This role offers growth toward higher drilling positions and hands-on training in geotechnical methods.

You will work closely with Drillers, perform routine equipment checks, assist site prep, and document boring locations. Outdoor work in varying weather is expected, with travel up to 80% for project sites.

Qualifications

• Class D Driver’s License required.
• Insurable driving record and ability to obtain a medical card.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Travel up to 20–80% of work time, including overnight travel.

Responsibilities

• Set up, calibrate, and operate drilling equipment with Drillers/Lead Drillers.
• Perform pre-operational checks and report issues.
• Assist in site preparation and ensure access for drilling equipment.
• Support geotechnical investigations and soil sampling.
• Review utility locate information before operations.
• Document boring test locations and elevations.
• Collect, label, and transport soil and rock samples following protocols.
• Prepare detailed field logs of borings including soil classifications.

Skills

Class D License

Insurable driving record

Heavy lifting capability

Outdoor work in varying weather

Travel willingness (up to 80%)

Job description

At American Engineering Testing (AET), we believe that people are the heart of innovation. We create an environment that values teamwork, curiosity, and continuous improvement while delivering innovative engineering and consulting solutions. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we deliver comprehensive testing, analysis, and design to reduce uncertainty in construction projects and offer rewarding work, exceptional training, and career development opportunities.

Job Summary

The Drill Assistant is a foundational role within the Geotechnical Drillers Job Family at American Engineering Testing (AET). In this position, you will play a vital role in supporting geotechnical drilling operations by assisting with equipment setup, maintenance, and the collection of high-quality field data.

This entry-level role offers an excellent opportunity to develop core technical skills, gain practical experience in geotechnical methods, and set the stage for future progression into higher-level drilling positions.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Reasonable accommodations or workable solutions may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Work closely with Drillers or Lead Drillers to set up, calibrate, and operate drilling equipment.
• Conduct thorough pre-operational checks on equipment and report any issues promptly.
• Assist in site preparation activities, including marking drilling locations and ensuring clear access for drilling equipment.
• Support the execution of geotechnical investigations and soil sampling.
• Collaborate with Drillers or Drill Leads to review utility locate information before commencing operations.
• Team with Drillers or Drill Leads to document boring test locations and elevations.
• Assist in the collection, labeling, and transport of soil and rock samples, ensuring adherence to established protocols.
• Follow proper procedures for the storage and documentation of collected samples.
• Prepare detailed written field logs of borings, including assessments of soil classifications and apparent geologic origins.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks on drilling equipment to ensure optimal functionality.
• Review project instructions to verify that all materials and supplies are available for successful project completion.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements, including those for sealing boreholes, and ensure operations are compliant.
• Maintain effective communication with the drilling team and project stakeholders throughout project execution.
• Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot issues and achieve project objectives efficiently.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Class D Driver’s License
• Insurable driving record and ability to obtain a medical card.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment.
• Willingness to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to travel up to 20% - 80% of work time including overnight travel.
• Prior experience in a field or technical role is beneficial but not mandatory.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required safety and operational certifications as mandated by AET.

Preferred Skills

• Class A or B Driver’s License or willingness to obtain one if required.
• Previous experience in a similar role or a strong mechanical aptitude.
• Basic understanding of geotechnical drilling techniques.

Pay Transparency

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $25.00 - $27.00 per hour based on skill set and experience. AET offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, insurance, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), long term savings, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future.

This role is a blend of field and occasional office environments. You will spend significant time outdoors at various project sites, facing diverse weather conditions and physically demanding tasks. Flexibility and resilience in a dynamic environment are essential.

Physical Demands

Capable of the physical labor required including work at hazardous waste sites, with personal protective equipment.

• Ability to:
• Frequently lift 30-60 pounds from the floor to 2 feet.
• Occasionally lift 60-100 pounds from the floor to 2 feet.
• Frequently carry 30-60 pounds for 10-30 feet.
• Occasionally carry 60-100 pounds for 10-30 feet.
• Stand 80% of the day (often on uneven surfaces).
• Move 80% of the day, with frequent bending and stooping.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Third Party Disclosure

Notice to Third Party Agencies: AET does not accept unsolicited resumes from third party recruiting firms. Absent a signed Service Agreement by AET’s Chief People Officer (CPO), AET reserves the right to pursue and hire these candidates without financial obligation to recruiters or agencies.