Drill Lead

AET; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 88,000; 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) seeks a Drill Lead to oversee on-site drilling operations, ensuring safety, quality, and regulatory compliance while mentoring the crew. The role blends field leadership with technical oversight in geotechnical projects.

You will coordinate with project managers and engineers, manage equipment, and maintain thorough field documentation. Strong communication and adaptability are essential for success in varying site conditions.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years geotechnical drilling experience.
• Class D driver's license; ability to obtain medical card.
• Travel up to 80% including overnight travel.
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment.
• Maintain required safety and operational certifications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate daily drilling operations on-site.
• Ensure activities follow project plans, schedules, and safety protocols.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to drilling staff.
• Foster communication between field team and management.
• Oversee setup, calibration and operation of drilling equipment.
• Document field data, boring locations, elevations, and observations.
• Prepare detailed logs and interim/final reports for management.

Skills

Strong technical aptitude

Effective communication

Clear work direction

Problem-solving & troubleshooting

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical or vocational drilling training

Tools

Drilling equipment knowledge

Geotechnical sampling techniques

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 Lead is a pivotal leadership role within the Geotechnical Drillers Job Family at American Engineering Testing (AET). This position is responsible for overseeing daily drilling operations, ensuring safe and efficient execution of projects, and providing technical direction and mentorship to the drilling team. The Drill Lead coordinates with project managers, engineers, and clients to guarantee that drilling activities adhere to quality, safety, and regulatory standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

• Lead and coordinate daily drilling operations on-site, supervising Drill Operators (Levels 1-3) and Drill Assistants.
• Ensure drilling activities are executed in line with project plans, schedules, and safety protocols.
• Assign tasks and monitor performance, providing technical guidance and mentorship to drilling staff.
• Foster effective communication between the field team and project management.
• Technical Oversight & Quality Control:
• Supervise the setup, calibration, and operation of drilling equipment.
• Conduct regular quality checks on drilling activities, sample collection, and field data documentation.
• Oversee the accurate documentation of test boring locations, elevations, and geologic observations.
• Enforce strict adherence to AET’s safety standards and PPE requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements, including borehole sealing and environmental compliance, ensuring all operations meet these standards.
• Collaborate with project managers and engineering teams to review project instructions and verify that all materials and supplies are available for project completion.
• Adjust operational strategies based on field conditions and project needs.
• Oversee routine maintenance tasks and coordinate repairs for drilling equipment to ensure operational efficiency.
• Address technical issues promptly and liaise with maintenance personnel for advanced troubleshooting.
• Prepare detailed daily and weekly field logs summarizing drilling progress, equipment performance, and any encountered issues.
• Provide comprehensive reports to higher management and participate in post-project reviews.
• Mentor less experienced team members, sharing technical expertise and best practices to drive continuous improvement on-site.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position does not include formal managerial responsibilities. While Drill Leads provide work direction and technical leadership, all official supervisory and performance management functions are handled by the Drill Supervisor.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent; technical or vocational training in drilling operations or related fields is preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in geotechnical drilling operations.
• 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.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required safety and operational certifications as mandated by AET.
• Strong technical aptitude, effective communication skills, and the ability to provide clear work direction in a dynamic field environment.

Preferred Skills

• Class A or B Driver’s License or willingness to obtain one if required.
• Advanced knowledge of drilling equipment and geotechnical sampling techniques.
• Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.
• Proven ability to guide team members in a non-managerial capacity.
• Strong documentation and reporting abilities.
• Familiarity with regulatory and safety requirements in drilling operations.

Pay Transparency

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $32.00 - $40.00 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.

Additional Notes

The primary differentiator among Drill Operator 1, 2, and 3 levels is the degree of experience and autonomy in performing complex drilling operations.

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.