Drill Operator

Harrison Western; Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 37,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Choice of medical plans

Dental and vision coverage

8 paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Harrison Western, headquartered in Lakewood, CO, seeks an experienced Soil Nail & Micropile Drill Operator to join our geotechnical construction team. You will operate drill rigs, perform soil nails, anchors, and grouting installations on projects across the Rocky Mountain region and beyond.

The role requires 2+ years of rig operation experience, willingness to travel extensively, physical stamina, and a safety-first mindset.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating soil nail, micropile, or similar drill rigs.
• Experience in geotechnical, foundation, or heavy civil construction.
• Knowledge of drilling methods such as hollow-bar, open-hole, and duplex drilling.
• Ability to travel extensively and work outdoors in varying conditions.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding work.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate drill rigs including Klemm, Hütte, TEI, WORD, Casagrande and similar equipment.
• Perform drilling for soil nails, anchors, and grouting applications.
• Conduct daily inspections and routine maintenance of drilling equipment.
• Troubleshoot minor mechanical issues and assist with repairs.
• Rigging, hoisting, and spotting for equipment movement.
• Prepare and level work areas for drilling operations.
• Operate support equipment (skid steers, forklifts, excavators, mixers, pumps).
• Assist with general labor duties including material handling, digging, backfilling, and site cleanup.
• Maintain a safe work environment and follow PPE, OSHA, and company safety requirements.
• Travel to project sites across the Rocky Mountain region and beyond.

Skills

Teamwork

Safety conscious

Willing to travel

Physical fitness

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Klemm

Hütte

TEI

WORD

Casagrande

Job description

Join Harrison Western and work on challenging geotechnical construction projects throughout the Rocky Mountain region and beyond.

Harrison Western is a leader in design and construction services for the mining, tunneling, slope stabilization, ground improvement, and deep foundation industries. We are seeking an experienced Soil Nail & Micropile Drill Operator to join our growing team.

In this role, you will operate specialized drilling equipment on projects involving soil nails, tiebacks, micropiles, anchors, and specialty grouting. If you enjoy working outdoors, traveling, and being part of a skilled construction team, we'd like to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate drill rigs including Klemm, Hütte, TEI, WORD, Casagrande, and similar equipment
• Perform drilling for:
  • Soil nails
  • Anchors
  • Grouting applications
• Conduct daily inspections and routine maintenance of drilling equipment
• Troubleshoot minor mechanical issues and assist with repairs
• Perform rigging, hoisting, and spotting activities for equipment movement
• Prepare and level work areas for drilling operations
• Operate support equipment such as skid steers, forklifts, excavators, mixers, and pumps
• Assist with general labor duties including material handling, digging, backfilling, and site cleanup
• Maintain a safe work environment and ensure all PPE, OSHA, and company safety requirements are followed
• Travel to project sites throughout the Rocky Mountain region and other locations across the United States

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating soil nail, micropile, or similar drill rigs
• Experience in geotechnical, foundation, or heavy civil construction
• Knowledge of drilling methods such as:
  • Hollow-bar
  • Open-hole
  • Duplex drilling
• Ability to work safely and effectively in a team environment
• Self-motivated with a strong work ethic and willingness to travel extensively
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physically demanding work
• Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions and uneven terrain
• Ability to travel extensively to different jobsites in the United States

Preferred Qualifications

• First Aid certification
• Experience with grouting, ground improvement, or earth retention systems
• $27.00 - $40.00 per hour (DOE)
• Per diem based on project location
• Choice of three medical plans
• Dental and vision coverage
• 8 paid holidays
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting

Why Harrison Western?

At Harrison Western, you'll work alongside experienced professionals on specialized projects that make a lasting impact. We offer competitive pay, strong benefits, travel opportunities, and a commitment to safety and professional growth.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Harrison Western is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and encourage veterans and individuals with disabilities to apply. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the hiring process, please contact [e-mail].

• Ability to read and interpret plans, layouts, and technical instructions, and to follow established drilling procedures and production targets.
• Basic mechanical skills for routine equipment inspection, maintenance, and minor repairs, including troubleshooting common drilling issues.
• Physical ability to work in underground or industrial environments, including lifting moderate loads, standing for extended periods, and working in varying weather or confined spaces.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to coordinate with supervisors, engineers, and crew members and to complete accurate daily reports and logs.
• Commitment to safety, including adherence to company policies, regulatory requirements, and participation in ongoing safety training.
• High school diploma or equivalent; prior experience in mining, construction, or related trades is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to work varying shifts or overtime as project needs require; reliable transportation to the Lakewood, CO work site.