Drill Operator

Harrison Western; Lakewood (CO); On-site; USD 56,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Per diem

Medical plans

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

8 paid holidays

401(k) with company match

Job summary

Harrison Western in Lakewood, Colorado is seeking a Drill Operator to support geotechnical, foundation and ground improvement projects. You will operate drilling rigs to install soil nails, micropiles, tiebacks and anchors on diverse worksites across the Rocky Mountain region.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years of field drilling experience, are comfortable traveling extensively, and committed to safety, quality and teamwork on challenging outdoor projects.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience operating soil nails, micropiles, or similar drill rigs.
• Experience in geotechnical, foundation, or heavy civil construction.
• Ability to travel extensively to project sites across the US.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate drill rigs including Klemm, Hütte, TEI, WORD, Casagrande, and similar equipment.
• Perform drilling for soil nails, micropiles, tiebacks, anchors and 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 and site cleanup.

Skills

Soil nail drilling

Micropile drilling

Geotechnical construction

Team collaboration

Safety‑first mindset

Tools

Klemm drill rigs

Hütte rigs

Casagrande

DTH hammer

Open-hole drilling

Job description

Drill Operator

Field - Lakewood, Colorado

Department: Field

Employment Type: Full-Time

Minimum Experience: Mid-level

Compensation: $27.00 - $40.00/per hour

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
  • Micropiles
  • Tiebacks
  • 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
  • Auger
  • Down-the-hole hammer (DTH)
  • 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

• OSHA 10 (or higher) certification
• First Aid certification
• Experience with grouting, ground improvement, or earth retention systems

Compensation & Benefits

• $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].