Drill Operator Technician

Montana Department of Transportation; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 41,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is seeking a Drill Operator Technician to support subsurface exploration on-site. You will operate drilling and CPT equipment, collect soil and rock samples, and maintain field machinery while traveling across Montana.

This position is part of MDT's Field Investigation Unit career ladder with opportunities for advancement, and requires a high school diploma and CDL with air brake and tanker endorsements during employment.

Qualifications

• The minimum education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Possession of a Commercial Driver's License (Type A or B) with air brake and tanker endorsements during employment.
• Progressive subsurface exploration experience is required for higher levels.

Responsibilities

• Operate specialized drilling and CPT equipment on-site.
• Gather and prepare soil and rock samples for analysis.
• Maintain and repair drill machinery, tools and associated vehicles.

Skills

Drilling operations

CPT equipment operation

Sample collection

Equipment maintenance

Safety procedures

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Cone Penetration Test equipment

Drilling machinery

Field sampling tools

Job description

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Drill Operator Technician. This position serves as a subsurface exploration technician and conducts a variety of on‑site exploration and sampling operations. Duties include operating specialized drilling equipment, Cone Penetration Test equipment, gathering and preparing soil & rock samples and maintaining and repairing drill machinery, equipment, tools, and vehicles. This position reports to the Subsurface exploration Crew Leader and ultimately to the Field Investigation Unit Supervisor and does not directly supervise other agency personnel.

This position is part of the Field Investigation Unit career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

This position frequently travels across the State of Montana.

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families
• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)
• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek
• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness
• Benefits apply on first day of employment
• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

Required Education And Experience

The required minimum knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma. During the first ear of employment attainment of a Commercial Driver's License (Type A or B) is in accordance with the career ladder for these positions and Class B can be an initial step in this process, however the Class A with air brake and tanker endorsement ultimately will be required to be maintained during employment (all levels).

Drill Operator Tech I ($29.59)

• This is an entry level position and does not require any Geotechnical subsurface exploration experience

Drill Operator Tech II ($30.09)

• This is a step higher than the entry level position and requires a minimum of six months of Geotechnical subsurface exploration experience and satisfactory performance of the work elements to advance to Level II found in the career ladder

Drill Operator Tech III ($30.59)

• This is the highest level on the career ladder and requires a minimum of two years of total progressive Geotechnical subsurface exploration experience in Hollow Stem Auger drilling, Odex Drilling or Downhole hammer experience, Casing Advancing or Mud Rotary and Rock coring. With one year of MDT subsurface exploration experience and passage of the field elements test in the career ladder.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of specialized geotechnical subsurface exploration operations, CPT operations, equipment, and tools; techniques of sample collection and preservation; boring layout; and Federal State, and Department exploration policies and procedures
• Knowledge of light duty mechanical repair and/or fabrication and welding procedures, skill in specialized and general maintenance techniques and processes and diagnostic analysis
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of subsurface exploration and sampling: Environmental Protection Agency regulations governing safety and techniques of drilling and sampling soil and water known to be contaminated with hazardous materials
• Knowledge of MUTCD traffic control flagging procedures and possession of a Flagger certificate
• Skill in the safe and effective operation of heavy and hazardous machinery, tools, and vehicles
• Skill in operating, maintaining, and repairing specialized exploration and sampling equipment and tools, vehicles, and various support equipment and hand tools, equipment maintenance and repair, and light duty welding and fabrication
• Ability to work effectively with a team of drillers and in potentially hazardous environments and inclement weather
• Ability to monitor field operation equipment needs and recommend equipment and supply purchases

Other Information

Driver's record will be verified. Successful applicants will be required to sign a release form which authorizes the Department to obtain the applicant's permanent driving records. Compliance with Mont. Admin. R. 2.6.201. "State Vehicle Use," and MDT Policy #6.03.001, "State Vehicle Use Policy" are conditions of employment.

This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial, and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana.

MDT participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. After accepting a job offer and completing Form I-9, your information will be submitted to the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration for verification. For more information about E-Verify, please visit the E-Verify website found here, https://www.e-verify.gov