Driller

AET; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

ESOP

Paid time off

Professional development

Job summary

American Engineering Testing (AET) seeks a Driller to independently operate drilling equipment, collect soil and rock samples, and support construction-related projects. The role involves field operations, site preparation, and ensuring safety and regulatory compliance.

The candidate will set up equipment, adjust parameters, and document test boring locations while coordinating with team members. Travel may be required, and mentoring newer drill staff is part of the role.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Class A or B CDL and insurable driving record are required.
• Experience as Driller/Drilling Assistant or similar role preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 60–90% of time, including overnight travel.
• Intermediate knowledge of drilling techniques, methodologies, and equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and ability to perform routine maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Set up drilling equipment independently and calibrate as needed.
• Verify and adjust drilling parameters (rotation speed, torque, feed) per project.
• Execute drilling operations per project specs and guidelines.
• Monitor drilling parameters to ensure accurate sample collection.
• Review instructions and ensure materials and supplies are available.
• Maintain safety by checking equipment and regulatory requirements for boreholes.
• Perform pre-operational checks on tools and machinery.
• Troubleshoot maintenance issues and report to Drill Lead/Supervisor.
• Coordinate with team on site location planning and sample labeling.
• Provide training to Drill Assistants and promote safety.
• Collaborate to meet project objectives and improve processes.

Skills

Drilling experience

Mechanical aptitude

Interpret drilling instructions

Ability to travel 60–90%

Lift and carry heavy equipment

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Class A or B CDL

Insurable driving record and medical card

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 Driller’s main function involves the independent operation of drilling equipment, ensuring execution of drilling operations. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in collecting high-quality soil and rock samples, contributing directly to the success of construction and engineering projects.

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

• Independently set up drilling equipment, ensuring proper assembly and calibration.
• Verify and adjust drilling parameters such as rotation speed, torque, and feed pressure based on project requirements.
• Execute drilling operations following project specifications and guidelines.
• Monitor and control drilling parameters throughout the operation to ensure accurate and efficient sample collection.
• Review project instructions, and ensure all materials and supplies are available for project completion.
• Maintain knowledge of regulatory requirements for sealing of boreholes.
• Conduct regular pre-operational checks to assess the condition of drilling tools, machinery, supporting equipment, and safety devices.
• Perform routine maintenance tasks, including lubrication and replacement of worn components.
• Troubleshooting non-routine maintenance and repair. Promptly reporting any issues to Drill Lead or Drill Supervisor.
• Assess drilling sites and determine optimal locations for drilling.
• Ensure proper site preparation, including marking drilling locations and coordinating with other team members.
• Team with Drill Assistant or Drill Lead to document test boring locations and elevations.
• Assist Drill Assistant in the collection of soil and rock samples, including accurate labeling and documentation.
• Assist Drill Assistant in proper storage procedures for collected samples.
• Identify and troubleshoot technical issues that may arise during drilling operations.
• Collaborate with the team to address challenges and ensure the smooth progression of projects.
• Provide training and mentorship to Drill Assistants or less experienced Drillers.
• Foster a positive learning environment and promote continuous improvement within the team.
• Maintain effective communication with the drilling team and project stakeholders.
• Collaborate with team members to achieve project objectives efficiently.

Safety Responsibilities

• Adhere to all AET safety policies, procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Maintain a safe work environment by identifying and reporting hazards, unsafe conditions, incidents, and near misses.
• Properly wear and utilize all required personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety equipment.
• Participate in safety meetings, training programs, inspections, and other safety-related activities as required or assigned.
• Exercise stop-work authority when an imminent danger presents a risk of serious injury or death and immediately notify supervision.
• Demonstrate personal accountability for safety and actively promote a culture of safety through safe work practices, awareness, and collaboration.

About Us

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.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Class A or B Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• Insurable driving record and ability to obtain a medical card.
• Previous experience as a Drilling Assistant, Driller, or similar role.
• Intermediate knowledge of drilling techniques, methodologies, and equipment.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and the ability to perform routine maintenance tasks.
• Ability to travel up to 60% - 90% of work time including overnight travel.
• Ability to interpret drilling instructions.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment.

Pay Transparency

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $26.00 – $29.00 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.

Work Environment

This job primarily operates primary in a field environment in outdoor conditions, on construction sites with uneven ground and adverse weather conditions. This role secondary operates in an office environment and uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and photocopiers.

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.