Driller Assistant/Exploration Team Member I

Terracon Consultants, Inc.; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking Exploration Team Members (ETMs) in Wichita, Kansas. This entry-level position requires no prior experience and involves performing subsurface exploration duties using various drilling techniques. ETMs will work as part of a team, carrying out tasks such as loading tools, assisting in drilling operations, and collecting soil samples.

Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within the first month. Safety compliance and maintaining quality standards are essential.

Qualifications

• No experience required; entry-level position.
• Ability to drive medium-duty truck and trailer.
• Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Perform subsurface exploration duties using drilling techniques.
• Load tooling and materials for operations.
• Collect soil and rock samples; log field data.

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

General Responsibilities

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In‑situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.

Essential Roles and Responsibilities

• This is an entry level position. No experience is required.
• The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:
  • Load tooling and materials.
  • Assist in drilling operations and instrumentation and monitoring well installation.
  • Collect soil and rock samples and log field data.
  • Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
  • Perform basic surveying and site reconnaissance.
  • Drive a medium‑duty truck and trailer.
  • Learn to inspect and how to maintain equipment.
• Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre‑task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
• Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Limited or no experience required.
• A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.
• Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.