Driller/Exploration Team Member III

Terracon; Lodi (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking Exploration Team Members in California to perform subsurface exploration using drilling and in-situ testing methods. You will operate drill rigs, install instrumentation, and contribute to safety and quality on diverse projects.

You will work in a small crew, manage routine tasks, and ensure compliance with project plans and safety standards across multiple sites. A valid driver’s license and physical ability are required.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years of drilling experience.
• Valid driver’s license with acceptable history.

Responsibilities

• Operate geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes as required.
• Oversee a 2–3 person drill crew in all tasks.
• Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
• Perform routine maintenance and safety checks on equipment.
• Assist in site reconnaissance and surveying tasks.
• Follow safety rules and pre-task planning.

Skills

Problem solving

Field surveying

Team leadership

Drilling operations

Reading plans

Education

High school diploma

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:

The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:

• Demonstrate an ability to problem solve and implement solutions on routine to moderately complex problems with guidance from management or other senior level ETMs.
• Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region.
• Oversee a 2 or 3 man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations.
• Be proficient in multiple drilling methods common to their region.
• Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
• Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
• Perform surveying, site reconnaissance, and utility clearance tasks.
• Drive all forms of drilling equipment to and from project locations.
• Inspect and complete routine maintenance of equipment.
• Assist in project preparation and pre-task planning.
• 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.
• Minimum 3-years’ experience.
• Proficient in geotechnical and/or environmental drilling methods.
• A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Many states require specific driller/well installation licensure. Where applicable, such licensure is required.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.