Driller/Exploration Team Member IV

Terracon; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon in Chattanooga, TN is seeking an Exploration Team Member (ETM) to perform subsurface exploration using conventional drilling and in-situ testing techniques. You will work as part of a small crew, operate drill rigs, install monitoring instrumentation, and contribute to field documentation and safety compliance.

The role requires a high school diploma or equivalent and a minimum of 5 years in geotechnical or environmental drilling. A valid driver's license is expected.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 5‑years’ experience.
• Proficient in geotechnical and/or environmental drilling methods.
• A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate problem solving on moderately to complex problems with guidance from management or senior ETMs.
• Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to required depths.
• Lead a 2 or 3 person drill crew and support their development in drilling tasks.
• Be proficient in all drilling methods common to the region.
• Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
• Perform routine repairs and maintenance on equipment.
• Perform surveying, site reconnaissance, and utility clearance tasks.
• Inspect and complete routine maintenance of equipment.
• Follow safety rules and participate in pre-task planning.
• Train junior staff in drilling methods.
• Maintain quality standards on all projects.

Skills

Drilling operations

Team leadership

Site reconnaissance

Safety compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Geotechnical drill rigs

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

• Demonstrate an ability to problem solve and implement solutions on moderately to very 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.
• Lead a 2 or 3 man drill crew and support their development in all tasks associated with drilling operations.
• Be proficient in all 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.
• Support project preparation and pre-task planning.
• Train junior staff in drilling methods.
• 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 5‑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.