Driller/Exploration Team Member IV

Terracon; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking Exploration Team Members to perform subsurface exploration using drilling and in-situ testing methods across various sites. You will operate drill rigs, install monitoring wells, and collaborate with a crew to ensure timely, safe execution of field tasks.

The role requires 5+ years in geotechnical or environmental drilling, a valid driver’s license, and the ability to work across diverse field sites. DOT logs and field paperwork are part of daily duties.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 5-years’ experience.
• Proficient in geotechnical and/or environmental drilling methods.
• A valid driver’s license may be required.
• Licensure may be required in many states.

Responsibilities

• Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to required depths.
• Lead a 2 or 3 person drill crew and develop their skills.
• Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
• Perform routine repairs and maintenance on drilling equipment.
• Perform surveying, site reconnaissance, and utility clearance tasks.
• Drive drilling equipment to project locations.
• Train junior staff in drilling methods.
• Follow safety rules and report safety concerns to management.
• Maintain quality standards on projects.

Skills

Geotechnical drilling

Drill rig operation

Team leadership

Site reconnaissance

Safety compliance

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Geotechnical drilling equipment

Instrumentation installation

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 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.