Driller Helper

Earth Drilling; Idaho; On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LOA $150/day

Overtime pay

Health, dental, vision, life, and disb

Paid time off

Job summary

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is hiring a Driller Helper to support RC, Diamond Core and Sonic drilling on projects across the United States. You will assist the Lead Driller, handle rods and samples, and help keep the site organized and safe.

This entry-level role offers significant training, career development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits program including LOA, health/dental/vision insurance, paid time off, and overtime pay.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to comply with Health and Safety Management Systems and procedures.
• Willingness to travel and work on-site.
• Reliability and teamwork skills.
• Strong problem-solving and initiative skills.
• CDL is preferred but not required.
• Prior rig or drilling experience is a major asset.
• MSHA safety certification is preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the setup and takedown of drill rigs and support equipment.
• Handle drill rods, casing, core tubes, and sampling components.
• Maintain clean and stocked work areas, including tool storage and sample stations.
• Help collect, label, and transport rock chip or core samples as directed.
• Maintain sample integrity and prevent contamination.
• Assist with packing and organizing core boxes or sample bags for transport.
• Support daily rig inspections and assist in routine maintenance activities.
• Clean equipment and components regularly.
• Report mechanical issues promptly to the Lead Driller or Supervisor.
• Follow all site and company safety protocols and procedures.
• Wear required PPE and participate in safety briefings and toolbox meetings.
• Keep the drill pad clean, free of obstructions, and organized.
• Load, carry, and position drill rods and other heavy materials.
• Operate hand tools and assist with machinery under supervision.
• Work in physically demanding conditions including various terrains and weather.
• Other duties as required.

Skills

Reliability

Teamwork

Problem solving

Initiative

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

MSHA safety certification

Tools

CDL (preferred)

Job description

Position: Driller Helper

About Us:

Harris Exploration, a division of Earth Drilling, is hiring Driller Helpers to support mineral exploration projects across the United States. We are a trusted source for drilling and installation services in California, Nevada and Arizona with certifications recognized by the International Ground Source Heat Pump Association. We specialize in a variety of drilling solutions, from mineral exploration to water well recovery and geotechnical engineering. Our team of professionals use cutting-edge dual tube RC technology, wireline core methods and more for obtaining soil and rock samples with precision accuracy.

About the job:

• This is a full‑time, permanent position.
• Candidates can be based anywhere in the USA; they will be flown to project sites by the Company.
• Project sites are primarily based in Nevada, Arizona, and California.
• Generally, employees work 20 days on / 10 days off.
• This is an entry‑level position with significant training and career development opportunities.
• It’s an excellent opportunity for motivated workers seeking to build a career in mineral exploration with strong pay, allowances, and benefits.
• We offer a competitive and comprehensive compensation program, including:
  • Competitive hourly pay rates
  • Living Out Allowance (LOA) of $150.00 USD paid daily
  • Regular overtime pay
  • Comprehensive insurance program: health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance
  • Paid time off

Job Responsibilities:

The Driller Helper is responsible for supporting drilling operations by assisting the Lead Driller in daily tasks associated with both Reverse Circulation (RC), Diamond Core and Sonic drilling activities. This role is essential to maintaining operational efficiency, safety, and equipment readiness on‑site. The Driller Helper performs manual labor, prepares tools and supplies, and ensures the rig site remains organized and hazard‑free.

Operational Support

• Assist with the setup and takedown of drill rigs and support equipment.
• Handle drill rods, casing, core tubes, and sampling components.
• Maintain clean and stocked work areas, including tool storage and sample stations.

Sample Handling

• Help collect, label, and transport rock chip or core samples as directed.
• Maintain sample integrity and prevent contamination.
• Assist with packing and organizing core boxes or sample bags for transport.

Equipment Maintenance Assistance

• Support daily rig inspections and assist in routine maintenance activities.
• Clean equipment and components regularly.
• Report mechanical issues promptly to the Lead Driller or Supervisor.

Safety and Housekeeping

• Follow all site and company safety protocols and procedures.
• Wear required PPE and participate in safety briefings and toolbox meetings.
• Keep the drill pad clean, free of obstructions, and organized.

Physical Labor

• Load, carry, and position drill rods and other heavy materials.
• Operate hand tools and assist with machinery under supervision.
• Work in physically demanding conditions including various terrains and weather.
• Other duties as required.

Job Requirements:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to comply with Health and Safety Management Systems and procedures
• Willingness to travel and work on‑site
• Reliability and teamwork skills
• Strong problem‑solving and initiative skills
• CDL is preferred but not required
• Prior rig or drilling experience is a major asset
• MSHA safety certification is preferred, but not required

Equal Opportunity Employer

Harris Exploration is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, veteran status, and any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local anti‑discrimination laws.