Driller III/Crew Chief

Terracon; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Terracon is seeking an experienced Driller III to join our geotechnical and environmental drilling teams. You will lead a crew, operate drilling rigs, and contribute to projects across our regional portfolio with a focus on safety and quality.

Responsibilities include supervising a 2-3 person crew, advancing boreholes, installing monitoring wells, and maintaining field documentation. CDL and strong field skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years geotechnical and/or environmental drilling experience.
• Experience leading or supervising a drilling crew.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) required.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate geotechnical drilling rigs and support equipment.
• Lead and mentor a 2- to 3-person drill crew.
• Advance borings to required depths using multiple drilling methods.
• Install monitoring wells and instrumentation.
• Complete daily drilling logs and field reports.

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Build your career with Terracon!

Are you an experienced driller looking for more than just another drilling job? At Terracon, you'll join one of the nation's leading consulting engineering firms and work alongside a team that values safety, teamwork, technical excellence, and the critical role drillers play in every project's success.

We're looking for skilled drillers who take pride in their craft and want to work for a company that invests in its people, equipment, and long-term success. Whether your expertise is in geotechnical or environmental drilling, you'll have the opportunity to lead projects, mentor crew members, operate modern equipment, and contribute to high-profile projects that shape communities throughout the region.

If you enjoy working outdoors, operating heavy equipment, solving challenges in the field, and leading crews, this is an opportunity to take the next step in your career with an industry leader known for its strong safety culture, professional growth opportunities, and commitment to employee success.

At Terracon, drillers are more than equipment operators—they are trusted technical professionals who play a critical role in delivering successful projects. If you're ready to join a company that values your experience, supports your growth, and offers long-term career opportunities, we'd like to hear from you. Terracon operates the largest drilling fleet of any geotechnical engineering firm in the United States, giving our drillers access to diverse projects, modern equipment, and unmatched opportunities for career growth.

Essential Roles And Responsibilities

What You'll Do:

As a Driller III, you will perform subsurface exploration activities using a variety of drilling techniques, including auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, and diamond coring methods. You will work as part of a dedicated team and serve as a crew leader on projects involving geotechnical investigations, environmental assessments, and instrumentation installations.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Safely operate geotechnical drilling rigs and support equipment.
• Lead and mentor a 2- to 3-person drill crew.
• Advance borings to required depths using multiple drilling methods.
• Install monitoring wells, piezometers, inclinometers, and other instrumentation.
• Perform site reconnaissance, utility clearance verification, and field surveying.
• Load, unload, and transport drilling equipment, tooling, materials, and samples.
• Classify soil and rock samples and assist with field documentation.
• Complete daily drilling logs, field reports, DOT logs, and other project documentation.
• Conduct routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment.
• Assist with project planning and pre-task safety meetings.
• Troubleshoot field challenges and implement practical solutions with support from management and senior drilling staff.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3-years of geotechnical and/or environmental drilling experience.
• Demonstrated experience operating drilling equipment and supporting field operations.
• Previous experience leading or supervising a drilling crew.
• Proficiency with drilling methods commonly used in the region.
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
• A valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history may be required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minnesota Department of Health Monitoring Well Contractor Certification.
• Experience installing monitoring wells and geotechnical instrumentation.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills.
• Experience working with clients, utilities, and project stakeholders in the field.

Required Qualifications

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