Driller's Assistant

LaBella Associates; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly wage

Travel per diem

Lodging provided

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Tuition assistance

Profit sharing

Job summary

LaBella Associates in Buffalo, NY is seeking a motivated Driller’s Assistant to join our environmental and geotechnical drilling team. You will support the Lead Driller in operating rigs, collecting soil and groundwater samples, and installing monitoring equipment in outdoor field settings.

This physically demanding role requires good mechanics, strict safety standards, and the ability to travel for regional projects as needed.

Qualifications

• 1+ years in environmental/geotechnical drilling preferred; will train right candidate.
• Must be able to lift up to 75 lbs and work outdoors in all weather.
• CDL license is a major plus; clean driving record preferred.
• OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification desirable but not required at hire.

Responsibilities

• Assist Lead Driller in rig setup, mobilization, and operation.
• Collect soil cores and groundwater samples using standard methods.
• Install groundwater monitoring wells, piezometers, and vapor pins.
• Maintain tools, clean equipment, and prevent cross-contamination.
• Perform routine maintenance on rigs and pumps.
• Mix and pump bentonite grout and restore surfaces after work.

Skills

Physical stamina

Drilling experience

Valid driver's license

HAZWOPER certification

Willingness to travel

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and hardworking Driller’s Assistant to join our environmental and geotechnical drilling team. You will work alongside a Lead Driller to operate drilling rigs, collect soil and groundwater samples, and install monitoring equipment. This physical role requires outdoor field work, strong mechanics, and a commitment to strict safety standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Rig Setup & Operation: Assist the Lead Driller in mobilizing, positioning, and setting up hollow-stem auger and direct-push (Geoprobe) drilling rigs.
• Sampling & Logging: Handle down-hole tools to collect high-quality soil cores and groundwater samples using split-spoon and Shelby tube methods.
• Well Installation: Assist in constructing and installing groundwater monitoring wells, piezometers, and vapor pins.
• Decontamination: Execute meticulous cleaning protocols on all sampling tools and drill rods between boreholes to prevent cross-contamination.
• Maintenance & Repair: Perform daily preventative maintenance, greasing, and minor mechanical repairs on rigs, pumps, and support equipment.
• Site Restoration: Mix and pump bentonite grout to seal boreholes and restore surfaces with asphalt or concrete patches.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 1+ years of experience in environmental, geotechnical, or construction drilling preferred (will train the right candidate).
• Physical Stamina: Ability to lift up to 75 lbs repeatedly, stand for long periods, and work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• License: Valid Driver's License with a clean driving record (CDL Class A or B is a major plus).
• Certifications: OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification is highly desirable but not required at hire.
• Travel: Willingness to travel overnight for regional projects as required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly Wage: $20.00 – $26.00 per hour (commensurate with experience and CDL licensing).
• Travel Per Diem: $65.00 daily allowance for meals and incidentals during overnight regional projects.
• Lodging: 100% company-paid, single-occupancy hotel rooms for all out-of-town assignments.
• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Retirement: 401(k) enrollment with up to a company match.
• Paid Time Off: 2 weeks of accrued PTO plus 6 paid national holidays per year.
• Gear Allowance: $150 annual voucher for steel-toed work boots and company-provided safety gear (PPE)

Body, mind, and wallet—LaBella’s benefits support a holistic approach to your health and wellness, creating the foundation for physical, mental, and financial well-being. Our benefit offerings cover the must-haves (healthcare and retirement), the just-in-cases (insurances and employee assistance programs), and the cherry-on-tops (fitness reimbursements, year-end incentive pay, and tuition assistance). Visit our website for more details on benefits listed below.

• Flexible Work Schedule
• Health/Dental Insurance
• 401k Plan with Employer Match
• Paid Parental Leave
• Short & Long Term Disability
• Profit Sharing
• Paid Time Off
• Leadership Development Program
• Fitness Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Referral Bonus Program
• Wellness Program
• Team Building Events
• Community Service Events

LaBella is committed to facilitating a culture where diversity, equity, and inclusion are respected, valued, and celebrated by implementing thoughtful, practical, and innovative strategies that support our employees and serve the communities in which we reside. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws.