Driller's Assistant

UES, Inc.; Maryland Heights (MO); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

UES, Inc. is seeking a Driller's Assistant to join our field team. You will work on geotechnical investigations, environmental drilling, and soil exploration, learning from experienced drillers on diverse project sites.

Expect early mornings, physically active outdoor work, and travel up to 70% regionally. You’ll gain hands-on mechanical and construction experience with growth potential into advanced drilling roles.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 0–3 years of Civil, Geotechnical, or Environmental Field Services experience preferred.
• Construction site, geotechnical drilling, or environmental field services background is a plus.
• OSHA 40‑hour training preferred; must pass OSHA 40HR certification.
• Valid driver’s license; CDL preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Basic computer proficiency; MS Office and FDC software experience.
• Ability to read blueprints, manuals, and technical documents.

Responsibilities

• Collect and test soil, concrete, and other materials to project specs.
• Ensure testing equipment functions and is calibrated per policy.
• Operate drilling-related tools (jackhammers, washers) and equipment.
• Perform manual labor including rig setup and site prep.
• Maintain and clean drilling rigs, trucks, and work areas.
• Complete daily time and labor reports and submit paperwork on time.
• Maintain company vehicles (oil changes, fluids, upkeep).
• Report to sites on time; follow safety protocols and log details daily.
• Adhere to OSHA and safety guidelines; follow project schedules and shifts.
• Travel to local, out-of-town, or extended sites as needed.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Blueprint reading

Time management

Problem solving

Safety awareness

Team player

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Field Data Collection (FDC) software

Job description

Overview

At UES, we’re a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose—to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

Driller's Assistant – Build a Trade. Explore New Places. Learn From the Best.

Are you someone who enjoys working with your hands, solving problems, and spending your days somewhere other than behind a desk? A career in drilling offers the opportunity to learn a specialized trade, work alongside experienced drillers, and play a critical role in projects that help shape communities.

As a Driller's Assistant, you'll be part of a two- or three-person crew performing geotechnical investigations, environmental drilling, monitoring well installations, and soil exploration projects. Every day is different—you may be working in a city, at a construction site, in a remote field location, or traveling to projects across the region.

You'll assist with operating and maintaining drilling rigs, handling drill rods and tooling, collecting samples, setting up equipment, and keeping projects moving safely and efficiently. You'll learn the ins and outs of drilling from experienced professionals while gaining hands‑on mechanical, technical, and construction experience.

What to Expect

• Work outdoors in all types of weather and environments.
• Travel to project sites locally and overnight as needed.
• Operate equipment, tools, and support vehicles.
• Help assemble and disassemble drilling equipment and maintain rigs.
• Be part of a close‑knit crew that relies on teamwork and communication.
• Gain experience in a highly specialized industry with opportunities to grow into a Driller, Crew Chief, Superintendent, or Operations leadership role.

Who Thrives in This Role?

• Individuals who prefer active, hands‑on work over sitting behind a desk.
• People who enjoy mechanics, equipment, and problem‑solving.
• Those who appreciate variety, travel, and working in different locations.
• Candidates who take pride in safety, reliability, and being part of a hardworking team.

Drilling isn't for everyone—it requires early mornings, physical work, and flexibility in scheduling. But for those who enjoy the lifestyle, it can become more than a job; it can become a long‑term career with strong earning potential and opportunities for advancement.

Check out our video about our Drillers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=diJo35VdE70

Responsibilities

• Collect and conduct testing of soil, concrete, and other construction materials to project specifications.
• Ensure all testing equipment is properly functioning, maintained per company and manufacturer policies, and kept within its required calibration cycle.
• Operate various tools and equipment, including pneumatic jackhammers for breaking concrete and water/steam pressure washers for cleaning drilling equipment, rods, augers, bits, casings, trucks, and trailers.
• Perform manual labor tasks, including assembling and disassembling drilling equipment, rig setup, and site preparation.
• Maintain and clean drilling rigs, trucks, and work areas to ensure equipment is in good working condition and meets safety standards.
• Accurately complete daily time and labor reports in accordance with company policy and submit required paperwork on time.
• Properly maintain assigned company vehicles, scheduling oil changes, checking fluid levels, and ensuring regular upkeep of both the interior and exterior.
• Report to job sites on time, follow all safety protocols, and accurately enter work time and project details daily.
• Strictly adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and industry regulations, ensuring compliance with OSHA and workplace safety guidelines.
• Adapt to changing schedules and work hours based on project demands, including the possibility of overnight, weekend, or extended‑hour shifts as needed.
• Travel as required to job sites within the designated region, which may include local, out‑of‑town, or extended stays for larger projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project goals and company initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 0 to 3 years of experience in Civil, Geotechnical, or Environmental Sciences Field Services preferred.
• Prior experience working on construction sites, geotechnical drilling, or environmental field services is a plus.
• 40‑hour OSHA training preferred; must be able to pass and maintain OSHA 40HR certification class.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record required; CDL preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Basic computer proficiency, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Field Data Collection (FDC) software or similar industry tools.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret blueprints, procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports related to drilling, safety, and project requirements.
• Effective time management, problem‑solving, and attention to detail, ensuring efficient and accurate documentation of work.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating a strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to safety.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate hand and power tools, including pneumatic jackhammers, pressure washers, and other drilling‑related equipment.
• Physical capability to lift and carry up to 75 lbs., stand for extended periods, and perform strenuous labor in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours, including overnight stays, weekends, and varying schedules as needed for project demands.

Travel Requirements

This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on‑site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man‑made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
• Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here