Driller's Assistant in Buffalo

Energy Jobline ZR; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

401(k) enrollment with company match

Paid Time Off

Holidays

Gear Allowance

Job summary

LaBella Associates is seeking a motivated Driller’s Assistant to join our environmental and geotechnical drilling team. You will work with a Lead Driller to operate rigs, collect soil and groundwater samples, and install monitoring equipment in outdoor field settings, emphasizing safety and operational efficiency.

This physically demanding role requires strong mechanics, the ability to lift up to 75 lbs, and a commitment to rigorous safety standards. Travel for regional projects may be required.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Rig Setup & Operation: Assist the Lead Driller in mobilizing and setting up drilling rigs.
• Sampling & Logging: Collect soil cores and groundwater samples using standard methods.
• Well Installation: Assist in installing groundwater monitoring wells, piezometers, and vapor pins.
• Decontamination: Clean sampling tools and drill rods between boreholes to prevent cross-contamination.
• Maintenance & Repair: Perform daily maintenance and minor repairs on rigs and pumps.
• Site Restoration: Mix and pump grout to seal boreholes and restore surfaces.

Skills

Physical stamina

Outdoor work

Safety minded

Education

OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER

Tools

Geoprobe

Hollow-stem auger

Job description

Job DescriptionJob 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.

Requirements

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 1+ years of experience in environmental, geotechnical, or construction drilling (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 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
• 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 , equity, and 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 , , , , , ancestry, , (including , childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), , expression, , marital status, veteran status, , genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws.

LaBella Associates does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiting professionals or agencies, nor do we accept resumes from any source that does not reference a specific, open position. LaBella Associates will not be responsible for any fees arising from the use of resume submitted by recruiting professionals or agencies that do not have a current placement agreement with LaBella Associates. All initial communication with recruiting professionals or agencies must go through human resources.