Drillers and Driller Assistants

S&ME, Inc.; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental & Vision plans

ESOP with min 5% company contribution

401(k) Retirement Plan

Paid Holidays and PTO

Tuition Reimbursement

Company Vehicle & Fuel Card

Job summary

S&ME Inc. is seeking Drillers and Driller Assistants for our Field Exploration team across multiple locations, including Knoxville. This is hands-on, field-based work not a desk job, with opportunities to learn, lead, and grow in a 100% employee-owned company.

You’ll participate in geotechnical drilling operations, collect and document soil samples, and help coordinate field activities while advancing your skills under mentorship and safety-driven processes.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Entry-level Driller Assistant: no drilling experience required.
• Driller I: CDL and Driller License preferred.
• Driller II: 5+ years drilling; CDL and Driller License required.
• Senior Driller: 10+ years; CDL and Driller License required.
• English communication skills.
• Vehicle and equipment maintenance basics.

Responsibilities

• Assist with geotechnical drilling using hollow-stem auger, mud rotary, and rock coring.
• Collect and log samples; complete boring logs; submit daily summaries.
• Prepare, transport, inspect, and maintain drill rigs and related equipment.
• Ensure safety and quality per project specs.
• Coordinate field activities and report progress to teams.
• Lead or train junior staff as experience grows.

Skills

English communication

Vehicle & equipment maintenance

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

CDL

Driller License

Job description

Drillers and Driller Assistants

Requisition Number: 2026-2190-10

Join our Drilling/Field Exploration team. We are hiring across experience levels, from entry-level Driller Assistants to experienced Drillers. This isn't a desk job. Whether you're new to drilling or ready to take on more responsibility, bring your work ethic, dependability, and willingness to get your hands dirty, and you can build your career with S&ME at one of our locations across our footprint. S&ME's Field Exploration team offers opportunities to learn, lead, and grow.

Build Your Career. Own Your Future.

At S&ME, you're more than just an employee; you're an employee-owner of a 100% employee-owned company that has been solving complex geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials testing challenges for over 50 years. We're invested in your success and offer a career path with growth opportunities, training, and hands‑on experience. Join a team that values safety, integrity, and teamwork while offering industry‑leading benefits designed to help you thrive - on and off the job, including but not limited to:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a minimum 5% company contribution & automatic enrollment, no matter your role
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Holidays and Paid Time Off (PTO) - with rollover options
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Maternity & Parental Leave
• Mentorship & Career Development Programs
• Credential Incentive Program - get rewarded for advancing your skills
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Recognition Program
• Company Vehicle & Fuel Card - for project-based roles
• $2,000 Employee Referral Bonuses - and more!

Your Role: Hands-On, Impactful, and Fast-Paced

As a member of our Field Exploration team, you will support or perform geotechnical drilling operations used to collect soil and rock samples and document subsurface conditions. Depending on your experience, you may assist an experienced driller, operate drilling equipment, coordinate field activities, train junior team members, or provide technical leadership on large or specialty drilling projects.

Entry-level team members receive direction while developing their field and equipment knowledge. Experienced drillers take greater responsibility for drilling operations, project coordination, quality, equipment readiness, field documentation, and team leadership

What You'll Do:

• Drilling Operations: Assist with or perform geotechnical drilling using methods that may include hollow-stem auger, mud rotary, and rock coring.
• Field Sampling & Documentation: Collect and log samples, complete boring logs, and submit accurate daily summaries.
• Equipment & Mobilization: Prepare, transport, inspect, and maintain drill rigs, vehicles, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Quality & Safety: Complete work safely and in accordance with drilling methods, project specifications, and quality requirements.
• Project Coordination: Communicate field conditions and progress to project teams and, at advanced levels, coordinate the daily activities of assigned field staff.
• Leadership & Technical Support: Depending on experience, train junior staff, provide drilling guidance, support complex projects, and participate in client meetings.

What We're Looking For:

• High school diploma or GED
  • Driller Assistant: Entry-level; no previous drilling experience required.
  • Driller I: Previous drilling experience preferred. CDL and Driller License preferred.
  • Driller II: 5+ years of relevant experience with competency in multiple drilling methods. CDL and Driller License required.
  • Senior Driller: 10+ years of relevant experience with advanced drilling, project leadership, and team development capabilities. CDL and Driller License required.
• Effective communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing) in English language
• The understanding and skills for routine vehicle and equipment maintenance

Compensation and position level will be based on experience, licenses, drilling capabilities such as multiple drilling methods, including hollow stem auger, mud rotary, and rock coring techniques, and leadership background.

Field Work, Schedule & Travel:

This is physically demanding work performed outdoors in changing weather, on rough terrain, and at project sites that require extensive overnight travel. Project schedules and locations can change based on operational needs, and occasional work outside normal business hours may be required. Hotel accommodation and per diem are provided for qualifying out-of-town assignments. Use of Company-provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

• Lifting and carrying 40-50 lbs. of materials and equipment
• Safely handling field tools and maneuvering equipment on active construction sites

Why Join Us?

At S&ME, your career growth matters; you matter. You'll receive professional training, mentorship, and support to work on challenging projects and be part of a company that truly invests in its people. Every employee benefits from our employee-ownership program, no matter your role. This is more than a job; it's a chance to build a long-term career in the engineering and construction industry.

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.