Drilling Supervisor

GESTRA Engineering, Inc.; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vehicle allowance

Company vehicle

Job summary

GESTRA Engineering, Inc. in Milwaukee seeks a seasoned Drilling Supervisor to guide geotechnical drilling operations, support field crews, and coordinate field logistics.

You will split time 50/50 between on-site visits and office planning, serving as technical lead, mentoring crews, and ensuring safety compliance across all active projects.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of hands-on lead geotechnical drilling experience.
• Deep understanding of geotechnical drilling methods and field equipment mechanics.
• Strong organizational skills to assist management with logistics, tracking, and scheduling from the office.
• Comfortably split time between field visits and office coordination (50/50).
• Solid working knowledge of utility clearance protocols and OSHA standards.

Responsibilities

• Field Logistics & Site Preparation: assess terrain, rig access, utility clearance, and site hazards.
• Field Crew Technical Support: troubleshoot drilling challenges and mentor personnel.
• Drill Crew Training: provide training on logging, sampling, and rock core techniques.
• On-Call Availability: assist field teams to resolve real-time site issues.
• Safety Audits & Compliance: perform field safety checks and enforce OSHA regulations.

Skills

Geotechnical drilling leadership

Field logistics management

Mentoring personnel

Office coordination

On-call support

Tools

Hollow-stem auger

Mud rotary

Rock coring

SPT sampling

OSHA compliance

Job description

GESTRA Engineering, Inc. is seeking a seasoned, detail-oriented Drilling Supervisor to support our geotechnical drilling operations. This position works directly alongside the Drilling Department Manager to keep our crews, rigs, and field logistics running seamlessly. In this role, you will serve as the technical authority for our field crews and the primary right-hand support for department management. If you are a veteran Lead Geotechnical Driller looking to transition your expertise into a role that combines hands-on technical crew support with field planning and administrative coordination, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

Field Logistics & Site Preparation

Site Visits & Walk-Downs: Conduct field walk-downs to assess terrain,rig access, utility clearance, and site hazards prior to project mobilization.

Utility Locates & Layouts: Verify public and private utility clearances (811/One Call) and accurately lay out boring/drilling locations.

Traffic Control Coordination: Organize and coordinate traffic control measures, safety zones, and local permitting for work along roadways.

Equipment & Rig Access: Plan safe access routes, staging areas, and equipment rental logistics for job sites.

Technical Leadership & Crew Support

Field Crew Technical Support: Serve as the primary technical resource for crews—troubleshooting drilling challenges, mentoring personnel, and ensuring high-quality sampling.

Drill Crew Training: Provide trainingto drill helpers as well as drillers on logging, sampling, and various drilling and rock coring techniques.

On-Call Availability: Provide reliable on-call assistance to field teams to resolve real-time site issues or technical questions.

Safety Audits & Compliance: Perform field safety checks, enforce OSHA regulations, and champion safety protocols across all active crews.

Requirements

Experience: Minimum of 10 years of hands-on experience in lead geotechnical drilling operations.

Technical Mastery: Deep understanding of geotechnical drilling methods (hollow-stem auger, mud rotary, rock coring, SPT sampling) and field equipment mechanics.

Support Skills: Strong organizational skills to assist department management with logistics, tracking, and scheduling from the office.

Work Split Capability: Comfortably split time between active field site visits/crew support (50%) and office-based coordination and maintenance planning (50%).

Safety Knowledge: Solid working knowledge of utility clearance protocols, OSHA standards, construction site and heavy machine operating safety.

Flexibility: Willingness to be on call during active work hours to support field teams.

Licensing & Certifications:

Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record (CDL preferred).

OSHA 40-Hour HAZWOPER and/or OSHA 10/30-Hour Construction certifications preferred.

Why Join Us?

Exciting Projects: Work on a variety of diverse and challenging civil and geotechnical projects throughout the region.

Competitive salary commensurate with experience

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Long-term career stability

Vehicle/travel allowance or company vehicle for field duties

About the Company

GESTRA Engineering, Inc. is a full service geotechnical engineering consulting firm headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. GESTRA specializes in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, geotechnical and environmental drilling. GESTRA was founded in 2000 to provide Government Agencies, Municipalities, Engineers, Architects and Contractors with high quality and cost efficient engineering services. Our projects range in size and complexity from large development projects to small challenging assignments. To enhance the capabilities of technical personnel, GESTRA maintains in house and external training programs. GESTRA provides a wide range of services, starting during the initial planning and feasibility studies to project completion.