Geotechnical Aide

Arkansas Department of Transportation; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 32,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Arkansas Department of Transportation is seeking personnel to assist in the setup, drilling, and sampling for subsurface investigation units across state projects. The role requires a valid driver’s license, ability to operate power tools, and readiness for statewide travel.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent and be able to read and speak English sufficiently to interact with the public and report findings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Ability to read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the public and follow instructions.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to operate power tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist in setup, drilling, and sampling for subsurface investigation units.
• Drive and maintain water trucks and drill-related vehicles.
• Operate and maintain drill rigs and associated tooling.
• Train and assist in field duties and preparation of field documentation.

Skills

Reading English

Speaking English

Driver's license

Power tools

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Drill rigs

Power tools

Job description

Posting closes on 8/31/2026 This position is responsible for assisting in the setup, drilling, and sampling for subsurface investigation units.

Job Details

Description

This position is responsible for assisting in the setup, drilling, and sampling for subsurface investigation units.

Examples of Work

The following examples are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. No attempt is made to be exhaustive. Related, similar, or other logical duties are performed as assigned. The Department may require employees to perform functions beyond those contained in job descriptions. The Department may modify job descriptions based on Department needs. The Arkansas Department of Transportation is an "at will" employer.

• Drive tandem axle water truck on highway and off-road.
• Perform daily maintenance on drill rigs and vehicles.
• Operate chain saw to clear path/drilling area.
• Place cribbing for drill rig set up.
• Unload and arrange tooling.
• Place and seal water recycle pit.
• Operate water transfer track vehicle.
• Join and break drill rod connections.
• Handle and maneuver drill rod and tooling.
• Clean and secure tooling for transport.
• Train and assist in duties involving the operation of drill rigs and the preparation of field documentation.

Minimum Requirements

Education and experience: The educational equivalent to a diploma from an accredited high school.

Knowledge, skills and abilities: Ability to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, and to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.

Physical requirements: Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to use power tools.

Working conditions: Constant statewide travel.

Licenses, registrations and certifications: Valid driver’s license. Applicants for this position must pass the written portion of the exam for a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) with tanker (“N”) endorsement within the first 90 calendar days of hire and the driving portion within 180 calendar days of hire. Failure to pass the written portion of the CDL exam within the 90-day period will result in demotion to the General Laborer job title with a reduction in salary. Subsequently, if the written portion is then passed, employee will be reinstated to the Geotechnical Aide title and pay rate. Failure to obtain the required CDL certification within the 180-day period may result in immediate termination or permanent demotion to the General Laborer title (demotion would depend on the availability of full-time work that does not require a CDL). Successful applicants must meet the physical and mental requirements for a CDL.

A pre-employment drug/alcohol test will be conducted after a contingent offer of employment or transfer has been made, and prior to the candidate performing any work for the Department in that capacity. Internal applicants who are already in a safety-sensitive position will not be subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing; however, offers to internal applicants who are not in a safety-sensitive position will be contingent upon pre-employment drug/alcohol testing. Subject to additional drug/alcohol testing according to the provisions of the ARDOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.

("Accredited" means the educational institution or program is accredited by an accrediting organization recognized either by the United States Department of Education or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.)

This position does not require theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge or a bachelor’s degree or higher in the field; thus, this position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.