Journey Driller

State of Utah; Taylorsville (UT); On-site; USD 33,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Utah Department of Transportation seeks a Journey Driller to support field drilling operations for geotechnical evaluations and subsurface data collection. The role involves assisting with drilling rigs, equipment maintenance, and strict safety protocols at sites across Utah.

Travel throughout the state, including nights and weekends, is expected. Candidates must pass pre-employment screenings, possess a valid driver license, and be willing to relocate or travel as required.

Qualifications

• Lifts and carries loads up to 100 pounds.
• Capable of demanding outdoor physical labor in varied weather and terrain.
• Willing to travel extensively within Utah including weekends and overnight stays.
• Must possess a valid driver license with clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Operates geotechnical drilling rig at project sites across the state.
• Supports safe and efficient field operations under varying conditions.
• Assists in maintenance and repair of drilling equipment, tools, and vehicles.
• Follows PPE and safety protocols per UDOT guidelines.
• Operates support vehicles in compliance with regulations.
• Maintains accurate field records and documents drilling activities.

Skills

Heavy lifting

Outdoor work

Travel willingness

Driver's license

Job description

The Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) is seeking a Journey Driller to support the planning, design, and construction of Utah’s transportation infrastructure. This position is responsible for assisting with field drilling operations to collect soil and rock samples used in geotechnical engineering evaluations. Supporting UDOT’s mission to keep Utah moving, the successful candidate will collaborate with drilling, geotechnical, and operations teams to gather accurate subsurface data for safe, efficient, and cost-effective transportation solutions.

About The Role

Salary Range: $23.46 - $38.65

FT/PT Status: Full Time

Background Check: You must successfully pass a criminal history check.

Schedule Code: TL - Temporary, at-will (may be considered for conversion to a career service role contingent on funding, performance, and organizational needs.)

Location: Calvin Rampton Building – 4501 South 2700 West, Taylorsville, Utah

Recruiter: Porter Cook I [e-mail]

Application Deadline: 10/7/2026*

• This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Key Responsibilities

• Assists in operation of geotechnical drilling rig at project sites across the state.
• Support safe and efficient field operations under varying terrain and weather conditions.
• Assist in the maintenance and repair of drilling equipment, tools, and support vehicles.
• Ensure proper care and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhere to UDOT’s safety protocols.
• Operate support vehicles safely and in compliance with Utah Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
• Maintain accurate field records and assist in documentation of drilling activities.

What You’ll Bring

• Capacity to repeatedly lift and carry loads of up to 100 pounds.
• Ability to perform demanding physical labor outdoors across diverse weather and terrain conditions.
• Availability and willingness to travel extensively throughout Utah, including weekends, holidays, and overnight stays.
• Possession of a valid driver license combined with a clean driving record.
• Ability to successfully pass all required pre-employment screenings, including a background check, motor vehicle report (MVR), and drug and alcohol testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to obtain a Class A Commercial Driver License (CDL) within six (6) months of hire.
• Previous experience in drilling, construction, or geotechnical fieldwork.
• Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and familiarity with heavy equipment or power tools.
• Knowledge of basic safety procedures and fieldwork best practices.

Why You Should Join Our Team

A Mission That Matters – At UDOT, our mission is to “Enhance quality of life through transportation." "We help the traveling public get where they want, when they want, as safely as possible." By joining our team, you contribute to the framework of Good Health, Connected Communities, Better Mobility, and a Strong Economy for all of Utah.

Our Culture and Values – We aren't just a state agency; we are a team built on an internal culture of Trust, Teamwork, and Flexibility. We live by the values of Respect, Integrity, and Caring. If these values resonate with you, you will find a home here!

The Agency

For more information on the Utah Department of Transportation, click here .

EEO Statement

The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact [phone].