Senior Driller

Engineering Consulting Service; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies is seeking a Senior Driller for geotechnical field operations across projects of moderate complexity. The role emphasizes independent field work, mentoring junior staff, and maintaining safety and quality standards.

Candidates should have extensive drilling experience, GPS data collection skills, and ability to travel for assignments. The position is hands-on and primarily field-based, requiring travel and non-standard schedules as needed to meet project timelines.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• 5 years of related experience.
• Class A CDL preferred or required when driving for ECS subsidiaries.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with GPS systems.
• Hands-on experience with drill rigs, push rigs, sampling methods.
• Advanced mechanical aptitude, including hydraulic systems repair.
• Ability to read maps, follow directions, and interpret field data.
• Ability to travel overnight and work non-standard schedules.

Responsibilities

• Perform drilling operations, including borings and Geoprobe work.
• Operate Geoprobe equipment to collect soil samples and CPT data.
• Operate drilling equipment and adjust parameters as needed.
• Monitor drilling progress, change drill bits, and remove debris.
• Locate boring positions using maps, plans, or GPS.
• Record drilling data accurately and submit field reports.
• Mentor and train Driller Helpers and Drillers.
• Perform maintenance on drill rigs and support trucks.
• Troubleshoot mechanical, hydraulic, and basic electrical issues.
• Plan daily activities to meet productivity goals.
• Ensure a safe, healthy, and environmentally compliant work environment.

Skills

Geotechnical drilling

Drilling equipment operation

GPS data collection

Field data recording

Safety compliance

Maintenance and repair

Communication skills

Overnight travel

Reading maps

Hydraulic systems knowledge

Education

High School diploma or GED

Tools

Geoprobe equipment

Drill rigs

Push rigs

CPT data collection tools

Job description

Responsibilities

The Senior Driller performs advanced geotechnical drilling operations on projects of moderate complexity, including operating drilling equipment, collecting subsurface data, and ensuring safe and efficient field execution. This role works with significant independence and is responsible for mentoring and training junior staff. The Senior Driller operates primarily in the field, including out-of-town assignments, and maintains a positive customer service attitude while exemplifying ECS Core Values.

Responsibilities

• Performs drilling operations, including borings and Geoprobe work
• Operates Geoprobe equipment to collect soil samples and Cone Penetration Test (CPT) data
• Operates drilling equipment (rotary, churn, pneumatic) and adjusts drilling parameters such as bit weight and rotational speed
• Monitors drilling progress, changes drill bits, and removes debris as needed
• Locates boring positions using maps, plans, or GPS systems
• Records all required drilling data accurately
• Reports project-specific issues to the Project Manager or Supervisor
• Performs routine maintenance on drill rigs and support trucks and reports repair needs
• Troubleshoots mechanical, hydraulic, and basic electrical issues
• Loads drill rigs and support vehicles with required supplies each day
• Plans daily activities to meet productivity goals set by the Drilling Supervisor or Office Manager
• Completes timesheets and field documentation promptly and accurately
• Submits field reports and data in accordance with company standards
• Cares for and cleans assigned vehicles, drilling equipment, and tools
• Maintains professional behavior and quality standards
• Trains and mentors Driller Helpers and Drillers
• Maintains a safe, healthy, and environmentally compliant work environment, including proper use of personal protective equipment and handling of hazardous materials
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required
• 5 years of related experience
• Class A CDL drivers license is preferred for this position
• If driving for, or on behalf of, any ECS subsidiary, a valid driver's license is required.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Experience with GPS systems
• Hands-on experience with drill rigs, push rigs, drilling procedures, and sampling methods
• Advanced mechanical aptitude, including experience with hydraulic system repairs
• Ability to read maps, follow directions, and interpret field data
• Advanced knowledge of drilling procedures and sampling methods
• Familiarity with state and federal driving and drilling regulatory requirements
• Ability to travel overnight and work non-standard schedules as required

Military Requirements

• The following US Military ranks would qualify for this position:
• E-4

About Us

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,00 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit: www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To learn more, click here.