Drill Rig Operator

Summary

Reclamation is seeking a career professional looking for an opportunity to capitalize on their expertise as a Drill Rig Operator. You can make a difference in the West by assisting in meeting increasing water demands while protecting the environment.

Duty Location: Billings, Montana

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Duties

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The major duties of the Drill Rig Operator position include, but are not limited to, the following:

- Conduct all types of drilling that will satisfy investigation requirements for geologic and engineering studies.

- Gather samples (soil, rock, concrete, etc.) for engineering structures or their foundations.

- Setup and operate core boring drill rigs (truck-mounted or skid) and associated equipment (mud pumps, compressors, trucks, power augers, etc.)

- Instruct drill helpers on core retrieval, sampling techniques, proper procedures for storing samples in boxes and containers, etc.

- Maintain and report daily, accurate drilling reports which include formation or materials encountered, water losses or gains, water levels, core loss, percolation test data, equipment problems, and anything pertinent to drilling operations.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

You must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.

You must be suitable for federal employment, determined by a background investigation.

You must submit a resume and supporting documentation (see Required Documents).

You must submit eligibility documents for veterans consideration (see Required Documents).

You must maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times as the position requires operation of government vehicles on government and public roads. Failure to maintain a valid State Driver's License at all times will result in removal from the position.

A valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is required as a condition of employment. You will be expected to obtain a valid CDL within 180 days after reporting for duty. Failure to obtain or maintain a CDL will result in the termination of appointment.

You will be required to wear the Reclamation issued uniform while working.

You will be required to obtain a successful pre-employment physical examination by a licensed physician certifying your ability to perform the duties of this position. A physical exam may not be required if a comparable agency approved examination was performed within the last 12 months. The cost of the exam will be reimbursed by the agency.

You will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment as a condition of employment. This position is also subject to random drug testing.

Continue to the Additional Information section for the Condition of Employment For Probationary Period.

Qualifications

Your application materials must demonstrate sufficient experience and training to perform the duties of this position without more than normal supervision. Qualifications will be determined on the basis of information submitted within your resume and responses to the assessment questions. For information about qualifications for Federal Wage System positions please, visit OPM.

Minimum qualifications for trades and labor positions are determined by evaluation of job elements. You must meet at least 2 points on the screen-out element(s) and obtain an average of at least 2 points on all of the job elements in order to be considered qualified for this position.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must meet all Eligibility and Qualification requirements, including time-in-grade restrictions and any selective placement factors if applicable, by 08/25/2026.

Education

There is no substitution of education for experience for Wage Grade (WG) positions.

Additional information

Condition of Employment For Probationary Period : As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a one year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated. This one year probationary period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider:

• your performance and conduct;
• the needs and interests of the agency;
• whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
• whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your one year probationary period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive.

Related non-Federal experience or related experience as retired members of the uniformed services may be credited towards computing entitlement to leave accrual, at managerial discretion, providing that experience meets certain criteria. This provision allows new employees to earn annual leave at a higher rate than would otherwise be allowed. (5 Code of Federal Regulations, 630). For additional information, please visit: Creditable Service for Annual Leave

DOI uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including applicant rights and responsibilities, please visit

This position is designated as a LOW RISK position. It requires a fully completed and favorably adjudicated SF85 Background Investigation (T1 or equivalent) that is current (within the last 5 years). This is a condition of employment.

Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must certify registration with the Selective Service System or that the applicant is exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Go to:

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.