Rock Drill Equipment Operator (Abilene, TX)

Company Overview
Aggregate Resource Industries, Inc. (ARI) is a leading mining and construction services contractor headquartered in Springfield, Oregon. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions for the mining and construction industries, including rock drilling, blasting, and crushing operations throughout the United States. Our commitment to safety, innovation, and quality has established ARI as a trusted partner for mining and construction projects nationwide - and earned us recognition as one of Oregon's Top Workplaces for our dedication to employees and culture.



Position Overview


We are looking for experienced Rock Drill Operators to join our team and support mining, quarry, construction, solar energy, and development projects throughout the United States. This is a field-based opportunity to operate hydraulic drilling equipment across a wide variety of projects and working environments.


Our Rock Drill Operators are responsible for safely and efficiently operating drilling equipment, producing quality drill patterns, maintaining assigned equipment, and supporting overall drilling operations. The role requires strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to changing project and field conditions.


We are looking for operators who take pride in their equipment and the quality of their work, prioritize safety, and are comfortable traveling and working as part of a field-based team.


Compensation

• We offer a generous and progressive pay scale. Pay for this position depends on experience.
• Typical annual earnings: $70,000-$100,000 per year.
• Benefits: Generous benefits package including per diem, comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, holiday pay and more.

Job Requirements/Qualifications

• Experience: Previous r ock drilling experience is required. Equivalent experience operating heavy equipment in construction, mining, or a related industry will also be considered.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certification: Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Construction certification is strongly preferred. If not already obtained, the company will work with the employee to complete the certification prior to the start date.
• Mechanical Aptitude: Capable of performing routine maintenance and identifying equipment issues.
• Driving Requirements: Valid driver's license with a driving record that includes no more than 3 moving violations and/or chargeable accidents in the last 3 years and no DUIIs.
• Travel Commitment: Frequent overnight travel away from home is required for this position. When assigned to blast hole drilling, most Sunday through Thursday evenings will be spent away from home. When assigned to solar pre-drilling projects, this position follows a four-weeks-on, one-week-off rotation. Transportation to job sites, lodging and a daily per diem is provided when traveling.
• Background Check: Candidates are submitted to a background check through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to screen felony records in compliance with federal regulations.
• Drug Test and Physical Requirement: Pre-employment drug test and physical required. We conduct random drug tests and post-accident drug testing. For safety reasons, we have a zero-tolerance drug policy, including marijuana use.
• Physical Requirements: Physical stamina with the ability to lift 50 pounds and remain on your feet for extended periods of time.

Additional Skills Required

• Values-Driven: Embodies ARI's values of integrity, teamwork, grit, and continuous improvement
• Adaptability: Flexible and reliable in changing project environments.
• Motivation: Results-driven and persistent in completing complex fieldwork
• Safety awareness: Committed to safe work practices and adhering to procedures.

Job Responsibilities

• Drill operation: Operates hydraulic drills on various terrains and job types including mines, quarries, and development sites
• Equipment maintenance: Conducts daily maintenance for safe and efficient operation of assigned equipment
• Pre-operation Inspections: Performs pre-operation inspections and workplace exams per company policy
• Drill pattern execution: Understands and follows drill patterns/layouts provided by Project Managers
• Hole quality assurance: Visually inspects and measures holes to ensure they meet required specifications
• Progress communication: Provides regular updates to Project Managers; reports any delays or challenges
• Technology use: Utilizes the Strayos Fielder mobile app to execute and document drill patterns
• Team meetings: Participates in weekly Drilling Department Teams meetings
• Blasting support: Assists with blasting operations when needed.
• Worksite housekeeping: Maintains a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
• Additional duties: Performs any additional duties to support the overall drilling operations and team objectives.

Safety

• Safety commitment: Maintains a safety-first mindset and consistently follows all safety policies, procedures, and regulations to help ensure a safe work environment for self and others.

Benefits

• Company Paid Lodging When working on jobs requiring more than 1.5 hours one-way travel time, we arrange and pay 100 percent of lodging accomodations.
• Paid Travel Time
• Per diem $40.00 per day when staying at company paid lodging.
• Company Phone We provide Operators with iPhones or a monthly cell phone allowance for phone calls, emails, text messaging and mobile time keeping.
• Fuel Card and Credit Card We provide Operators with fuel cards and credit cards for company expenses.
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Health Insurance We offer health insurance at a cost of $59/month for the employee portion of the basic plan. We also offer buy up plan options that have lower deductibles.
• Vision Insurance We pay 100% of employee premiums
• Dental Insurance We offer Dental insurance through Cigna and cover a portion of the employee premium for dental benefits.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Employees are given the option to contribute a portion of their earnings, pre-tax, into a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). They can use the funds contributed to their account to pay for qualified medical or dependent care expenses that are not covered by insurance.
• Voluntary Insurance We offer a voluntary insurance program for Critical Illness, Accident Protection, Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) With this benefit program, employees and members of their household can receive free, confidential counseling servicesto help work through both personal and professional issues.
• 401k We match 100% of the first 3% of your salary that you contribute, and 50% of the amount that exceeds 3%, up to 5% of your annual earnings. In addition, ARI may make a profit-sharing contribution to your account at the end of the plan year.

ARI is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, or on the basis of disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or other bases prohibited by applicable law.


Department: Drilling This is a full time position