Driller Assistant

Technical Topeka, KS, US

Position Summary

The Driller Assistant is responsible for assisting the Driller, other Driller Assistants and Project Engineers with the daily functions of geotechnical (with occasional environmental) drilling operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform variety of drilling duties including handling drill rods, wrenches and other tools behind the drill rig equipment.
• Responsible for loading and unloading drilling equipment in and out of the company vehicles and trailers.
• Assist Driller with all field activities, including but not limited to, drilling and sampling of geotechnical test borings, and installation of wells, plugging and abandoning of wells, and drilling of soil borings.
• Physically complete labor-intensive projects assigned by the Driller/Project Coordinator/Project Manager.
• Develop and maintain a working knowledge of all drilling equipment, tooling, and field operations.
• Monitor the performance of all drilling equipment to identify maintenance and repair needs.
• Complete all required paperwork, including daily reports, safety paperwork, and vehicle & equipment inspections.
• Attend all safety meetings and comply with client safety standards and programs.
• Maintain a clean and organized working environment, including equipment and job site areas.
• Turn in all required paperwork to office daily.
• Pick up sacks filled with mud and empties the mud into the mixer container.
• Monitor the fluid properties of the drilling fluids (mud).
• Equipment repairs and maintenance in the field and at shop.
• Sample Collection - Ensure bags/cores are labeled correctly, are legible, kept in numeric order according to designated footages and closed securely.
• Build chip trays.
• Assist in rigging up/down and moving to new drill locations.
• Fuel site equipment and conducting preventative maintenance (Oil Changes, Greasing, Fueling, etc.)
• Complete daily site inspections, mast inspections and pre-shift inspections on all equipment.
• Responsible for providing site introductions to all visitors.
• Responsible for maintaining an accurate parts inventory.
• Act as an assistant to the lead operator to help perform routing exploration tasks.
• Other projects and responsibilities may be added at the company’s discretion.

Special Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Mechanical aptitude; experience with working with mechanical systems of some type
• Sufficient knowledge of geotechnical drilling techniques to be responsible for an entire project
• Ability to travel and stay overnight on out-of-town assignments, and work flexible schedules including overtime based on the drilling work load. Willing to travel 75% of the time
• Collaborative spirit to work effectively in a team environment, supporting colleagues, clients, and contributing to project goals.
• Demonstrates ethical conduct, maintaining confidentiality and ensuring safety and security in all aspects of work.
• Strict adherence to safety protocols and guidelines, fostering a safe working environment for yourself and others.
• Ability to handle physical demands, such as lifting and carrying equipment, working in various weather conditions, and traveling to different locations.

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Experience with working with hydraulic systems of some type preferred
• Geotechnical Drilling Experience - Soils Augers, Wet Rotary and Wireline Coring
• Familiar with DOT and IFTA regulations.

License and Certification:

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred
• HAZWOPER 40 Hour Certification preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities (if there are no supervisor responsibilities, put N/A):

• N/A

PEC values a healthy work-environment, and we focus on working efficiently and collaboratively to ensure quality and productive work as well as quality time away from the office. The work environment is friendly, respectful, and team oriented with daily peer interactions regarding work progress, client needs and project-specific technical issues. We strive to create an enjoyable work environment with support and opportunities for positive career growth. Much of the work will be conducted in the field with frequent standing reaching and manipulation of objects, tools and/or controls. The position requires mobility. Frequently stands, walks, reaches with hands and arms, stoops, kneels, bends, crouches or crawls, regularly climbs or balances. Duties involved require frequently moving / lifting materials that weigh up to 25-50 pounds, regular lift up to 50 pounds, and on an occasionally lifts 100 pounds. Manual dexterity and coordination are required over 50% of the work period while operating equipment such as computer keyboard, mouse, calculator and similar machines. At times, bending, reaching, standing, and walking may be required.

PEC is an AA/EEO/Veteran/Disabled employer.