Solar Drilling Field Apprentice

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 Solar Drilling Field Apprentices to join our team! This position plays a key support role on our utility-scale solar construction sites, working directly with Drill Operators and Site Leads to ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality drilling operations. Responsibilities include spotting heavy equipment, assisting with drill hole layout, supporting QA/QC efforts, backfilling drill holes using support equipment such as skid steers, and performing general labor tasks critical to project success.

This hands-on, field-based role is ideal for individuals who take pride in physical work, value safety and precision, and are eager to gain experience in solar construction and drilling.

Travel Model

This is a Fly-In/Fly-Out (FIFO) position supporting projects across the United States. ARI covers airfare, ground transportation, long-term lodging, and a daily per diem for all out-of-area assignments.

This position follows a four-weeks-on, one-week-off rotation, offering steady work and the opportunity to travel to project sites across multiple states.

Career Growth

This role offers a strong pathway for advancement within ARI. Team members who excel in this position often grow into equipment operation roles (such as Drill Operator), site logistics, or field leadership positions.

This position is an excellent starting point for building a long-term career within ARI and the renewable energy and rock drilling industries.

Compensation

• Wage Range: $20- $24 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
• Zone Differential Pay: Most solar projects include an additional $5.00 per hour in zone differential pay for work requiring extra commitment due to location, duration, or scope.
• 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

• Construction Experience: Previous experience in construction is preferred, particularly in utility-scale or solar-related projects.
• Equipment & Surveying Familiarity: Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, spotting procedures, or basic surveying techniques is a plus.
• 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.
• 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: Ability and willingness to travel nationwide on a four-week-on, one-week-off rotation; airfare, lodging, and per diem provided
• 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.
• Safety Focus: Dedicated to maintaining a safe job site by following all safety protocols, using proper PPE, and actively identifying and reporting potential hazards in the field.
• Situational Awareness: Maintains a high level of alertness and focus in busy, dynamic job site environments to support safety and efficiency.
• Clear Communication: Able to communicate effectively with drill operators, field leads, and team members to coordinate tasks and ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility in daily responsibilities, from spotting equipment to assisting with layout or performing general labor, adjusting to shifting project needs and priorities.
• Attention to Detail: Takes pride in maintaining clean, organized work areas and checking that all work meets quality standards, especially when assisting with layout, QA/QC, or tool maintenance.
• Work Ethic & Reliability: Consistently shows up prepared, on time, and ready to contribute. Takes ownership of assigned tasks and follows through without close supervision
  
  

Job Responsibilities

• Spot Heavy Equipment: Assists with spotting Rock Drills and other large equipment to support safe and efficient maneuvering within the job site.
• Drill Hole Backfilling: Uses support equipment, such as skid steers, to safely and effectively backfill completed drill holes.
• Field QA/QC Checks: Performs quality and safety inspections during drilling operations under supervision, reporting any issues or deviations from standard procedures.
• Surveying & Layout Support: Use GPS and rover systems to assist in site layout, stake placement, and verification of drill locations.
• General Site Labor: Executes essential labor tasks including staging materials, site preparation, and marker setup, and daily cleanup.
• Equipment Support: Helps maintain and organize tools and equipment, ensuring everything is clean, operational, and stored correctly.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with Drill Operators and Site Leads to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Supports other tasks and responsibilities as required to ensure smooth operations.
  
  

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

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Company Paid Lodging When working on jobs that require more than 1.5 hours of one-way travel, ARI arranges and covers 100% of lodging accommodations.
• Paid travel-time
• 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 cover 100% of vision 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 services to 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 & Blasting

This is a full time position