Driller Helper

🌱 About Dandelion Energy:

Dandelion Energy is transforming how homes are heated and cooled—starting from (below) the ground up. As the nation’s leading residential geothermal company, we design, install, and maintain all-in-one heating and cooling systems that are cleaner, quieter, and up to 4x more efficient than traditional HVAC, with a focus on large, scaled deployments to large homebuilders. We’re an ambitious (and growing) team on a mission to revolutionize home heating.

Backed by Google Ventures (GV) and other top tech investors, our end-to-end geothermal solution is breaking the status quo of residential heating and cooling technology, and we’re scaling rapidly to meet demand. Whether we’re serving national homebuilders or individual homeowners, our mission is the same: to make geothermal the default choice for heating and cooling in the U.S.

📌 About the job

As a Driller Helper at Dandelion Energy, you’ll have the opportunity to gain hands-on training in different parts of our geothermal field operations. Depending on project needs, you may be focused on supporting drilling rigs, mixing grout and filling bores with grout, or digging trenches and supporting trenching operations. Assignments can shift over time, and you may work exclusively in one area for a period or rotate between them. This flexibility is an important part of the role and a great way to build a diverse skill set for a career in renewable energy construction.

🛠️ Responsibilities

• Work outdoors in all weather conditions as part of an active field crew
• Assist with loading/unloading drilling and trenching equipment and materials
• Mix drilling mud and grout, and fill bores with grout
• Support drilling and trenching procedures on the rig and gain training from senior drillers and trenchers
• Dig trenches and support trenching operations, which may include installing HDPE piping and restoring landscapes to rough grade
• Drive company vehicles to and from job sites (requires valid driver’s license and safe driving record)
• Maintain safe, clean, and orderly work areas on job sites and drilling platforms
• Perform basic equipment checks and routine maintenance
• Learn to operate heavy equipment (excavators, forklifts, grout pumps) as you grow in the role

🎯 You will thrive in this role if you:

• Are excited to gain exposure and training across different field tasks (drilling, trenching, or grouting)
• Have a strong work ethic, adaptability, and eagerness to learn new skills
• Take pride in contributing to a safe, productive, and high-quality job site
• Are comfortable with physical labor and working outdoors year-round
• Value being part of a collaborative, mission-driven team building a sustainable future

✅ Must-haves

• Valid driver’s license with a safe driving record that meets company insurance requirements; CDL is a plus
• Personal vehicle and ability/willingness to drive to job sites within approximately 75 miles
• Ability to lift 50 lbs overhead and perform sustained physical labor in all weather conditions
• Positive attitude and readiness to learn new technical skills

🌟 Bonus points for:

• Prior experience in drilling, trenching, or construction
• Mechanical, rigging, or welding experience
• Familiarity with operating heavy equipment

💰Compensation 

The expected base hourly range for this role in Maryland is $19-$25, depending on primary project location and experience. This position is classified as non-exempt and is overtime eligible. It is also eligible for a monthly performance bonus. Beyond geography, compensation may vary based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law.

🌳 You’ll love working at Dandelion because:

Since spinning out of Google X in 2017, Dandelion Energy has been transforming home heating and cooling through cutting-edge geothermal technology. We design and install the most efficient residential heat pump in the U.S., serving both individual homeowners and some of the nation’s largest homebuilders.

Our team has elevated the profile of geothermal heat pumps nationally, delivered thousands of high-quality installations across the country, and successfully championed electrification-friendly policy at local and federal levels.

We’re a multidisciplinary, mission-driven team of experts—spanning hardware engineering, HVAC, drilling, solar finance, behavioral economics, and startup operations—united by a shared mission: to make clean, affordable heating and cooling the default for every home. The work is complex, meaningful, and built to scale.

We foster a collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work culture where cross-functional teamwork, curiosity, and continuous learning are core to how we operate. Our nationwide team is united by a shared passion for sustainability and a commitment to scaling clean, affordable energy solutions that make a real difference.

We’re driving a wholesale shift in how homes are heated and cooled—join us.

🎁 Benefits & Perks:

• Medical (including mental health), dental, vision, and pet insurance
• 401(k) plan
• Commuter benefits
• Generous paid sick leave, vacation, and parental leave
• Learning & development support, including on-the-job training and virtual courses