Driller

Position Summary:

The Driller is to operate the drilling equipment safely and efficiently. This includes the operation of the drill rig as well as hand tools, sledgehammers, and large pipe wrenches to maintain and repair equipment. The Driller is responsible for everyday operation of the drilling rig: including casing, cementing, tripping pipe and shutting down the rig.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Safely operate drill rig and equipment during the system installation process.
• Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed.
• Perform routine maintenance and upgrade work on machines and equipment, such as replace parts, building up drill bits, and lubricating machinery.
• Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.
• Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of material being drilled.
• Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.
• Assemble and position machines, augers, casing pipes, and other equipment, using hand and power tools.
• Verify depths and alignments of boring positions.
• Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.
• Record drilling progress and geological data.
• Drive trucks, tractors, or truck-mounted drills to and from work sites.
• Select the appropriate drill for the job, using knowledge of rock or soil conditions.
• Monitor drilling operations, check gauges and listen to equipment to assess drilling conditions and to determine the need to adjust drilling or alter equipment.
• Retrieve lost equipment from bore holes, using retrieval tools and equipment.
• Drive or guide truck-mounted equipment into position, level and stabilize rigs, and extend telescoping derricks.
• Place and install screens, casings, pumps, and other well fixtures to develop wells.
• Review client requirements and proposed locations for drilling operations to determine feasibility, and to determine cost estimates.
• Document geological formations encountered during work.
• Inspect core samples to determine the nature of strata or take samples to laboratories for analysis.
• Perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques.  
• Drilling may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary and diamond bit coring techniques.   
• In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT) and seismic cone penetration testing (SCPT) equipment, pressure meter and other, related apparatus.  
• Work also includes installation of instrumentation, piezometers and monitor wells. 
• Prepare and review boring logs using Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) and basic standard rock classifications and site description forms.  
• Prepare United States (US) Department of Transportation (DOT) paperwork, as required.   
• Report required maintenance to supervisor and perform maintenance tasks as required. 
• Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects.   
• Participate in pre-task planning.  Report any safety issues or concerns to management.     
• Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects. 
• Operate and maintain drill rigs, along with associated vehicles and equipment. 
• Perform geotechnical and environmental drilling including soil drilling, sampling, classification, and in-situ testing. 
• Responsible for maintaining records and filing reports. 
• Responsible for following OSHA and company safety procedures. 
• Other projects and responsibilities may be added at the company’s discretion.

Special Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Must successfully pass a minimum of a 6-month DOT physical, pre-placement drug screen and satisfactory background check.
• Must have acceptable driving record in accordance with PEC’s Vehicle Policy
• Knowledge of Kansas geology and skilled in soil and rock classification. 
• Experience with Microsoft Excel, Word, Access, and Outlook. 
• Good organizational and written and oral communication skills
• Ability to operate and maintain drill rig, field testing and monitoring equipment 
• Must be able to work in outdoor weather conditions
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to manipulate with hands to screw and unscrew equipment, operate tools and machinery
• Must be able to drive a company vehicle in a safe manner
• Ability to travel and stay overnight, work flexible schedules including overtime, based on the workload of the Drilling Department
• Must demonstrate ability to work safely and adhere to all safety rules and regulations
• Ability to work independently and take initiative in performing work in the field
• Ability to write up time sheets, and all required documentation.
• Must be able to lift and carry 75 lbs.
• Must be willing to travel 75%.
• Must be willing to work long hours such as 12-hour shifts.
• Must work well with others and be willing to learn from mentors and others in the shop and field

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• Experience with laptop computer use and Microsoft Word and Excel
• Two to five years' experience in soil drilling
• Minimum of 6 months driving experience 
• Experience in soil sampling, rock coring, casing installation, monitoring well & other geotechnical instrumentation
• Mechanical experience preferred

License and Certification:

• Valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) from state of residence and obtain a Medical ID card with the first 30 days of employment
• Ability to obtain DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment 
• OSHA 40-hr. HAZWOPER training preferred

Work Environment:

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 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.

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

• N/A

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