Driller Assistant

Overview

At UES, we're a team of more than 4,000 engineers, scientists, geologists, inspectors, technicians, and drillers united by a shared purpose-to make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. As a national leader in geotechnical engineering, environmental consulting, and materials testing and inspection, we collaborate on transformative projects across transportation, energy, water, healthcare, and more. Learn more about the benefits of joining Team UES and our core values at careers.teamues.com.

Position Overview

Looking for a hands-on career where no two days are the same?

UES is hiring Driller's Assistants to join our geotechnical drilling team.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, operating around equipment, staying active, and learning a skilled trade. You'll work alongside experienced drillers supporting geotechnical investigations that help engineers understand the soil and subsurface conditions before construction begins.

What you'll be doing:

• Assist the Driller with setup and operation of geotechnical drilling equipment
• Handle drill rods, tooling, soil samples, and other field equipment
• Help collect and properly identify soil and rock samples
• Load, unload, clean, and maintain equipment and tooling
• Support safe setup and breakdown of drilling sites
• Work as part of a two-person or small field crew
• Learn geotechnical drilling techniques and equipment with opportunities to grow into a Driller role

Before You Apply - Know What the Job Is Really Like

We want to be upfront: this is physically demanding field work.

You'll work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, mud, and dust. The work involves lifting, carrying equipment, getting dirty, and being on your feet for extended periods.

Schedules can also vary based on project needs. You should be comfortable with early mornings, long days, overtime, occasional nights or weekends, travel, and overnight stays.

This is not a predictable 8-5 desk job. But for someone who likes working with their hands, being outdoors, learning equipment, and seeing different job sites, it can be a great career path.

What we're looking for:

• Strong work ethic and reliability
• Comfortable performing physical outdoor work
• Willingness to learn and take direction
• Ability to work safely around heavy equipment
• Comfortable with a variable schedule and travel
• Construction, equipment, landscaping, utility, military, warehouse, oil & gas, or other hands-on experience is helpful, but direct drilling experience is not required

Responsibilities

• Collect and conduct testing of soil, concrete, and other construction materials to project specifications.
• Ensure all testing equipment is properly functioning, maintained per company and manufacturer policies, and kept within its required calibration cycle.
• Operate various tools and equipment, including pneumatic jackhammers for breaking concrete and water/steam pressure washers for cleaning drilling equipment, rods, augers, bits, casings, trucks, and trailers.
• Perform manual labor tasks, including assembling and disassembling drilling equipment, rig setup, and site preparation.
• Maintain and clean drilling rigs, trucks, and work areas to ensure equipment is in good working condition and meets safety standards.
• Accurately complete daily time and labor reports in accordance with company policy and submit required paperwork on time.
• Properly maintain assigned company vehicles, scheduling oil changes, checking fluid levels, and ensuring regular upkeep of both the interior and exterior.
• Report to job sites on time, follow all safety protocols, and accurately enter work time and project details daily.
• Strictly adhere to all company safety policies, procedures, and industry regulations, ensuring compliance with OSHA and workplace safety guidelines.
• Adapt to changing schedules and work hours based on project demands, including the possibility of overnight, weekend, or extended-hour shifts as needed.
• Travel as required to job sites within the designated region, which may include local, out-of-town, or extended stays for larger projects.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support project goals and company initiatives.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 0 to 3 years of experience in Civil, Geotechnical, or Environmental Sciences Field Services preferred.
• Prior experience working on construction sites, geotechnical drilling, or environmental field services is a plus.
• 40-hour OSHA training preferred; must be able to pass and maintain OSHA 40HR certification class.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record required; CDL preferred or willingness to obtain.
• Basic computer proficiency, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Field Data Collection (FDC) software or similar industry tools.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret blueprints, procedures, manuals, technical documents, and reports related to drilling, safety, and project requirements.
• Effective time management, problem-solving, and attention to detail, ensuring efficient and accurate documentation of work.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, demonstrating a strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to safety.
• Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate hand and power tools, including pneumatic jackhammers, pressure washers, and other drilling-related equipment.
• Physical capability to lift and carry up to 75 lbs., stand for extended periods, and perform strenuous labor in outdoor environments and varying weather conditions.
• Ability to travel and work flexible hours, including overnight stays, weekends, and varying schedules as needed for project demands.

Travel Requirements

This position requires extensive travel, approximately up to 70% of the time, in support of business objectives and client engagements. Travel may be both scheduled and on short notice, depending on project needs. Destinations typically include job sites, field locations, or regional offices, where work may be conducted in outdoor or operational environments. Adherence to all company safety protocols and use of PPE is required during travel and on-site work.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This position primarily works in an outdoor work environment, regularly exposed to varying field conditions, including:

• Sites that may not be accessible by vehicle, requiring travel on foot through wetlands, swamps, grasslands, fields, and other uneven or rugged terrain with natural and man-made obstacles such as sand, brush, and debris.
• Moderate to loud noise levels, common in active construction and industrial environments.
• Exposure to environmental elements including dirt, dust, sun, heat, humidity, and adverse weather conditions.

The physical requirements for this position may include and are not limited to:

• Ability to lift and/or carry 35 to 75 lbs. up to 75 feet, involving regular repetitive motion.
• Ability to stand, walk, drive, and operate equipment for extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and arms for typing, handling tools, and operating equipment.
• Ability to bend, twist, reach, stoop, pull, kneel, climb, balance, lift, carry, and push as required for fieldwork and inspections.
• Ability to speak and hear effectively to communicate in noisy environments and with project teams.
• Ability to use your senses to see (including close, distant, and peripheral vison, depth vision, and ability to focus) smell, hear, touch (use hands to reach climb or balance, crouch, stoop, crawl, kneel and sit).

EEO Statement

UES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud to recruit the most qualified candidates. Please see our full EEO Statement at the bottom of the page here