Driller Assistant

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. But for someone who likes working with their hands, doesn't want to sit behind a desk, takes pride in a hard day's work, and wants to learn a skilled trade, it can also provide a strong career path into drilling and field operations.

Who We Are:

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:

This is a physically demanding, outdoor field position. Please read the full description before applying.

 

We are hiring a Driller's Assistant to support geotechnical drilling operations. We want to be upfront about what this job involves: this is hard, physical work, performed outdoors in changing weather and jobsite conditions. You will get dirty. The days can be long. Start times may be early, schedules can change based on project needs, and travel and overnight stays may be required.

 

If you are looking for a predictable 8–5 indoor position, this will not be the right fit.

What the Job Is Really Like

You will work alongside an experienced Driller/Drill Crew Chief supporting soil exploration, geotechnical investigations, and drilling operations. A large portion of your day will involve being on your feet, working around heavy equipment, handling tools and materials, and helping keep the drilling operation moving safely and efficiently.

This may include:

• Working outdoors in heat, cold, rain, mud, dust, and other changing conditions

• Performing repetitive, physically demanding work throughout the day

• Lifting, carrying, loading, and unloading tools, equipment, and materials

• Handling drill rods, tooling, hoses, samples, and other drilling equipment

• Setting up and breaking down drilling equipment at project sites

• Cleaning and maintaining drilling rigs, tools, and work areas

• Assisting the Driller with soil sampling, drilling activities, and site investigations

• Driving or riding to project sites and helping transport equipment

• Keeping the jobsite organized and following strict safety procedures

• Completing required field documentation and reports

Schedule & Travel — Please Read

This is not always a Monday–Friday, 8–5 job.

Project schedules determine when and where we work. Depending on business needs, you may be required to:

• Start very early in the morning

• Work longer days and overtime

• Work occasional nights or weekends

• Travel to jobsites outside the local area

• Stay overnight when projects require it

• Adjust your schedule as project needs change

Applicants should be comfortable with this level of flexibility before applying.

Who Typically Does Well in This Role

This position is best suited for someone who genuinely enjoys physical work, being outdoors, working with tools and equipment, and being part of a field crew.

 

You may be a good fit if you have experience in construction, drilling, utilities, landscaping, concrete, road work, heavy equipment, farming, military service, warehouse work, general labor, or another physically demanding environment.

Mechanical aptitude and experience working around equipment are strongly preferred.

Before You Apply

We don't want to oversell this position. Geotechnical drilling is demanding work. It can be hot, cold, muddy, tiring, and unpredictable.

 

But for someone who likes working with their hands, doesn't want to sit behind a desk, takes pride in a hard day's work, and wants to learn a skilled trade, it can also provide a strong career path into drilling and field operations.

 

Please apply only if you are comfortable with the physical demands, outdoor working conditions, schedule flexibility, and travel requirements described above.

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.

Job Responsibilities Note:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. UES retains the right to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

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