Drilling Assistant (Pipe/Mech Trades I-Geotech) - Aurora

State of Colorado

Aurora, CO

Apply

JOB DETAILS

SALARY

$50,856–$55,932 Per Year

SKILLS

Administrative Procedures, Analysis Skills, CDL Driver's License, Class A License, Communication Skills, Construction, Construction Engineering, Construction Projects, Core Sampling, Customer Support/Service, Data Collection, Drilling, Drilling Equipment, Environmental Research, Equipment Maintenance/Repair, Establish Priorities, Exploration Drilling, Geological Engineering, Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Geotechnical Investigation, Hand Tools, Healthcare Providers, Heavy Equipment/Vehicles, Instrumentation, Medical Conditions, Mining Equipment and Machinery, Multitasking, On Call, Operational Support, Operations Management, Penetration Testing, Physical Demands, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Problem Solving Skills, Project/Program Management, Regulations, SAP, Safety Process, Safety/Work Safety, Software Patches, Specimen Collection, Team Player, Time Management, Willing to Travel

LOCATION

Aurora, CO

POSTED

6 days ago

Salary: $50,856.00 - $55,932.00 Annually
Location : Aurora, CO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: HAA-50004423-05/26
Department: Department of Transportation
Division: Chief Engineer's Office
Opening Date: 05/11/2026
Closing Date: 5/25/2026 11:59 PM Mountain
FLSA: Determined by Position
Type of Announcement: This position is open only to Colorado state residents.
Primary Physical Work Address: 18500 E Colfax Ave, Aurora, CO. 80011
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt; position is eligible for overtime compensation.
Department Contact Information: Misty.Valles@state.co.us / 303-757-9718
Hiring Pay Rate: The 2025 Step Pay Program may increase the salary range for employees with time in the class series.
How To Apply: Please submit an online application for this position at Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

Department Information
This position is only open to Colorado state residents.

New employees to the State will be paid biweekly. There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year.
About CDOT

CDOT employeesmake a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Visit the State of Colorado benefits for details, current premium rates and a summary video about benefits. The state also offers PERA retirement, great optional PERA plans such as 401K, a generous paid time off package of annual, sick, holiday and other leave, strong career growth, tuition reimbursement and professional development. Perks include Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling, wellness, credit union membership and employee discount program. Visit CDOT Benefits for details. Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
CDOT for All
CDOT's strength is our people, and our commitment to our people is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience, and ultimately, create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive.
The eligible list created from this announcement may be used to fill current and future vacancies for a period of up to 6 months.

Description of Job

About the Position
CDOT is seeking a motivated and dependable individual to join our team as Drilling Assistant, part of the Materials and Geotechnical Branch, Soils and Geotechnical Program Drill Crew.
In this role, you will help operate and maintain geotechnical drilling equipment and support field operations that are essential to the design and construction of transportation projects across Colorado. You'll work closely with experienced drillers and geotechnical engineers to collect data, prepare sites and ensure safe and efficient operations. If you enjoy working outdoors, being part of a team, and building a solid career path, this is a great opportunity to get started!

Your duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following:

Assists and supports the technicians in operating heavy and light equipment (such as Central Mine Equipment, Acker, and others) to conduct field investigations for foundation, settlement, slope stability, research, and environmental projects such as bridges, retaining walls, landslides, ground water mitigation, drainage, seepage problems and pollution.
Follows required safety and operational procedures for drill rigs to collect core samples, standard penetration test samples, Shelby tube samples, continuous dry core samples, penetrometer testing, and any required task as assigned to aid in the geotechnical, geological, and environmental investigations;
Learns the different types of substrates (e.g., soil, sand) that are encountered so can accurately communicate with Geotech Engineer during drilling operations;
Assists with preparing needed field equipment using established checklists and assists with reestablishing preconstruction conditions or secure site such as filling boreholes, patching pavement, patching bridge decks, and setting flush mounts;
Assists the technicians with the installation and monitoring of geotechnical instrumentation and learning to record and compare results with established standards or specifications ensuring proper instrument installation;
Assists the technicians or geotechnical engineers with monitoring water levels of proposed wetlands sites, compiling data, and tracking reports;
Learns to procure and load the correct quantity and type of supplies needed to properly conduct the drilling operation as determined by the technician;
Maintains current knowledge of and abides by all safety laws, regulations, policies, and procedures and wears all required personal protective equipment;
Maintains technical knowledge of safety procedures and guidance materials, including Safety Manual and Job Safety Analysis (JSA);
Assists the drill crew with the maintenance of vehicles, equipment, stocking, and overall shop safety;
Other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

Overnight travel up to 50% during the year throughout Colorado
Required to operate CDOT vehicles including those requiring a commercial driver's license.
Specific project locations may require nighttime drilling.
Travel required throughout Colorado for drilling projects.
Preferred candidate will have experience with operating or working around geological/geotechnical exploration drilling equipment.
Work schedule is 6:00AM to 4:30PM / Monday-Thursday, but subject to change with drilling projects.
Exposure to loud noise
Exposure to fumes, odors, gasses, dusts, etc. that may affect breathing, eyes, and skin
Required to use appropriate personal protective equipment
Work near traffic, sometimes high-speed traffic
Must be willing and be physically able to work in extreme temperatures (hot and cold), variable weather conditions, and at varying elevations up to 12,000 feet for long periods of time
Must be able to lift in excess of 50 pounds frequently

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications
Experience Only:

Two (2) years of relevant experience assisting on engineering or construction projects.

OR

Education and Experience:

A combination of related education, formalized apprenticeship program in:

Automotive and diesel equipment mechanics or heavy equipment mechanics OR coursework from an accredited college, university or non-correspondence school in environmental, geological or engineering sciences may be substituted for the required general experience on a year-for-year basis. and/or relevant experience in an occupation related to the work assigned equal to two (2) years.

Please Note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. "See Resume" statements on the application or resumes in lieu of a complete application may not be accepted. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or an official foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school, completed credit hours, and (if applicable) that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have been assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. The credential evaluation report must be an official report. Failure to provide a transcript or official foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.

Conditions of Employment

Must pass a pre-employment screening which may include social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, and driving records checks. More information in the supplemental information section.
A current valid CDL A w/ tanker endorsement must be obtained within one year of appointment to the position.
May be required to pass a controlled substance test (i.e., drug test), and DOT physical through our medical provider.
On-call
Shift work
Travel overnight throughout the State.

Preferred Qualifications

Theexceptional applicantwill be an experienced Driller and will possess the proven ability or accomplishment in the following:

Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section;
Experience with operating or working around geotechnical or geological exploration drilling equipment.
Possesses a Colorado CDL Class A with Tanker endorsement
Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position;
Strong time and project management skills, including prioritization and multi-tasking ability;
Has a strong commitment to working safely
Has a desire to learn
Wants to work outdoors
Likes physically demanding work
Takes pride in a job well done
Adapts efficiently to changing conditions and priorities
Works effectively in a team environment and looks out for team members
Communicates effectively, especially in safety-critical situations
Has a strong commitment to providing good customer service
Likes to solve problems and figure out better ways to do things
Has experience maintaining and fixing mechanical equipment
Has experience using hand tools
Has basic computer skills and can learn new software/equipment

Supplemental Information
Applicant Checklist
Complete Applications must include the following documents:

A complete CDOT Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green 'APPLY' button at the top of this announcement)
A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)
A detailed chronological resume. Resumes must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application.
If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing completed coursework and credit hours, that your degree has been conferred (if applicable), and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.
If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

Please note that you may redact information on your attachments that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Every effort must be made to submit all application materials by the announcement close date. Where unusual circumstances prevent timely acquisition of transcripts, they must be submitted within five business days of the announcement close date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application being rejected.
The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.
The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.
Notifications:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be via email. Include your current working email address on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email. Immediately after you submit your application you should receive an email that confirms that you successfully submitted an application for this position. If you do not, try submitting again until you receive the confirmation email. Be sure to also check your junk folder for email communications from the State of Colorado's website.
The Hiring Process:

All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.
Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

Part, or all, of the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.
Be sure your application materials specifically address your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the Major Duties, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications sections as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion as a qualified candidate in any step of the selection process and placement on the eligible list.

A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

Transfer, Non-Disciplinary Demotion or Reinstatement

If you believe that you are eligible to be considered as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement to this vacancy, you must submit a completed application following the directions in this job announcement and you will be included in the selection process along with other qualified applicants. If you are the finalist for this position after the selection process, Human Resources will confirm your eligibility to be appointed as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement applicant.
Employment Screening

If an applicant reaches the finalist stage of the hiring process, the Colorado Department of Transportation may procure a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report on the applicant in connection with his/her application for employment purposes, as defined under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. These reports may be obtained at any time after receipt of the applicant's authorization. As part of the employment screening an applicant will be requested to disclose any deferred judgments and convictions as well as an explanation of the circumstances around any arrest or conviction. In the event that a screening returns information that the applicant believes is not accurate, he or she will have an opportunity to dispute the information with "Accurate."
Accurate, a consumer reporting agency, will obtain the report for CDOT. Further information regarding Accurate including its privacy policy, may be found online at www.accurate.com. Accurate is located at 200 Spectrum Center Drive Suite 1100, Irvine, CA 92618. The report may contain information bearing on the applicant's character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living. The information that may be included in the report includes social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records checks, educational records, and driving records checks. CDOT will only request credit reports insofar as they relate to the position for which the applicant is applying. The information contained in the report will be obtained from private and/or public record sources. The applicant will have the right, upon written request made within a reasonable time after receipt of a notice, to request disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigative consumer report.
Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action. For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at 303.866.3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1,State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at

spb.colorado.gov under Rules.
ADAAA Accommodations

CDOT is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to HR Specialist Name at Email Address or call Phone Number.
Former State Employees

Former employees of the Colorado Department of Transportation System or any other State of Colorado Department or Agency, who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination, must disclose this information on his/her application.

MKV (SAP# 50004423 / PCR# 65910)
The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information:

Please note that each agency's contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.
01

CDOT: The Colorado Constitution requires that applicants for State of Colorado positions be Colorado residents at the time the application is submitted. Are you a current resident of the State of Colorado who can provide proof of Colorado residency?

02

Please describe any experience you have assisting with engineering or construction projects. Include the type of project, your role, and the specific tasks you performed. (See resume not accepted.)
03

The job duties require applicants to be able to exert in excess of 100 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 lbs. of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Do you understand this requirement and do you acknowledge that you physically meet them?

04

CDOT: Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position. If this does not apply to you, please write "N/A".
05

CDOT: If you are a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please list your Employee Identification Number (EID), dates of employment, and classifications for all State of Colorado Departments or institutes of Higher Education for which you have worked. The 2025 Step Pay Program may increase the salary range for employees with time in the class series. Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number. If not, please state "N/A".
06

CDOT: Have you been subject to disciplinary action in the last three years of your work experience? If so, please provide details of that disciplinary action. If not, please state "N/A".
07

CDOT-Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability We are a federal contractor or subcontractor required by law to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We are also required to measure our progress toward having at least 7% of our workforce be individuals with disabilities. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had a disability. Because a person may become disabled at any time, we ask all of our employees to update their information at least every five years.Identifying yourself as an individual with a disability is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer will be maintained confidentially and not be seen by selecting officials or anyone else involved in making personnel decisions. Completing the form will not negatively impact you in any way, regardless of whether you have self-identified in the past. For more information about this form or the equal employment obligations of federal contractors under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, visit the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp. You are considered to have a disability if you have a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that substantially limits a major life activity, or if you have a history or record of such an impairment or medical condition. Disabilities include, but are not limited to: • Autism• Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or HIV/AIDS• Blind or low vision• Cancer• Cardiovascular or heart disease• Celiac disease• Cerebral palsy• Deaf or hard of hearing • Depression or anxiety • Diabetes• Epilepsy• Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohn's Disease, or irritable bowel syndrome• Intellectual disability• Missing limbs or partially missing limbs• Nervous system condition for example, migraine headaches, Parkinson's disease, or Multiple sclerosis (MS)• Psychiatric condition, for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression

Yes, I Have a Disability, or Have a History/Record of Having a Disability
No, I Don't Have a Disability, or a History/Record of Having a Disability
I Don't Wish To Answer

08

CDOT: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or a foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable, but they must show the name of the school, your name, completed coursework/credit hours, and if applicable that the degree was awarded and the type and name of the degree. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have been assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. The credential report must be an official report. Failure to provide a transcript or official foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.Please note that you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Have you included your transcript(s) as an attachment to your application? If not, you may go back and do so now.

No, I have not attached transcripts to my application because I am using experience to meet the minimum qualifications.
Yes, I have attached my transcript(s) or official credential evaluation report that will be used to verify whether or not I meet the education requirement as announced
I have requested my transcripts from my college/university and will email them to Misty.Valles@state.co.us within 5 business days of the close date of the job announcement.

09

CDOT: If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 Member Form 4 and any other documents is required. Please submit these as attachments to your online application. Did you attach the required documents to your application? If not, you may go back and do so now.

Yes
No - I am a veteran, but I do not qualify for veterans' preference
N/A - I am not a veteran

10

CDOT: A resume is required for your application to be complete. Documents must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Documents will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement.Please note that you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.Did you attach a resume to your application? If not, you may go back and do so now.

Required Question

Drilling Assistant (Pipe/Mech Trades I-Geotech) - Aurora

State of Colorado

Aurora, CO

About the Company

State of Colorado