Archived listing. The details below describe a past opening.
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
About this role UES is hiring a Driller Assistant in Montgomery, AL. If you enjoy working outdoors, using tools, and learning how equipment operates, this role offers an opportunity to build practical skills in geotechnical drilling. You will help a drilling crew investigate conditions below the ground, providing information that engineers use to evaluate sites and plan projects. What you will actually do You will assist the lead driller or crew chief with preparing sites, setting up drilling equipment, handling drill rods and tooling, and collecting samples. You will also help clean and maintain rigs, trucks, and equipment, keep work areas organized, and complete daily time and project records. The work requires teamwork and close attention to instructions. Your contribution helps the crew collect useful samples, protect equipment, and complete assignments safely and efficiently. Required and preferred qualifications UES’s published qualifications for this role include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to use hand and power tools. You should be able to follow technical and safety instructions, complete basic computer documentation, and work flexible hours. Previous construction, drilling, or environmental field experience is preferred. A CDL and completed 40-hour OSHA training are also preferred in the available description, which requires the ability to complete and maintain the specified OSHA certification. Requirements for this opening should be confirmed with Recruiting. What success looks like During your first few months, a practical goal would be to learn the crew’s safety procedures, equipment, sample-handling practices, and daily workflow. Success means arriving prepared, following directions, handling tools responsibly, keeping accurate records, and speaking up when you notice a problem or need clarification. Where and how you will work This is physically demanding outdoor work at construction sites and other field locations. Expect dirt, dust, noise, changing weather, and uneven ground. The available role description includes lifting and carrying materials weighing up to 75 pounds, extended standing, and frequent bending, reaching, and handling equipment. Schedules may include early starts, extended hours, weekends, and overnight travel depending on project needs. Confirm the travel frequency and typical schedule for this opening with Recruiting. Required protective equipment and safe work practices are part of every assignment. Your team and career development You will work alongside an experienced driller or crew chief and support the drilling team’s daily activities. Learning equipment operation, maintenance, sampling, and site procedures can help you prepare for greater responsibility. Potential career paths include Driller and Crew Chief as your skills and qualifications develop. Ask about training, CDL support, paid certifications, and advancement requirements. Why consider this opportunity? This role offers active work, varied project locations, the opportunity to learn a specialized trade, and industry-leading benefits. Your work supports the investigations that help engineers understand a site before construction moves forward. The person who will succeed is dependable, mechanically curious, willing to learn, and serious about safety. They communicate clearly, support their teammates, and stay focused through physically demanding assignments. #DrillerAssistant #GeotechnicalDrilling #ConstructionCareers #SkilledTrades #Hiring
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