Job Description

Job Summary
The Drill Rig Operator with CDL is responsible for the safe, precise, and efficient operation of drilling machinery to drill holes on sites. This role requires an advanced understanding of drilling equipment, ground stability, and rigorous safety protocols. The successful candidate will maintain and troubleshoot equipment, execute directions from supervisors and plant managers, accurately document operational logs, and strictly abide to site safety and environmental regulations.

Essential Functions

· Equipment Operation: Operate rotary drills and associated heavy machinery safely and efficiently to support production goals.

· Tactical Adjustments: Analyze varying soil and rock conditions in real time, adjusting drilling techniques, pressures, and speeds to maximize penetration rates and accuracy.

· Preventative Maintenance: Perform comprehensive pre-shift and post-shift inspections; check and maintain drill bits, drill steel, fluid levels, and lubrication systems.

· Routine Repairs: Conduct minor field services and mechanical adjustments—including replacing gaskets, filters, and hoses—to optimize drill performance and minimize project downtime.

· Troubleshooting & Reporting: Identify complex mechanical issues and promptly submit detailed maintenance requests to the service department.

· Documentation: Accurate record and maintain daily drill logs, shifting reports, geological observations, and core sample data.

· Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with plant management, geologists, and blasting crews to coordinate drilling patterns and meet operational timelines.

· Workplace Safety: Enforce strict adherence to safety protocols, lead by example in utilizing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and maintain an active awareness of hazards, machinery, and nearby personnel.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

· Regulations: Maintain absolute compliance with Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) standards and corporate safety directives.

· Environmental Stewardship: Adhere to environmental policies to mitigate drilling impacts, prevent fluid leaks, and preserve site integrity.

· Physical Ability: Ability to operate heavy machinery and stand, bend, or lift for extended periods during long shifts.

· Conditions: Willingness to work outdoors in all weather conditions, tolerate high-noise environments, work flexible overtime hours, and travel to various regional project sites as demanded.

Job Requirements & Qualifications

· Education: High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) required.

· Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years of age.

· Experience: Minimum of 3 years of experience operating heavy drill rigs within construction, mining, quarrying, or environmental sectors preferred.

· Training: On the job training available for new drillers.

· Licensing: Valid Class A or B (CDL) driver’s license with a clean, satisfactory driving record required.

Core Skills & Knowledge

· Technical Drilling: Proficient in rotary drill operations, pattern layout, and diverse subterranean drilling methodologies.

· Mechanical Aptitude: Strong foundational knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems to perform field service inspections.

· Geological Awareness: Competent in recognizing changes in rock strata and recording structural core data.

· Time Management: Strong capability to self-manage tasks, plan daily targets, and execute timelines efficiently.

Critical Competencies

· Technical Proficiency: Blends practical experience, field knowledge, and continuous training to solve immediate mechanical and operational problems on-site.

· Problem Solving: Dynamically diagnoses operational issues, implements sound field fixes, and adapts to unexpected ground or weather challenges.

· Attention to Detail: Meticulously tracks drilling depths, logs technical specifications, and spots minor equipment irregularities before they cause failures.

· Team Communication: Demonstrates proactive verbal and written communication, listens actively to team instructions, and provides clear updates to supervisors and ground crews.

Gill Drilling Service Inc

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