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- Tasks: Lead and supervise geotechnical drilling operations while ensuring safety and quality.
- Company: Ground Control is a tech-driven UK company providing innovative grounds maintenance and geotechnical solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, bonuses, and 23+ days holiday with growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team focused on professional development and making a positive impact in infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in CP drilling and knowledge of HSE regulations are essential; NVQ qualifications are a plus.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lead Cable Percussion Driller
Location: Leeds with national travel as required
Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Permanent
What youll do:
At Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCES), our mission is to deliver innovative, sustainable, and high-quality geotechnical solutions that support the safe and efficient delivery of infrastructure projects. By leading with technical excellence, operational integrity, and environmental responsibility, we aim to set a new standard in ground investigation and geotechnical drilling services.
Role Purpose
The Lead Cable Percussion (CP) Drilling Operative plays a vital role in the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of geotechnical CP drilling operations. This position is responsible for operating drilling rigs, supervising on-site drilling teams, maintaining equipment, and ensuring compliance with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards. As a hands-on leader, the role ensures drilling activities are executed with precision, promoting technical excellence, operational efficiency, and a commitment to safety. This role also supports the development of less experienced operatives through on-the-job training and mentoring.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
Heres a more concise, engaging, and keyword-optimised version tailored for a UK audience:
Key Responsibilities:
Geotechnical Drilling & Site Investigations
- Operate and maintain Cable Percussion (CP) rigs for soil and rock investigations.
- Set up and prepare drilling sites in line with health and safety standards.
- Deliver high-quality open-hole drilling, core sampling, and rock coring.
- Collect and log accurate geotechnical samples for lab testing.
Team Leadership & Supervision
- Lead and motivate drilling crews and site operatives.
- Allocate tasks and provide on-the-job mentoring to junior staff.
- Drive performance and uphold site standards.
Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance
- Ensure full adherence to HSE procedures and RAMS.
- Act as the point of contact for emergency response on-site.
- Promote a safety-first culture, ensuring all PPE and controls are in place.
Technical Reporting & Quality Assurance
- Maintain accurate drill logs and site records.
- Support technical reporting with clear, reliable data.
- Troubleshoot technical or operational challenges on-site.
Equipment & Tool Management
- Carry out daily checks and preventative maintenance on drilling rigs.
- Manage tooling, consumables, and site security.
- Report defects and minimise equipment downtime.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Represent GCEE on-site with professionalism.
- Provide daily updates to supervisors or clients.
- Ensure all works meet project specs and client expectations.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in CP drilling operations, with hands-on experience in ground investigation drilling.
- Strong understanding of drilling techniques, including open-hole drilling, core drilling, and wireline coring.
- Practical knowledge of geotechnical investigations, soil mechanics, and geological materials.
- Ability to operate and maintain CP drilling rigs and associated equipment.
- Experience with daily operational planning, team supervision, and performance management.
- Knowledge of HSE regulations, CDM requirements, and site risk assessment procedures.
- Experience in working on large infrastructure, utilities, or construction projects.
Desirable Skills & Experience
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Land Drilling, or equivalent geotechnical drilling qualifications.
- First Aid certification, including emergency response training.
- Experience in foundation piling, embankment stabilisation, and slope stability.
- Knowledge of ground investigation logging software, data collection apps, or on-site digital tools.
Why join us:
Career Development Focus:Were committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training, and tailored development programs, including our GC Leadership Academy, job specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.
Exciting Growth Opportunities:Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.
Collaborative Environment:Work in a supportive, engaging, and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.
Competitive Package:Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with flexible working options, including:
- 23 days holiday, Increasing with length of service + bank holidays
- Yearly bonus scheme & Share options
- Robust pension scheme
- Medigold employee support, Free Flu Jabs, Online private GP Service
- Free or subsidised national gym memberships
- Employee Recognition Scheme
- 2 personal choice volunteering days
Ground Control
Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973, Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland.
We deliver a range of services, including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.
If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team.
Equal Opportunities Statement
At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.
Driller in Leeds employer: Ground Control
Contact Detail:
Ground Control Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Driller in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest geotechnical drilling techniques and equipment. Being knowledgeable about Cable Percussion drilling and its applications will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the geotechnical field. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may provide insights or referrals for the Lead Driller position.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed teams or mentored junior staff in previous roles. This will show that you're ready to take on the responsibilities of a Lead Driller.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions and their projects. Understanding their mission and values will allow you to tailor your conversations and show genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Driller in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in cable percussion drilling and geotechnical investigations. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for geotechnical solutions and your leadership skills. Mention specific experiences where you led teams or ensured safety compliance, aligning with the company's values.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any certifications like NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Land Drilling, make sure to include them prominently. Also, mention any First Aid certification or training that aligns with the health and safety focus of the role.
Showcase Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've tackled technical challenges on-site. This will demonstrate your ability to troubleshoot and maintain operational efficiency, which is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ground Control
✨Know Your Drilling Techniques
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Cable Percussion drilling techniques, including open-hole drilling and core sampling. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience and how you've applied these techniques in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Safety First
Given the importance of health, safety, and environmental compliance in this role, be ready to talk about your understanding of HSE regulations and how you've implemented safety measures in past projects. Share specific examples where you promoted a safety-first culture.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As a Lead Driller, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and motivate teams. Prepare to discuss your experience in supervising site operatives, allocating tasks, and mentoring junior staff. Highlight any successful team projects you've led.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to geotechnical investigations and equipment management. Familiarise yourself with common challenges faced on-site and be ready to discuss how you've troubleshot issues in the past, ensuring you can provide clear, reliable data in your responses.
