Drill Rig Operator/Trainee 1/Trainee 2 (Region 5)
Drill Rig Operator/Trainee 1/Trainee 2 (Region 5)

Drill Rig Operator/Trainee 1/Trainee 2 (Region 5)

Kingston upon Hull Full-Time 30000 - 43000 Β£ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join us as a Drill Rig Operator Trainee, collecting soil and rock samples while learning the ropes.
  • Company: Be part of the New York State Department of Transportation, a leader in infrastructure and safety.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, training opportunities, and the chance to work outdoors.
  • Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in geotechnical drilling and contribute to vital engineering projects.
  • Qualifications: Valid NY State Class D driver’s license required; Class B or A permit needed during traineeship.
  • Other info: Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply; reasonable accommodations available for disabled applicants.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 43000 Β£ per year.

Duties Description As a Drill Rig Operator Trainee, (under the supervision of a Drill Rig Operator), obtains soil, rock, and pavement core samples; records sample blow counts during progression of the borehole; progresses borehole by means of hollow stem auger, mud rotary, drilled-in-casing, driven casing, or rock coring; measures drill tools and measures and records depth to water and thickness of geological strata; prepares field drill log and maintains productivity and equipment records; drives drilling equipment and support vehicles to borehole site and sets up drilling equipment; manually drills hand auger holes, probes, and test pits; operates bulldozer, pumps, and grout mixers; sets up maintenance and traffic protection; performs traffic flagging; performs preventative maintenance and minor repairs on all drilling equipment; trains laborers and supervises drill crew in the absence of the Drill Rig Operator.

As a Drill Rig Operator (DRO), the incumbent may: supervise a State drill crew; obtain soil and rock samples for engineering purposes; select the drilling method suitable for the geologic conditions encountered during borehole progression; install geotechnical instrumentation devices, such as slope indicators and open well piezometers; assemble a floating barge when drilling over water, including anchoring and stabilizing, to provide a safe working platform; read engineering plans to identify boring locations; coordinate utility clearance for boreholes in accordance with Industrial Code 53; prepare vehicle reports; maintain detailed field logs for each boring; and train Drill Rig Operator Trainees and laborers.

During the winter, DROs and DRO Trainees may be assigned to a Residency for snow and ice response (operates heavy dump trucks with plow, wing, and spreader attachments to simultaneously plow snow and control ice).

Responsibilities may include participating within the Incident Command System to support the Department\’s response to regional and statewide emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications Drill Rig Operator Trainee 1, NS=Grade 9
Non-Competitive: Candidate must possess a valid New York State Class D driver\’s license and be able to pass a medical and physical examination demonstrating the ability to perform physical labor prior to permanent appointment.

Special requirement: Candidate must acquire a New York State Class B commercial driver\’s license permit by six months into the traineeship.

Drill Rig Operator Trainee 2, NS=Grade 11
Non-Competitive: Candidate must have one year of experience working as a driller\’s helper in an organization that does geotechnical drilling; possess a valid New York State Class B commercial driver\’s license without air-brake restriction; must pass a medical and physical examination demonstrating ability to perform physical labor and, within 30 calendar days of hire, must satisfactorily demonstrate ability to meet Drill Rig Operator Trainee 1 drilling skills and pump operation, and have acceptable knowledge of safety, traffic control, and drill tool identification.

Special requirement: Candidate must acquire a New York State Class A commercial driver\’s license by six months into the traineeship.

Drill Rig Operator, Grade 12
Non-Competitive: Candidate must have two years of experience assisting in the operation of drilling equipment used for acquiring samples of rock, soil, and pavement, and measuring ground water as part of subsurface exploration for geotechnical engineering purposes; possess a valid Class A commercial driver\’s license without airbrake restriction; must pass a medical examination demonstrating ability to perform heavy physical labor; and within 30 calendar days of hire, must satisfactorily demonstrate ability to meet Drill Rig Operator drilling and safety skills, know visual soil identification, and complete introduction to instrumentation; and within six months of hire, must complete 40-hour Hazwoper training to identify and deal with hazardous material.

Additional Comments The starting salary for this position is $51,641. This amount is comprised of the base salary of $42,641 with an additional geographic pay differential of $9,000, specific to this title and location.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

The New York State Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, minority group members, disabled persons and Veterans are encouraged to apply. Upon request, reasonable accommodations will be provided for the disabled.

In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.

Name Brett W. Remick, P.E.

Telephone

Fax

Email Address Brett.Remick@dot.ny.gov

Address

Street 100 SENECA ST

NYS DOT

City BUFFALO

State NY

Zip Code 14203

Notes on Applying Qualified candidates should submit a letter of interest and a current resume, titled by last name, with the Notice Number R5-25-64 and last name in the subject line and referenced in the letter of interest no later than July 18, 2025 to:

NYS Department of Transportation
Brett Remick
100 Seneca Street
Buffalo, NY 14203

or

Brett.Remick@dot.ny.gov

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Drill Rig Operator/Trainee 1/Trainee 2 (Region 5) employer: -

The New York State Department of Transportation is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive salaries, including a geographic pay differential, and opportunities for training in specialised skills, employees can thrive in a dynamic environment while contributing to vital infrastructure projects in the Buffalo region. The department values diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career.
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Contact Detail:

- Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Drill Rig Operator/Trainee 1/Trainee 2 (Region 5)

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific drilling methods mentioned in the job description, such as hollow stem auger and mud rotary. Understanding these techniques will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Gain hands-on experience by volunteering or working in related fields, such as construction or environmental services. This practical knowledge can set you apart from other candidates and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the geotechnical drilling industry. Attend local events or join online forums to connect with current Drill Rig Operators or Trainees. They can provide valuable insights and may even refer you to open positions.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare for potential physical assessments by staying fit and familiarising yourself with the physical demands of the job. Being able to demonstrate your physical capability during the interview process can give you a significant advantage.

We think you need these skills to ace Drill Rig Operator/Trainee 1/Trainee 2 (Region 5)

Valid New York State Class D driver’s license
Ability to pass medical and physical examinations
Knowledge of geotechnical drilling methods
Experience with drilling equipment operation
Ability to record and maintain detailed field logs
Understanding of safety protocols and traffic control
Basic mechanical skills for preventative maintenance and minor repairs
Ability to operate heavy machinery, including bulldozers and dump trucks
Knowledge of soil and rock sample collection techniques
Ability to read and interpret engineering plans
Team leadership and supervisory skills
Effective communication skills
Adaptability to work in various weather conditions
Knowledge of hazardous material handling (Hazwoper training)
Ability to train and mentor junior staff

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your Letter of Interest: Make sure to customise your letter of interest for the Drill Rig Operator position. Highlight relevant experiences, such as any previous work in geotechnical drilling or operating heavy machinery, and explain why you're a great fit for the role.

Update Your Resume: Ensure your resume is current and clearly outlines your qualifications. Include any relevant certifications, such as your New York State Class D or B driver's license, and detail your experience with drilling equipment or physical labour.

Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Include the Notice Number R5-25-64 in the subject line of your email and reference it in your letter of interest. This shows attention to detail and ensures your application is processed correctly.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, take the time to proofread your letter of interest and resume. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is accurate and clearly presented. A polished application reflects professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at -

✨Know Your Equipment

Familiarise yourself with the types of drilling equipment mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss how you would operate and maintain these tools will show your understanding of the role.

✨Demonstrate Physical Readiness

Since the job involves physical labour, be prepared to discuss your physical capabilities. Mention any relevant experience that demonstrates your ability to handle the demands of the job.

✨Understand Safety Protocols

Safety is crucial in this role. Be ready to talk about safety measures you've followed in previous jobs, especially in construction or drilling environments. This will highlight your commitment to a safe working environment.

✨Show Willingness to Learn

As a trainee, it's important to express your eagerness to learn and grow in the role. Discuss any past experiences where you quickly adapted to new tasks or learned new skills, as this will demonstrate your potential for development.

Drill Rig Operator/Trainee 1/Trainee 2 (Region 5)
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  • Drill Rig Operator/Trainee 1/Trainee 2 (Region 5)

    Kingston upon Hull
    Full-Time
    30000 - 43000 Β£ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-23

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