Assistant Driller - Geothermal Drilling in Tonbridge

Build your skills. Develop a career in geothermal drilling. Help deliver a more sustainable future. We're looking for a practical, motivated person who wants to develop a skilled career in the growing geothermal drilling industry. No previous drilling experience is necessary - we'll help you develop the skills and qualifications to progress.

The Package

• Working Pattern: Monday-Friday, working away across the UK
• Hours: 40 hours per week, plus paid overtime
• Location: South-East England ideally but flexible
• Travel: UK-wide travel by company vehicle
• Package: Fixed wage + overtime + drilling bonus per metre drilled
• Working Away: Accommodation provided, plus daily food allowance

Role Overview

We are seeking a motivated and practical Assistant Driller to join our drilling teams, supporting the installation of geothermal boreholes for new-build developments across the UK. This is a hands-on role suited to someone who enjoys working outdoors, has good mechanical aptitude, takes pride in doing a job well and enjoys working as part of a team. You will work alongside experienced Drillers, learning the skills and techniques involved in geothermal borehole installation and supporting the safe and efficient operation of our drilling equipment. The role normally involves working away from home Monday to Friday, with accommodation provided, company transport and a daily food allowance.

Training and Career Progression

This is an opportunity to build a long-term career in a specialist and growing industry. We are committed to developing our people and supporting those who want to progress within our drilling team. Training and development opportunities include:

• Company-supported upskilling and relevant training courses.
• Opportunity to obtain plant qualifications such as excavator/digger and telehandler tickets.
• On-the-job development alongside experienced drilling teams.
• A clear progression route towards becoming a Driller / Drilling Operator with the opportunity to work towards an NVQ in Land Drilling as your skills and experience develops.

Pay, Overtime and Drilling Bonus

The role offers a fixed wage based on a 40-hour working week, with hours above this paid at the applicable overtime hourly rate. In addition, a drilling productivity bonus linked to metres drilled provides an opportunity to increase your earnings while contributing to the performance and success of the wider team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Driller and wider drilling team with day-to-day geothermal borehole installation activities.
• Support the safe setup, operation and breakdown of drilling equipment and associated site equipment.
• Assist with the movement, preparation and handling of tools, materials, drilling rods and consumables.
• Help maintain a clean, safe and organised working area around the drilling operation.
• Carry out routine checks, basic maintenance and cleaning of equipment as directed by the Driller.
• Follow site-specific risk assessments, method statements, company procedures and health and safety requirements.
• Work productively with the drilling team to support efficient metres drilled and successful project delivery.
• Assist with general site duties and plant operation where trained, competent and authorised.
• Undertake manual handling and other practical site activities associated with drilling operations.

The Person We Are Looking For

You will be motivated, dependable and comfortable working as part of a close-knit team. You will take pride in working safely and productively, be willing to learn and develop new skills, and understand the commitment involved in working away from home during the week. We're interested in people with a practical, hands-on approach and an enthusiasm for learning. Previous drilling experience isn't essential, and we welcome applications from people with different backgrounds who can demonstrate the right attitude and reliability.

Skills and Experience

• A valid CSCS card, or willingness to obtain one before starting.
• A full UK driving licence is required.
• Practical and mechanical aptitude, with a hands‑on approach to work.
• Good organisation and the ability to follow instructions and site procedures.
• Strong team‑working skills and a positive, reliable attitude.
• Comfortable working outdoors and undertaking physically active work in varying site and weather conditions.
• Willingness and ability to work away from home Monday to Friday across the UK.
• Previous construction, groundworks, drilling, plant, agricultural, mechanical or site experience would be advantageous but is not essential for the right candidate.

Desirable Qualifications

Existing CPCS or equivalent plant qualifications are an advantage, particularly:

• Telehandler
• Excavator / digger
• Other relevant construction plant tickets

Don't be put off if you don't hold these qualifications already. We are keen to invest in the right person and support their development.

Our Benefits

We want Kensa to be a place where people feel supported, can develop their skills and take pride in the work they do. When you join us, you can expect:

• 25 days, increasing with years of service, plus bank holidays.
• Free, 24/7 access to an independent, confidential Employee Assistance Programme for you and your immediate family.
• Private healthcare available after one year of service.
• A workplace pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Paid volunteering days to support causes that matter to you.
• Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, offering a tax‑efficient way to access a new EV.

Join Us

At Kensa, you'll have the opportunity to be part of a team delivering geothermal heating solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know - we’ll be happy to discuss how we can support you. No cover note is required. If you’d like to include one, we’d love to hear what interests you about Kensa and the Assistant Driller role. We look forward to hearing from you.