Job Summary

As a Water Well Driller, you will play a critical role in drilling and installing water wells that provide reliable groundwater access for residential, commercial, agricultural, and municipal applications. Your primary responsibility will be operating water well drilling equipment to bore holes into the earth, install well casing, and assist with well development and completion.

You will work closely with field crews, project managers, and engineers to ensure safe, accurate, and efficient drilling operations. There is no typical day and the scenery changes often as you travel for work. This position presents a unique career path and opportunities to develop specialized drilling expertise while contributing to essential water infrastructure projects.

Essential Responsibilities

• Operate water well drilling rigs and related equipment to drill boreholes for groundwater wells using appropriate drilling methods (air rotary, mud rotary, or other techniques).
• Install well casing, screens, and other well components to ensure proper well construction and groundwater flow.
• Assist with well development activities such as flushing, airlifting, or pumping to ensure proper water production.
• Follow all safety protocols and environmental regulations in alignment with company, state, and federal guidelines.
• Prepare drilling sites by clearing debris, leveling the ground, and positioning drilling equipment.
• Inspect drilling equipment regularly and perform routine maintenance to ensure safe operation.
• Execute drilling operations according to specified depths, casing requirements, and project specifications.
• Monitor drilling progress and groundwater conditions encountered during drilling operations.
• Maintain accurate records of drilling activities including depth measurements, formations encountered, water levels, and equipment usage.
• Utilize tablets, phones, computers, or other electronic devices to document drilling operations and communicate project updates.

Other Responsibilities

• Identify and troubleshoot technical issues encountered during drilling operations to minimize downtime.
• Maintain clear communication with project managers, engineers, and team members to coordinate drilling activities.
• Assist with well testing, pump installation preparation, and site cleanup activities.
• Support other crew members and field personnel as needed.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to stand, sit, talk, hear, reach, and use hands and fingers to operate machinery and tools.
• Must be able to lift at least 75 pounds regularly.
• Work is performed outdoors in varying environmental conditions including heat, cold, wet, humid, and dusty environments.
• Noise levels may be high and hearing protection may be required.
• Work environment includes exposure to typical construction site hazards.
• Must frequently wear personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to travel up to 100% of the time and work a rotational schedule.

Required Skills / Abilities

• Ability and willingness to travel extensively.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Technical training or Washington/Oregon certification in water well drilling or drilling operations preferred.
• Experience operating drilling rigs or heavy equipment in water well drilling, construction, mining, or related industries.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and familiarity with drilling equipment and machinery.
• Knowledge of drilling safety standards and environmental regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret plans, well logs, and technical specifications.
• Ability to work a rotational schedule, typically 3 weeks working/traveling and 1 week off.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced field environments.
• Class A CDL preferred.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office or similar software preferred.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• 6 months or more of experience in water well drilling or related drilling operations preferred.
• Experience operating drilling rigs or heavy equipment preferred.