Project Drilling Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ardaman & Associates, Inc. is one of the largest geotechnical engineering and materials testing consulting firms in the Southeastern U.S. Over our history, we have worked on more than 150,000 projects throughout the Southeast, the U.S., and worldwide. This vast list of project experience includes services for virtually every type of public and private client associated with industrial, commercial and infrastructure projects.

DRILLING FIELD MANAGER

Position Summary:

Geotechnical Drilling Field Manager to lead and oversee all day-to-day drilling operations for site investigations.. Act as the primary field contact for project managers and drill crews. .

Essential Job Functions:

• Manage drilling crews, equipment, schedules, and safety compliance to deliver accurate subsurface data on time.

• Serve as primary technical resource for drilling methods, sampling protocols, and field QA/QC; coordinate with project engineers and subcontractors.

• Supervise day-to-day drilling operations including mobilization/demobilization, rig set up, drilling, sampling, logging, and site restoration.

• Help to assign crews and equipment to projects, create work schedules, and ensure timely completion of field tasks.

• Work as a crew-chief and/or driller's helper to keep drill crews operating on days when other staff may be unavailable or call out.

• Deliver repair parts to rigs that may be experiencing mechanical issues in the field and help with repairs to the extent possible.

• Enforce field safety programs (e.g., OSHA, company H&S policies), conduct toolbox talks, and lead incident investigations as needed.

• Implement and maintain sampling and drilling QA/QC procedures (e.g., split spoon sampling, rock coring, SPT, Shelby tubes, drill cuttings management).

• Inspect, maintain, and coordinate repair of drilling rigs, ancillary equipment, and vehicles; manage spare parts and inventory.

• Train, mentor, and evaluate drill crew members: recruit and retain skilled field staff.

• Coordinate with project managers and engineers to clarify scope, field methods, and schedule adjustments.

• Prepare field reports, daily logs, equipment checklists, and assist in compiling field data for lab submission and final deliverables.

• Ensure regulatory and client compliance for waste handling, permits, site access, and environmental protection measures.

• Deliver drill rigs requiring CDLs to job sites as needed.

• Develop staffing plans, training programs, and continuous-improvement initiatives to optimize field performance and reduce downtime.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 10 years of hands-on geotechnical drilling experience, with at least 2 years in supervisory or lead role.

• Demonstrated competency with standard geotechnical drilling methods (SPT, Shelby tubes, rock coring, auger, well installation, hollow-stem auger, mud rotary, tripod, all terrain rigs, barge rigs)

• Valid CDL driver's license with a satisfactory driving record; ability to travel to job sites and mobilize equipment.

• Strong leadership and crew-management skills, including scheduling and conflict resolution.

• Working knowledge of health and safety regulations (OSHA), confined space entry, and field emergency procedures.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting and client interactions.

• Ability to read and interpret boring logs, field notes, and basic geotechnical reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certifications such as OSHA 30, First Aid/CPR, HAZW

• Previous experience managing multiple field crews or regional drilling operations.

• Familiarity with environmental sampling protocols, chain-of-custody procedures, and hazardous material handling.

• Experience with maintenance planning, inventory control, and vendor coordination for drilling equipment.

• Proficiency with digital field reporting tools and GPS

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks: lifting up to 50 lbs. frequently and up to 80 lbs. occasionally; climbing, kneeling, bending, and standing for extended periods.

• Comfortable working at heights and in/around heavy machinery.

• Sufficient vision, hearing, and dexterity to operate equipment, read gauges and logs, and maintain safety on site.

• Ability to work long shifts, irregular hours, and travel for multi-day assignments and project needs dictate.

• Capability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions for extended periods.

Work Environment / Environment Factors:

• Work is primarily field-based at construction sites, roadways, utilities, industrial sites, and undeveloped land.

• Exposure to dust, noise, vibration, mud, and other typical outdoor/industrial site conditions.

• Frequent travel to project locations; occasional night or weekend work may be required.

• Strong emphasis on safety culture; must consistently wear required PPE (hard hat, safety boots, eye protection, hearing protection, high-visibility clothing, gloves, etc.).

• Occasional exposure to hazardous materials or confined-space environments when applicable; adherence to safety procedures and use of specialized PPE required.

• Office time for reporting, scheduling, and coordination with project teams; may involve occasional multi-site coordination and remote communication.

Additional Information

• Full-time, hourly position.

We offer a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, paid time off, 401(k) with company match, and much more.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Ardaman is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tetra Tech, who is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans. Ardaman is a Drug Free Workplace.

We invite applications from all interested parties.  No agencies.

Learn about Ardaman and explore our open positions at www.ardaman.com