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Drilling Exploration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Driller/Exploration Team Member V

Lodi, CA · On-site

$34.10 - $53.08/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Boise, ID · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member V

Wichita, KS · On-site

$20.50 - $28/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member III

Wichita, KS · On-site

$17.25 - $23.25/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member IV

Charleston, WV · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member IV

Syracuse, NY · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member V

Nashville, TN · On-site

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member III

Wilkes Barre, PA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

Driller/Exploration Team Member III

Omaha, NE · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include; auger drilling, mud rotary drilling ...

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drilling exploration information

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$90K

$116.7K

$137K

How much do drilling exploration jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling exploration in the United States is $116,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $105,500.00 and $128,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is drilling exploration?

A Drilling Exploration job involves locating and extracting underground resources such as oil, gas, minerals, or water. Professionals in this field use advanced drilling techniques and geological surveys to assess potential drilling sites. They work closely with geologists, engineers, and technicians to ensure safe and efficient operations. The role requires knowledge of drilling equipment, safety protocols, and environmental regulations.

What does a drilling exploration professional do?

A typical day in Drilling Exploration often involves planning and coordinating drilling operations, monitoring equipment performance, and interpreting geological data to make informed decisions. Fieldwork may require working long hours in outdoor or remote locations, frequently in challenging weather and terrain. Team collaboration is essential, as you’ll regularly interact with geologists, engineers, technicians, and safety personnel to ensure smooth operations. If you enjoy dynamic problem-solving and hands-on technical work, this role offers a rewarding and varied daily experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed for drilling exploration?

To thrive in Drilling Exploration, you need a solid background in geology, engineering principles, and drilling operations, typically supported by a degree in geoscience or engineering and relevant field experience. Familiarity with specialized drilling equipment, seismic data analysis tools, and safety certifications such as H2S or OSHA is important. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help professionals address on-site challenges and coordinate complex projects. These skills are vital for ensuring safe, efficient exploration activities and successful resource discovery in remote or demanding environments.

More about drilling exploration jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Exploration jobs?

The most popular types of Drilling Exploration jobs are:

What states have the most Drilling Exploration jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drilling Exploration jobs include:

Infographic showing various Drilling Exploration job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,666 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Driller Assistant/Exploration Team Member I

Omaha, NE • On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Terracon rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Drilling / Exploration Technician (Entry Level)


Location: Omaha, NE + Regional Travel 
Looking to start a hands-on career with long-term stability-not seasonal layoffs? Terracon offers yearround work, paid training, and a clear path to advancement in a growing industry. If you enjoy working outdoors, learning technical skills, and being part of a safetyfocused team, this could be the opportunity for you. 
 

Why Join Terracon? 
We don't just offer a job-we offer a career path:

  • Stable, yearround employment
  • Paid, onthejob training-no prior drilling experience required
  • Clear advancement opportunities, including growing into a Team Leader role
  • Employee ownership-you share in the company's success
  • Strong safety culture that prioritizes your wellbeing
  • Opportunity to work on projects across Nebraska and beyond
  • Build specialized skills that are always in demand

 
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located.From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.

What We're Looking For

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Little to no prior experience required-we'll train you
  • Willingness to travel for projects
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within 30 days of hire
  • Ability to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions
  • Dependable, safetyminded, and eager to learn

What You'll Do 


As an Entry-Level Drilling / Exploration Technician, you'll train alongside experienced professionals while building skills that lead to a long-term career:

  • Work yearround (not seasonal like landscaping, snow removal, or construction)
  • Learn drilling and exploration fundamentals, including: 
    • Equipment operation and maintenance (augers, bits, tooling)
    • Soil and rock testing methods
    • Installation of groundwater monitoring wells
    • Basics of reading civil and geotechnical plans
  • Assist the Lead Operator with daily field operations
  • Drive mediumduty trucks to job sites across the region
  • Follow Terracon's SafetyFirst culture: 
    • Participate in pretask planning
    • Follow all safety standards and report concerns
  • Maintain quality standards on every project
  • Travel regionally and occasionally nationwide with per diem provided

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