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Drilling Exploration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/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

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/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 V

Nashville, TN · On-site

$21 - $28.25/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 II

Lodi, CA · On-site

$24.48 - $34.38/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

$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 ...

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

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 IV

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$20.75 - $28.25/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 V

Springdale, AR · On-site

$20.25 - $27.75/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 III

Gahanna, OH

$21.75 - $29.50/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

Lodi, CA

$24.50 - $33.25/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 ...

Showing results 41-60

drilling exploration information

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$90K

$116.7K

$137K

How much do drilling exploration jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 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/Exploration Team Member III

Woodbridge, VA

$22.75 - $31/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Terracon rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 122 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


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, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including: survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork. 

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.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 3-years' experience.
  • Proficient in geotechnical and/or environmental drilling methods.
  • Valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.
  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.
  • Many states require specific driller/well installation licensure. When applicable, such licensure is required.

Preferred Certification and Skills:

  • Experience in
    • In-Situ test methods
    • Instrumentation Installation
    • Barge Drilling
    • Angle Drilling
    • Environmental Drilling
  • Regional Drilling Licensure
  • Valid Class A or B commercial driver's license.

The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:

  • Demonstrate an ability to problem solve and implement solutions on routine to moderately complex problems with guidance from management or other senior level ETMs. Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region.
  • Oversee a 2 or 3 man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations.
  • Be proficient in multiple drilling methods common to their region.
  • Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
  • Perform routine repairs and maintenance.
  • Perform surveying, site reconnaissance, and utility clearance tasks.
  • Drive all forms of drilling equipment to and from project locations.
  • Inspect and complete routine maintenance of equipment.
  • Assist in project preparation and pre-task planning.
  • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
  • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

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