Drill Assistant

Overview

Assist geotechnical drilling operations with equipment setup, maintenance, and sample handling.

Key Responsibilities

• equipment setup
• drill maintenance
• sample collection
• field logging
• regulatory compliance
• team communication

Tasks

The Drill Assistant is a foundational role within the Geotechnical Drillers Job Family at American Engineering Testing (AET). In this position, you will play a vital role in supporting geotechnical drilling operations by assisting with equipment setup, maintenance, and the collection of high-quality field data. -Review project instructions to verify that all materials and supplies are available for successful project completion. -Maintain effective communication with the drilling team and project stakeholders throughout project execution. -Prepare detailed written field logs of borings, including assessments of soil classifications and apparent geologic origins. -Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory requirements, including those for sealing boreholes, and ensure operations are compliant. -Perform routine maintenance tasks on drilling equipment to ensure optimal functionality. -Support the execution of geotechnical investigations and soil sampling. -Team with Drillers or Drill Leads to document boring test locations and elevations. -Conduct thorough pre-operational checks on equipment and report any issues promptly. -Occasionally lift 60-100 pounds from the floor to 2 feet. -Follow proper procedures for the storage and documentation of collected samples. -Assist in the collection, labeling, and transport of soil and rock samples, ensuring adherence to established protocols. -Collaborate with team members to troubleshoot issues and achieve project objectives efficiently. -Assist in site preparation activities, including marking drilling locations and ensuring clear access for drilling equipment. -Collaborate with Drillers or Drill Leads to review utility locate information before commencing operations. -Work closely with Drillers or Lead Drillers to set up, calibrate, and operate drilling equipment.

Requirements

• heavy lifting
• travel
• driver license
• geotechnical
• safety certifications
• mechanical aptitude

What You Bring

This role is a blend of field and occasional office environments. You will spend significant time outdoors at various project sites, facing diverse weather conditions and physically demanding tasks. Flexibility and resilience in a dynamic environment are essential. Capable of the physical labor required including work at hazardous waste sites, with personal protective equipment. -Frequently lift 30-60 pounds from the floor to 2 feet. -Ability to: Frequently lift 30-60 pounds from the floor to 2 feet.Occasionally lift 60-100 pounds from the floor to 2 feet.Frequently carry 30-60 pounds for 10-30 feet.Occasionally carry 60-100 pounds for 10-30 feet.Stand 80% of the day (often on uneven surfaces).Move 80% of the day, with frequent bending and stooping. -Prior experience in a field or technical role is beneficial but not mandatory. -Stand 80% of the day (often on uneven surfaces). -Basic understanding of geotechnical drilling techniques. -Occasionally carry 60-100 pounds for 10-30 feet. -Ability to travel up to 20% - 80% of work time including overnight travel. -Willingness to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions. -Ability to obtain and maintain required safety and operational certifications as mandated by AET. -Ability to lift and carry heavy equipment. -Insurable driving record and ability to obtain a medical card. -Previous experience in a similar role or a strong mechanical aptitude. -Frequently carry 30-60 pounds for 10-30 feet. -Class D Driver’s License -Class A or B Driver’s License. -Move 80% of the day, with frequent bending and stooping.

People Also Searched For

Benefits

Base compensation is expected to be in the range of $23.00 - $25.00 per hour based on skill set and experience. AET offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health benefits, insurance, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), long term savings, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. The selected candidate must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. without requiring visa sponsorship now or in the future. This entry-level role offers an excellent opportunity to develop core technical skills, gain practical experience in geotechnical methods, and set the stage for future progression into higher-level drilling positions.

About Aet

-Originally employee‑owned via an ESOP, its leadership has steadily expanded both its geographic reach and service lines. -With 20 offices across the Upper Midwest and Wyoming, the firm blends local insight with national project capabilities. -Typical projects span from bridge and zoo trail inspections to forensic investigations and complex pavement engineering. -The firm specializes in geotechnical engineering, pavement consulting, environmental services, materials testing, petrography, and building performance. -AET’s Saint Paul HQ hosts one of North America’s largest petrography labs, a standout in construction analysis. -Its in‑house QA/QC program and multiple AASHTO and USACE accreditations reinforce its reputation for technical excellence. -A storytelling‑driven legacy: from a small geotechnical firm to a trusted partner delivering certainty from design through delivery.

Sector Specialisms

Visa Sponsorship

-no visa sponsorship; candidate must be authorized to work in the u.s. without sponsorship now or in the future.