Job Posting: Drill Helper
Position Summary
We are seeking a hardworking, safety-focused Drill Helper to support drilled shaft operations in the field. This position is responsible for assisting the driller with daily operations, maintaining equipment and tooling, ensuring safe work practices, and helping maximize production efficiency. The ideal candidate is dependable, mechanically inclined, willing to learn, and able to work in a physically demanding construction environment.
Primary Responsibilities
Drill Operations
- Assist the driller by lining up the drill on each hole and maintaining alignment throughout drilling.
- Set lineup marks for the driller when needed.
- Monitor hole conditions, including water depth, sloughing, heaving, and overall progress.
- Verify drill alignment within casing and communicate adjustments using hand signals.
- Help maintain accurate drilling depth by checking hole conditions as directed.
- Assist with moving spoil material when required by the project.
Safety
- Maintain constant awareness of personnel and equipment within the drill's swing radius.
- Act as the driller's ground safety watch, especially in blind spots.
- Serve as a spotter when moving or setting up the drill.
- Watch for overhead hazards while equipment is being moved.
- Stay clear of casing when tooling is entering or exiting the hole to avoid falling debris.
- Follow all company safety policies and site-specific procedures.
Equipment Inspection & Maintenance
- Perform daily visual inspections of the drill for leaks, damaged components, or abnormal conditions.
- Inspect forklifts, manlifts, and other support equipment before first use each day.
- Check fluid levels, inspect for leaks or damaged parts, and complete required equipment inspection reports.
- Grease equipment and monitor for wear throughout the day.
- Inspect rigging before every use and ensure proper rigging practices are followed.
Tool & Material Management
- Prepare tools each morning for maintenance activities, including hammer, pry bar, punches, tooth drivers, and related equipment.
- Retrieve and transport drilling tools using forklifts as needed.
- Keep tooling pockets clean for efficient tool changes.
- Replace worn teeth, perform hard-facing, complete minor welding repairs, and inspect tooling for cracks and excessive wear.
- Maintain an organized and clean work area.
- Return all tools to their proper storage locations at the end of each shift.
- Track inventory of consumables and notify the driller before supplies become low.
Productivity
- Balance maintenance duties with supporting the active drilling operation.
- Hustle to provide tools, equipment, and materials needed to keep production moving.
- Anticipate the driller's needs and prepare equipment in advance.
- When all assigned work is complete, ask the driller what additional assistance is needed.
Site-Specific Responsibilities (Segmented Casing Projects)
When assigned to segmented casing operations, responsibilities include:
- Clean and prepare casing joints before installation.
- Inspect threads, O-rings, tapers, and mating surfaces for damage or wear.
- Verify bolt holes are clean and bolts thread freely; repair threads when necessary.
- Prepare cleaning equipment before casing installation.
- Apply vegetable oil to mating surfaces.
- Apply copper-based anti-seize to all bolts.
- Properly install casing bolts without forcing components together.
- Monitor casing plumbness and alignment throughout installation.
- Keep the drill centered within the casing.
- Monitor inventory of casing supplies including bolts, O-rings, wire wheels, vegetable spray, and anti-seize, and notify the driller before materials run low.
Kelly Bar Installation Responsibilities
- Assist the operator during Kelly bar installation and removal.
- Spot the operator to prevent contact with the spring pack or mast guide.
- Help ensure smooth mast movement to prevent equipment damage.
- Verify proper mast alignment during Kelly bar removal.
- Assist in safely controlling the Kelly bar after it clears the spring pack.
- Perform close visual inspections during drill assembly and notify the driller of any damaged or abnormal components.
Qualifications
- Construction, drilling, heavy equipment, or related field experience preferred.
- Mechanical aptitude and willingness to perform equipment maintenance.
- Ability to safely operate or learn to operate forklifts, manlifts, and support equipment.
- Strong attention to safety and situational awareness.
- Ability to lift heavy materials and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Strong work ethic, dependable attendance, and willingness to learn.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills.
What We're Looking For
The successful Drill Helper is proactive, safety-minded, and committed to supporting the drilling operation. This role requires someone who takes pride in maintaining equipment, anticipating the driller's needs, working efficiently, and contributing to a productive and safe jobsite every day.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $28.00 - $35.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Ability to Commute:
- Boise, ID 83716 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Boise, ID 83716: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
