Vertical Drill Rig Operator

Job Description

Job Description

Appalachian Drilling Company is seeking a highly skilled and safety-focused Drill Rig Operator to join our deep foundations team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating heavy rotary drilling rigs to excavate large diameter drilled shafts (caissons) for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Rig Operation: Safely and efficiently operate large rotary drilling rigs to excavate large-diameter drilled shafts according to engineering blueprints and project specifications. From 2' to 10' diameters
• Casing & Slurry: Manage the installation and extraction of temporary or permanent steel casings. Work effectively with wet-hole construction methods, including polymer slurry systems, when required.
• Equipment Maintenance: Perform daily pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections. Conduct routine preventative maintenance, grease moving parts, and promptly report any mechanical issues to the maintenance team.
• Concrete Placement: Coordinate and assist with concrete pouring operations, including the setup of tremie pipes & pump lines.
• Rebar & Anchor Bolt Setting: Assist in rigging and lowering heavy rebar cages. Accurately set, align, and secure anchor bolts and anchor templates to exact engineering tolerances prior to and during the concrete pour.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience: Minimum of [3–5] years of proven experience operating large foundation drilling rigs specifically for drilled shafts/caissons.
• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of drilling techniques through various subsurface conditions (soil, cobble, hard rock, ground water).
• Certifications: Current OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred. NCCCO Drill Rig Operator certification is a major plus.
• Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license required. A Class A CDL is highly preferred for moving equipment and materials.
• Problem-Solving: Ability to read project plans, adapt to changing soil conditions, and troubleshoot minor equipment issues on the fly.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Ability to work safely outdoors in all weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, etc.).
• Physical stamina to climb on and off heavy machinery, lift up to [50 lbs], and stand or sit for extended periods.
• Willingness to work long hours, overtime, and occasional weekends as project schedules demand.
• Willingness to travel to various job sites within the Southeastern US

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly wage
• Daily Per Diem
• Comprehensive benefits package (Health, Dental, Vision).
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
• Opportunities for ongoing training and career advancement.