Universal Engineering Sciences - Sonic Driller

Overview:  

UES is a privately held, rapidly growing engineering and consulting firm with nearly six decades of experience in geotechnical engineering, construction materials testing, building code compliance, threshold inspections and environmental consulting. With more than 3,800 professionals across 80+ branches in high growth markets in the U.S., UES consults on projects of all sizes for public and private clients in industries ranging from transportation and healthcare to commercial, residential, and education.

Experienced and proven, UES is considered a pioneer of the industry and stands at the forefront of emerging technology and best practices. Our work includes public and private clients, as well as public-private partnerships, and consists of projects ranging from transportation and infrastructure to aviation and aerospace. Our engineers, geologists, certified inspectors, scientists, and drillers offer an unwavering commitment to excellence, approaching each project with the knowledge that precision, professionalism, and creative solutions are what drive success and cultivate enduring client relationships.

As UES continues to grow, it’s critical that we have a defined set of values that guide us like a north star. These values need to demonstrate who we are as a company and what we believe. STRIVE stands for Safety, Teamwork, Responsiveness, Integrity, Value, and Excellence.

Summary

The Sonic Driller plays a key role, responsible for operating specialized drilling equipment to extract core samples for geotechnical, environmental, mineral exploration and construction projects. This role involves working in various field environments, ensuring the safety and efficiency of drilling operations, and maintaining equipment in top condition. The ideal candidate will have experience in drilling operations, strong mechanical skills, and a commitment to safety.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

- On average the workdays range from seven to twelve hours. The driller’s primary duty is that of a laborer with extensive manual lifting and handling

- The materials collections process (i.e. soils, concrete, asphalt, etc.) is repetitive in nature several times 

- The manual lifting is performed individually and in tandem, when necessary, with the Head Driller or other driller’s helper(s)

- The following equipment and products are lifted, carried, and manipulated: Steel drill rods, steel drill casings, steel augers, steel drill tip bits, and fifty lbs. bags of sand, cement, and bentonite. The rods, augers, casings, and drill tip bits weigh up to one hundred plus lbs.

- The weights manually lifted range from zero to two hundred plus lbs. Weights in the five to seventy-five lbs. range are lifted frequently (From thirty-three percent up to sixty-six percent of the task period) with a frequency range of ten to thirty-five repetitions

- Weights in the range of twenty-five to two hundred plus lbs. (drill rods, hollow-stem auger bits, and casings) are lifted frequently (From fifteen percent to thirty percent of the task period) with a range of zero to fifteen repetitions on average, with or without reasonable accommodation

- Weights in the range of twenty-five to two hundred plus lbs. (drill rods, hollow-stem auger bits, and casings) are lifted frequently (From fifteen percent to thirty percent of the task period) with a range of five to fifteen repetitions on average, with or without reasonable accommodation

- Depending upon the location of the support truck(s) and trailer in proximity to the drill rig, the equipment and materials are manually lifted and carried/moved, ranging from a zero to seventy-five plus feet, on average, in walking distance, with or without reasonable accommodation

- In addition to manual lifting, body motions and movements include bending, twisting, reaching, stooping, pulling, kneeling, and pushing. These body motions/movements are performed continuously (on average from sixty-six percent up to one hundred percent of the task period) to perform the physical manual work tasks involved with the drilling operations and related tasks

- This job is in Florida, with exposure to intense sun, intense heat, humidity, rain, thunderstorms, and other adverse weather conditions

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Operate sonic drilling equipment and manage the setup, operation and maintenance of sonic drilling rigs, ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.
• Extract core samples using drilling methods, handling materials with care to maintain sample integrity for geotechnical, environmental or mineral analysis.
• Prepare and secure drilling sites, ensuring safety measures are in place. Clean up work areas post-drilling, following environmental regulations and project guidelines.
• Perform regular inspections, routine maintenance, and minor repairs on the sonic drill and related equipment to ensure efficient and ensure that all drilling activities comply with company and regulatory safety standards.
• Assist in setting up and preparing drilling sites, including the installation of rig components, securing work areas, and managing drilling fluids.
• Collect and document soil, rock, and groundwater samples accurately, ensuring proper labeling and storage for analysis.
• Maintain detailed logs of drilling activities, including depth measurements, material types encountered, and any deviations from the plan.
• Work alongside geologists, engineers, and other technicians to support project goals, ensuring all samples and data meet project requirements.
• Maintain detailed logs of drilling activities, including depth measurements, material types encountered, and any deviations from the plan.
• Be willing to travel to various job sites, sometimes in remote locations, as required by project needs.
• Identify and address any issues that arise during drilling operations, using problem-solving skills to minimize delays and ensure project success.
• Safely load, transport, and unload drilling equipment to and from job sites.
• Communicate effectively with clients and project managers to provide updates on drilling progress and any potential challenges.
• Ensure that all drilling activities are conducted with environmental protection in mind, minimizing impact to the surrounding area.
• Perform other related tasks as assigned.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• OSHA 40HR HAZWOPER
• Licensed Water Well Contractor
• Proficiency in operating drilling rigs and related equipment
• Strong mechanical skills for equipment maintenance and troubleshooting
• Ability to read and interpret blueprints, maps, and project plans
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Physical ability to lift heavy equipment and work in various weather conditions
• Knowledge of safety regulations and best practices in drilling operations
• Relevant certifications such as CDL (Commercial Driver's License) or OSHA safety training may be required.

Who We Are:  

UES provides essential engineering services for some of the most prominent and significant projects in the nation. Our team members, from our drillers to administrative staff, contribute directly to projects that transform communities. With some of the greatest talent in Geotechnical Engineering, Construction Materials Testing and Inspection, Code Compliance, Environmental, Occupational Health & Safety, and Building Envelope, we are committed to delivering groundbreaking solutions for our clients. At the core of our success is our team members who make it all possible. We know that the projects we deliver are only as good as our people, which is why we offer enriching opportunities for career growth at every level.

Growing in Excellence

As the #1 fastest growing AEC firm on The Zweig Group's Hot Firm list in 2021, UES is poised to lead our industry into the future. As we evolve from a one-man operation to a company spanning 75 branches and 3,500 employees, we’re looking for enthusiastic talent to launch their careers and grow along with us.

Why Work at UES?

We value the individual contributions of our employees, and we show this through providing great benefits. Please ask your recruiter what benefits plans apply to you.

#GroundedInExcellence

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran Universal Engineering Sciences is a Drug-Free Workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.