Driller

Introduction & Key Role Objective

WJ Groundwater is the leading construction dewatering and groundwater specialist in the UK with operations in Canada, the Middle East, Poland & the Philippines. We have specialized plant and equipment that allows us to install custom dewatering and water treatment systems in various environments, including from within tunnels and shafts and from the surface.

Well drilling is an essential part of our business and around the world we operate over 15 drilling rigs ranging from 5 to 30t and install over 3,500 boreholes per year ranging from 6m deep, 75mm diameter wellpoints to wells 600 mm diameter and up to 400 m deep. Key items of equipment such as drilling rigs are a resource to be shared by WJ operations globally if there is value to the Group or our customers.

The primary function of this position is to set up, operate, and maintain drill rigs and equipment. This role involves drilling and installing Deep wells, piezometers, ejector wells and wellpoints according to the specifications given by the supervisor.

We are dedicated to fostering the growth and development of our employees. We provide extensive internal and external training programs, continuous learning opportunities, and clear career advancement paths to help our team members achieve their full potential. By promoting a supportive and dynamic environment, we ensure our employees thrive and contribute to our company's ongoing success and innovation.

Key areas of responsibility

• Understand and lead the drilling activities at site. Ensure the drilling rig is operating as designed and standby equipment is ready for any contingencies.
• Maintain communication with the Drilling Foreman and Project Managers and keep them updated with the drilling progress.
• Operate and maintain the assigned drill rig. Communicate any problems and ensure optimize productivity is achieved.
• Prepare the SARs and daily rig inspection sheets. Assist the Project Managers to prepare the well records.
• Deliver a high quality 'right first time' approach to all drilling activities.
• Display excellent technical understanding of drilling systems.
• Monitor rig effectiveness and efficiency; makes recommendations for optimizing drilling performance.
• Aid the Drilling Foreman in categorizing and determining minimum standards for all ancillary equipment (e.g. drill rods, casings, pipes, tanks etc.).
• Ensure the equipment is consistently presented to a high level to promote a professional image to the customer.
• Be responsible for own health and safety and that of colleagues, in accordance with current construction guidance and relevant legislation.

The above is not exhaustive and you will be expected to undertake any other duties that may reasonably fall within the level of responsibility and competence.

Qualifications & Experience

• A motivated and hardworking individual with good verbal and written communication skills is essential.
• A minimum of 1 year of experience as a Driller on construction projects in diverse conditions and with various types of equipment.
• Experience with dewatering operations or with similar plumbing/piping will be considered an asset.
• Experience and confidence to demonstrate drilling applications such as underground, horizontal drilling with lost bits, to large diameter reverse circulation.
• High level of confidence in the operation of all types of drilling rigs from mechanically operated hydraulic piling rigs to 5t micro-drilling machines controlled by electronic remote.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required.

Working Conditions

This role is predominately site-based and involves installing dewatering systems in both outdoor and indoor environments, including tunnels, adits, and shafts, which are classified as low to medium risk confined spaces. This role is physically demanding, requiring extended periods of standing, frequent heavy lifting, and repetitive tasks. Comfort with working in all weather conditions, on heavy industrial construction sites, and within confined spaces is essential.

Standard working hours are 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility needed. Overtime may be required on evenings and weekends, and it can often be at short notice based on client demands.