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Drill Rig Operator

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
GEOTECH, ENVIRON & HTRW BRANCH
This job announcement has closed

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: This position is a permanent position. This is a developmental position with a target grade of WG-11. Management will make selection at the WG-7 level ONLY

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
11/03/2025 to 11/12/2025
Salary
$26.50 to - $30.94 per hour
Pay scale & grade
GS 7 - 11
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Mobile, AL
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
76% or greater - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
11
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
CERL-25-12825365-DHA
Control number
849193800

Duties

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  • Operates power auger drill rigs
  • Receives training from the senior drill operator in the actual operation of rock core drilling equipment
  • Makes or assists in the making of field repairs to core drilling equipment, pumps, drilling tools, motors, etc
  • Assists in operation of drill rig by connecting and disconnecting drill pipe and bits as boring is advanced
  • Loads and unloads supplies and equipment, assisting and advising operator of supply needs and equipment condition
  • Prepares for drilling jobs, aligning the rig, aligning and installing proper bits and devices, using judgment to anticipate and avoid caving problems

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • Incumbent will be required to participate in districts Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste program and will be included in the annual medical surveillance program.
  • Required to pass a medical surveillance physical examination annually.
  • Required to wear and use appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment, including the occasional use of a respirator.
  • Drives Government-owned vehicles and as required, operates outboard motorboats incident to accomplishment of assigned duties.
  • This position meets the criteria for random drug and alcohol testing under the Department of Army Drug-Free Workplace Program
  • Travel 95% of the time.
  • Lifting up to 95lbs

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

In order to qualify, you must meet the experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.

Minimum Qualifications: (Screen Out Elements)

WG-07:
Ability to Do the Work of the Position with ability to work auger drill rigs and attendant tools and of the methods and techniques of working on drill sites through clay, sand, silt, etc; must be skilled in the operations of the drill rig and the manipulation of relatively simple machinery controls for lowering the tool, augering, lifting and dumping and the sample.

- Ability To Do The Work Of The Position Without More Than Normal Supervision
- Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
- Ability to Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (Related to Mobile Equipment Operation)
- Ability to Operate Safely (Non-motor Vehicles)
- Operation of Motor Vehicles
- Reliability and Dependability as a Drill Rig Operator
- Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order)

Physical Effort: Work involves standing for prolonged periods, walking, bending, pushing, reaching, pulling and lifting. Machinery control work is done in close proximity to rotating drill shaft or tool hammering operations, requiring quick reflex action to respond to drilling problems. Frequently handles objects weighing 20 to 60 pounds and occasionally, tools, samples, and equipment weighing over 60 pounds. Work requires lifting heavy loads regularly and often, sometimes with rapid repetitiveness, throughout the workday, which is from 8-12 hours..

Working Conditions: Works outside in all kinds of weather and temperature extremes on uneven surfaces, exposed to poison growth, reptiles and insects, and under noisy conditions. Is exposed to cuts and bruises, strains and danger of falling while working from river barges. Must be able to perform duties while wearing a respirator.

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • Career Program (CP) 18 - Engineers and Scientist position
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • The following special programs/incentives may be offered if it is appropriate to the position being filled and in the best interest of the government:
    - Student Loan Repayment
    - Advanced In-hire (offered to new Federal employees only)
    - Advanced Leave Accrual (offered to new Federal employees only)
    - Permanent change of station Entitlement (PCS)
    - Relocation/Recruitment Incentives.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

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