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Drill Rig Operator

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Savannah Engineering Division, Geotechnical and Hazardous Toxic Radioactive Waste
This job announcement has closed

Summary

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

About the Position: Principal operator on core drill party on assignments to subsurface investigation projects throughout the United States.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
11/07/2025 to 11/24/2025
Salary
$32.02 to - $37.33 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 11
Location
2 vacancies in the following location:
Savannah, GA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
76% or greater - You may be expected to travel up to 90% of the time for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Other
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-25-12830133-DHA
Control number
849756100

Duties

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  • Operate auger, sonic, mud rotary and direct-push drill rigs for the purpose of collecting soil, rock, and groundwater samples and to install instrumentation.
  • Operate various types of soil testing and sampling equipment including augers, drive samplers, direct-push samplers, piston samplers, denison-type samplers, CPT tools, and related direct-push tools.
  • Interpret drilling instructions to assure that the primary purpose of the mission is executed successfully.
  • Prepare for drilling jobs by selecting proper bits and devices to effect the most efficient borehole
  • Trains helpers in the operation of the equipment, demonstrating proper methods and procedures and observing and supervising periods of actual operation by each helper.

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.
  • Class A Commercial Driver's License required.
  • Required to participate and pass the Districts, Hazardous, Toxic and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) Program and will be included in the Annual Medical Surveillance Program.
  • Annual Respirator usage Fitness Test.
  • This position has been designated as meeting the criteria for random drug testing under the Department of the Army Drug-Free Federal Workplace Program.
  • Pre-employment and annual physicals.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

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.

There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Drill Rig Operator ~ without more than normal supervision. As it relates to drilling and subsurface exploration. Must be able to successfully accomplish the following tasks under normal supervision: advancement of borings into soil and/or rock at depths up to 50 feet, installing groundwater wells up to 4 inches in diameter, collecting split spoon, undisturbed, and rock core samples, perform routine maintenance on drill rigs in order to repair components such as hoses, pumps, and motors. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

Selective Placement Factor:

This position has a requirement to possess and maintain a Class A Commercial Driver License. (Must be included in the application package or you will be disqualified)

  • 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.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

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.
  • This is a(n) Engineers and Scientists-18 Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.

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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