Drill Operator Technician

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting for a Drill Operator Technician. This position serves as a drill operator and conducts a variety of on-site drilling and sampling operations. Duties include operating specialized drilling equipment, gathering and preparing soil and rock samples, and maintaining and repairing drill machinery, equipment, tools, and vehicles. The position reports to the Drill Crew Chief and does not directly supervise other agency personnel. This position is part of the Field Investigation Unit career ladder.

This position is part of a career ladder with career advancement opportunities.

For a full job description, please contact Elizabeth Otte at eotte@mt.gov

Benefits of working for MDT and the State of Montana include:

• Culture of public service and a commitment to work/life balance

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• Access to Montana Health Centers, low-cost clinics for state employees and their families

• State Retirement plan and additional savings opportunities (deferred compensation)

• Employees in this position receive overtime compensation or compensatory time for all time in a pay status over 40 hours in a workweek

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays

• Eligibility for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness

• Benefits apply on first day of employment

• Relocation assistance may be offered to the successful candidate at the time of offer

For information on the Montana Department of Transportation's mission, vision, and values, please visit our website: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/about.aspx#values

Required Education and Experience:

• The required knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a combination of education and experience equivalent to a high school diploma.

• Tech I:

• This is the entry level position and does not require any Geotechnical Drilling experience.

• Tech II:

• This is a step higher than an entry level experience and requires a minimum of a year of Geotechnical drilling experience.

• Tech III:

• This is the highest level on the career ladder and requires a minimum of three total years of progressive geotechnical drilling experience in HSA drilling, Odex Drilling or Hammer Drilling, Casing Advancing or Mud Rotary and Rock Coring to be considered for the level. One year of drilling experience at MDT is required.

• Required at all levels: The incumbent must possess and maintain a Class A/Type 2 driver's license with air brake and tanker endorsement.

• Alternative qualifications include: Any combination of additional related work experience and education equivalent to the minimum qualifications.

This agency may use a training assignment. Employees in training assignments may be paid below the base pay established by the agency pay rules. Conditions of the training assignment will be stated in writing at the time of hire.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of specialized geotechnical drilling operations, equipment, and tools; techniques of sample collection and preservation; boring layout; and Federal, State, and Department drilling policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of light duty mechanical repair and/or fabrication and welding procedures, skill in specialized and general maintenance techniques and processes and diagnostic analysis.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of subsurface drilling and sampling; Environmental Protection Agency regulations governing safety and techniques of drilling and sampling soil and water known to be contaminated with hazardous materials; methods and techniques used in monitor well installation and abandonment as well as precautions against cross contamination of groundwater resources; and applicable State, federal, AASHTO, and FHWA requirements and standards.

• Skill in the safe and effective operation of heavy and hazardous machinery, tools, and vehicles.

• Skill in operating, maintaining, and repairing specialized drilling and sampling equipment and tools, vehicles, and various drilling support equipment and hand tools, equipment maintenance and repair, and light duty welding and fabrication.

• Ability to work effectively with a team of drillers and in potentially hazardous environments and inclement weather.

• Ability to monitor field operation equipment needs and recommend equipment and supply purchases.

Required Application Materials:

• A resume detailing your qualifications and work history.
• A cover letter of no more than two pages addressing your qualifications for the position.

Your online application and all required materials must be submitted before midnight on the closing date. Ensure all materials submitted are selected as "Relevant."

If you need an accommodation with the application process, please contact the HR representative listed below.

Other Information

This position is being posted in accordance with the bargaining unit agreement. Non-bargaining unit employees or employees of another bargaining unit may apply. If the position is not filled with a bargaining unit applicant, the non-bargaining unit applicants may be considered. However, bargaining unit applicants will have preference.

The Montana Department of Transportation is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans and disabled veterans are encouraged to apply. People with disabilities needing assistance in the application process, or those needing this job announcement in an alternative format may call the Human Resources and Occupational Safety Division, at 406.444.6054.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is committed to continuous improvement of our employee safety program and our safety and health processes, and to achieving an injury-free workplace.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire. Generally, sponsorship for work authorization is not available through the State of Montana. MDT is not enrolled in E-Verify and is unable to hire F-1 STEM OPT visa candidates.