Driller

Driller

Requisition Number: 2026-2190-01

Do you like starting your day outdoors instead of at a desk? Do you take pride in hands-on work that makes a real impact on the success of geotechnical projects? Are you ready for a job where no two days look the same? S&ME is looking for a hard-working and reliable full-time Driller to join our Field Exploration team in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Visit the Life tab on our LinkedIn profile to learn more about life at S&ME.

What You Will Do:

As a Driller, you'll lead and coordinate drilling operations with minimal supervision from the operations manager or senior driller. You'll oversee and mentor a team of driller assistants and drillers, ensuring the use of the best drilling techniques and equipment for each project. Your responsibilities will include mobilizing drill equipment, ordering project materials (with management approval), and maintaining, cleaning, and calibrating testing and inspection equipment.

We value safety, quality workmanship, and integrity. If you're dependable, enjoy working outdoors year-round, and are open to traveling (with paid hotels and per diem), we want you on our team!

• Drilling Operations: Manage operations for assigned projects by overseeing lower-level drillers.
• Field Sampling: Review field logs, samples, and data from subordinate drill personnel and communicate with management and technical staff.
• Equipment Maintenance: Oversee vehicle and equipment maintenance to ensure good working conditions and determine the need for equipment.
• Quality: Assure that all drilling functions, including quality control, quality assurance, and verification, are performed per the standard drilling methods, project specifications, and other contract documents.
• Coordination of Others: Coordinate and oversee the daily activities on medium to large projects of assigned driller assistants and communicate field conditions and job progress to management and professional staff daily.

Qualifications:

• Education: High school diploma or GED
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of drilling experience
• Certifications/Licensure:
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
  • valid Driller license
• Key Competencies:
  • Effective communication skills (speaking, reading, and writing) using the English language
  • The understanding and ability to perform routine vehicle and equipment maintenance
  • Competency in multiple drilling methods, which include hollow stem auger, mud rotary, and rock coring techniques

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

This role involves hands-on work in outdoor environments, and with Company-provided Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), you'll need to be comfortable with:

• Working outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Walking over rough, uneven terrain and standing (potentially up to 12 hours a day)
• Routinely lifting and carrying 40-50lbs (field/laboratory samples and equipment)
• Maneuvering field equipment safely, such as a loaded wheelbarrow, on uneven ground around active construction sites
• Working outside of normal business hours and traveling (typically out-of-town and/or overnight) as project needs arise

This role is not for those seeking a climate-controlled workspace, but it's incredibly rewarding for individuals who enjoy being hands-on, traveling, solving problems, and seeing projects take shape from the ground up.

We Are S&ME:

At S&ME, we're committed to your growth, professionally and personally. With over 50 years of experience delivering innovative solutions in geotechnical, civil, environmental, and construction materials engineering, we've built a strong foundation for long-term careers. Our team of over 1,000 employee-owners across 10+ states collaborates to create a meaningful impact on our clients and communities. When you join S&ME, you become part of a collaborative, honest, and people-focused culture that invests in your success. We offer exciting project opportunities, ongoing training, and a comprehensive benefits package to support you and your family. This is more than a job; it's a place to grow, thrive, and build a future.

What We Offer:

Comprehensive Health & Wellness Programs

• Medical, Dental & Vision Plans with HSA and FSA options
• Wellness Program offering $50 off per month on 2027 premiums
• Pet Insurance for your furry family members

Ownership & Financial Perks

• 100% Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with a 5% company contribution
• 401(k) Retirement Plan to help you plan ahead
• Term Life & Long-Term Care Coverage - available Spring 2026

Work-Life Balance & Career Development

• Paid Holidays, PTO with rollover options, and Paid Maternity & Paternity Leave
• Mentorship & Career Development Programs, Tuition Reimbursement, and Credential Incentive Program
• Employee Recognition Program, $2,000 Referral Bonuses, and a company vehicle & fuel card for project-based roles

If you're passionate about making an impact and want to work with a firm committed to our employees and providing quality service to our clients, we'd love to hear from you!

This full-time role offers competitive pay based on experience. Candidates must comply with our Fleet Management, Substance Policy, and Reference Check requirements. Only candidates with valid employment eligibility (I-9) will be considered. Visa assistance is not available. S&ME reserves the right to hire internally or externally at any time. No candidate/recruiter calls, personal calls, or walk-ins are accepted.