Geotechnical Driller/Equipment Operator

18.34 - $29.34 Hourly

38,140 - $61,024 Annually

This position is a Pay Band 55

Posting Details

This posting will be used for ongoing recruitment and may close at any time. Applicant lists may be screened more than once.

The Materials Testing Laboratory provides technical support regarding the design, use, application, evaluation and research associated with construction materials.

Why does the job exist?

This position is for a Highway Maintenance Worker III / Driller / Operator and performs subsurface investigations for highway improvement and foundation design projects.

The operator provides support to the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) Geotechnical Engineering / Exploration section by operating various types of drill rigs, gathering and recording samples of material, and / or soil for testing to ensure NMDOT is in compliance with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO).

How does it get done?

This position assists geologists and engineers in geotechnical investigations for the purpose of highway foundation design by acquiring soil and rock using hollow stem augers, split spoon samplers, rock core barrels and other specialized geotechnical sampling devices.

Work is completed in various types of terrain, weather, and environments ranging from rural and remote locations to urban, high traffic areas.

Will keep the working area safe, perform inspections to ensure all equipment is in good working condition, maintains all equipment and frequently troubleshoots mechanical problems in the field.

When not operating equipment, you will assist the crew in completing assigned tasks, including but not limited to general labor.

This position requires continuous weekly state-wide travel.

Who are the customers?

This position serves NMDOT's State Materials Bureau, Foundation Exploration Unit, Geotechnical Design Unit, and the traveling public.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have preferred experience / education in the following areas :

• Operating tire and track mounted geotechnical or environmental

drill rigs (CME-85 and 850 drill rigs; Geoprobe)

monitoring and removal of signs

Minimum Qualification

High School diploma or equivalent and one (1) year of experience maintaining roads and operating medium to heavy-duty equipment to include loaders, five (5) and ten (10) yard dump trucks, self-propelled broom, rollers, or mowers. Any combination of education from an accredited college or university in a related field and / or direct experience in this occupation totaling one (1) year may substitute for the required experience. Must possess a valid driver's license and a valid Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL), (or equivalent licenses from another state) upon hire. This position may require Herbicide, Tanker and / or Hazmat endorsement.

Employment Requirements

This position is designated a safety sensitive position within the meaning of the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991 and must abide by all provisions of the Federal Omnibus Transportation Testing Act. Employment is subject to pre-employment and random testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and / or drug testing.

Employment requires successful completion of a post-offer physical and pre-employment drug test; employment is conditional pending results. Must possess and maintain a valid Driver's License. Must be able to obtain a New Mexico Class "A" Commercial Driver's License within six (6) months of hire. Business reference checks and driver's license verification are also required, and employment is conditional pending results.

Working Conditions

Work is performed primarily in the field in varying weather conditions - hot or cold, humidity, wind, rain and snow; exposure to sunlight, dust, pollen, chemicals, rough / rugged terrain, insects and reptiles, noxious plants and infected trash; exposure to moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, toxic fumes / chemicals and / or airborne particles, hazardous chemicals and / or asphalt and petroleum products; exposure to temperatures up to 150 degrees around oil distributor operations; high speed / high volume traffic and loud noises; subject to falls and bruises, considerable physical strain; standing for extended periods of time doing traffic control or walking long distances for litter control; hand dexterity required for some duties; numerous specific vision abilities to include : close, distance, color and peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus; some climbing, reaching, kneeling and crawling to perform job duties. Work may also be performed in an office setting with exposure to visual / Video Display Terminal (VDT) and extensive personal computer and telephone usage to include working with faxes, copiers and printers. May be required to work irregular hours and is subject to call out for weather, accidents and / or emergencies on short notice; willingness to accept change of geographical assignments; interaction with the public.

May require weekly statewide travel Monday through Thursday; high precarious places, considerable physical stamina; operating equipment or maneuvering drill rods; ability to lift augers up to 75 pounds. Ensures regulated and proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is worn. Loads and moves dirt, rocks, equipment or other materials with various pieces of equipment. Works closely with geologists and engineers to obtains necessary rock and soil samples. Works closely with geologists and engineers to obtains necessary rock and soil samples.

Supplemental Information

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Agency Contact Information : Tara Roth (505) 629-5610 Email

For information on Statutory Requirements for this position, click the Classification Description link on the job advertisement.

Bargaining Unit Position

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement and all terms / conditions of that agreement apply and must be adhered to.

Salary : $38,140 - $61,024