Drill Rig Operator (WG-5729-08) or Drill Rig Helper (WG-5729-05) (40817)
- WELCOME!The information seen below is a vacant job opportunity with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).Please carefully review the information and click the "Apply" button below if you would like to apply and be considered for this position.Additional USACE Career Opportunities can be explored at the USACE Job Board (<- click here).
- Position Title:
- Drill Rig Operator
- Pay Plan:
- WG
- Occupational Series:
- 5729
- Grade:
- Multiple Grades
- Highest Grade:
- 08
- Hourly vs Salary:
- Hourly
- Job Posting Open Date:
- 11/05/2026
- Job Posting Close Date:
- 11/19/2026
- Announcement Type:
- Direct-Hire Authority (DHA)
- Position Type:
- Permanent
- High Salary:
- 32.54
- Low Salary :
- 22.24
- USACE Organization :
- South Atlantic Division (SAD) - Savannah District
- HISTORICAL Locations (City, State):
- Savannah, GA
- Position Overview/Duties:
- Operates power auger and direct-push drill rigs conducting standard penetration test, auguring, fishtailing, direct-push testing and sampling, and obtaining undisturbed soil and groundwater samples. Prepares for drilling jobs, aligning the rig, aligning and installing proper bits and devices, using judgment to anticipate and avoid caving problems. Keeps records of drilling activities for geologic purposes.
- Receives training from the senior drill operator in the actual operation of rock core drilling equipment, substituting for the operator during routine runs and replacing him during short absences.
- Makes or assists in the making of field repairs to core drilling equipment, pumps, drilling tools, motors, etc. Refuels equipment and performs preventive maintenance as required.
- Assists in the operation of the drill rig by connecting and disconnecting drill pipe and bits as boring is advanced, handling dogging devices, hoisting pins or hooks, and wrenches as necessary. Removes soil or rock samples from sampling tools, assembling and disassembling samplers with each operation. Operates a catline drive hammer during standard penetration tests. Cleans augers and bits as necessary.
- Loads and unloads supplies and equipment, assisting and advising operator of supply needs and equipment condition. Drives truck loaded with supplies or a drill rig to the work site, involving the negotiation of unimproved roads and trails and steep grades, as well as urban and open highway traffic conditions. Assists with the setting up of the drilling equipment by clearing access to the site, cutting underbrush and trees and helping with the construction of temporary bridges and drilling platforms. Assists senior drill operator in moving and setting up the drilling platform. Assists senior drill operator in moving and setting up drilling equipment, leveling rig, connecting hoses, etc. Digs sump pits and trenches. Sets up portable pumps and lays hose lines and mixes drilling mud as required. During drilling operations on rivers and harbors, handles anchors, wenches, and cables, operates skiff and outboard motor as necessary to transport personnel and supplies from dock to boring location.
- Other Conditions and Requirements:
Other Conditions and Requirements:
This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD, Section 9905 to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in competitive service.
The position being filled at the WG-05 grade level has a non-competitive promotion potential to the target grade of WG-08. Non-competitive promotion to the target level may be effected provided the incumbent is sufficiently experienced; meets all necessary qualification requirements for promotion to the target job; and is performing the full scope of the major duties and is functioning under the supervisory controls stated in the target job description.
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.
Reliability and Dependability: (Screen Out Element WG-05): Ability to do the work of a Drill Rig Operator Helper without more than normal supervision. Have demonstrated dependability in situations (e.g., work, school and/or military service) pertinent to the tasks of a Dam Equipment Mechanic Helper. Have been a dependable worker in the private sector, military service or a student with regular attendance during the past five years. Have demonstrated continuous reliability by reporting to work daily on time, on schedule and ready, and able to work. Have completed work assignments within the specified suspense period. Resume reflects current or past experience performing these tasks — Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element WG-08): Ability to do the work of a(n) Drill Rig Operator without more than normal supervision, as it relates to drilling and subsurface exploration. I am 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.WG-08 requires a Current Class A Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
Other Requirements:
Applications must be submitted after 12:01 AM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Open Date and before 11:45 PM (EST) of the posted Job Posting Close Date to receive consideration.
All positions require the applicant to be a citizen of the United States.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, are required to register for Selective Service prior to appointment.
A trial or probationary period may be required.
Direct deposit of pay is required.
This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 90% of the time.
This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
The incumbent must participate in a medical surveillance program and must be able to wear and use personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, air purifying respirators, protective clothing, etc. The incumbent must successfully undergo and pass a USACE approved HTRW physical or provide other documentation which verifies that they are physically and emotionally able to work in hazardous environments utilizing personal protective equipment.
PCS expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.
Hiring incentives such as a recruitment/relocation bonus, may be authorized (subject to available budget). Relocation (PCS) expenses may be authorized (subject to available budget) if the selecting official determines the relocation is in the best interests of the government.This position requires that the incumbent possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or its possessions to operate vehicles. This position meets the criteria for random drug and alcohol testing under the Department of Army Drug-Free Workplace Program as supplemented by USACE ER 690-1-1218. Incumbent is required to sign a DA Form 7412, Condition of Employment for Certain Civilian Positions Identified Safety-Sensitive Under the DOT, Federal Highway Administration Rules on Drug and Alcohol Testing. Required to participate in the districts HTRW program and will be included in the Annual Medical Surveillance Program. Must participate in the Annual Respirator Usage Fit Test.
- Life/Work Balance:
- Life/Work Flexibilities Determined by Specific Position
- Qualifications - Candidates will be evaluated in accordance with OPM General Schedule (GS) Qualification Standards or Federal Wage System (FWS) Qualifications and Job Elements:
- FWS Qualifications: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/federal-wage-system-qualifications/#url=Job-Elements
- Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor:
- To learn more, please visit the Office of Equal Opportunity (https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector/federal-employees-job-applicants).
- Reasonable Accommodation:
- Reasonable accommodation is available to qualified employees with disabilities. You can request a reasonable accommodation at any time during the application process, hiring process or while on the job. Requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
