Driller Laborer - Illinois State Geological Survey

Prairie Research Institute

Illinois is a world leader in research, teaching, and public engagement. We serve the state, the nation, and the world by creating knowledge, preparing students for lives of impact, and addressing critical societal needs through the transfer and application of knowledge. Illinois is the place where we embrace difference. We embrace it because we value it. Illinois is especially interested in candidates who can contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the Illinois community.

The Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS) is a premier state geological survey serving the needs of the public, government, and industry with earth science information and research relevant to natural resources, environmental quality, economic vitality, and public safety. ISGS is part of the Prairie Research Institute (PRI) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, which is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.

Job Summary

Operate and maintain a variety of equipment during geological exploration and soil testing. During periods where unable to conduct drilling, provide back up and support to PRI facilities group. Including equipment maintenance, office and equipment relocation, and conducting skilled manual work to support scientific research needs.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Drilling Support Supply water to the drill rig; operate the water pumps. Mix drilling mud; add drill pipe, unload sampler, assist in installing monitoring wells, and assist in downhole logging operations. Assist in pulling the drill string out of the wellbore and then running it back in. Assist in tripping in/out operations. Assist higher level staff in obtaining samples of geologic materials and geophysical data. Move and assist with setting up and tearing down drilling equipment; load and unload equipment and supplies securing them with chains, boomers, and ratchet straps. Ensures a safe working environment by complying with safety regulations and procedures.
• Shop Support Operate and maintain a variety of equipment and machinery including, but not limited to, water trucks, pipe trailers, enclosed trailers, and a variety of machinery including, but not limited to, lathes, milling machines, drill presses, grinders, welders, and power woodworking tools; performs metal fabrication, welding, woodworking, and painting. Assist with the movement of equipment and commodities, record keeping, vehicle shuttling, running errands, and shop security.
• Drilling Equipment Maintenance: Perform preventative maintenance on drill rigs, probe truck, and support equipment including water trucks, pipe trailers, enclosed trailers). Maintain equipment by greasing equipment, checking oil and fuel levels, changing filters, and dismantling and reassembling water pumps for needed maintenance and repairs.
• Other – 5% Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois. Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.

Additional Physical Demands

The work of this position takes place in field and garage/shop settings. On-site locations are often out of town/out of state and require overnight travel and overtime. Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms, hands, and legs including lifting, carrying, and handling equipment and materials weighing up to 100 pounds. Ability to perform field work in remote locations and under adverse conditions. Ability to travel extensively.

Minimum Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. One (1) year (12 months) of volunteer and/or work experience in operation, maintenance, and light repair of industrial or heavy equipment (with a load capacity requiring a CDL) commonly used in such operations as drilling, farming, trucking, or labor.

3. Possess a current/valid Illinois Commercial Driver's License (Class A with airbrake AND tanker endorsements).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Knowledge of mathematics, algebra, geometry and their applications. Working knowledge of safety procedures. Experience watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. Ability to perform routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed. Repairing machines using the needed tools. Ability to determining causes of operating errors and deciding how to proceed. Ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. Ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears. Mechanical ability. Ability to follow, read, listen to, and understand instructions. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 2290 - Driller Laborer position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 6/5/2023. Salary is commensurate with experience.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (CST) on Sunday, May 28, 2023 by 6 pm.. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Megan Weeks, mkweeks@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, COVID-19 vaccination requirement, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

Requisition ID: 1017635
Job Category: Crafts & Trades
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu