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Drill Operator – Marine Construction / Ground Foundation ( Union or Non-Union )

Location: Stratford, CT
Reports To: Site Superintendent / Project Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Position Overview

The Drill Operator is responsible for safely and efficiently operating drilling equipment to install deep foundations, piles, and other structural supports for marine construction projects. This role involves working in challenging marine and waterfront environments, often from barges, docks, and temporary work platforms, with a focus on accuracy, safety, and quality control.

Key Responsibilities

• Equipment Operation – Operate hydraulic, rotary, and auger drilling rigs to install piles, shafts, and ground improvement elements for marine structures.
• Site Preparation – Assist in staging equipment, setting up work platforms/barges, and aligning drill rigs according to project plans.
• Foundation Installation – Drill to specified depths and diameters per engineering drawings, monitoring soil and subsurface conditions.
• Tool & Bit Management – Change drill bits, maintain tooling, and ensure proper lubrication and functioning of drilling machinery.
• Safety Compliance – Follow OSHA, company, and environmental safety standards; participate in daily safety meetings and hazard assessments.
• Quality Control – Document drilling depths, soil strata, and other key construction data; verify alignment and tolerances of installed elements.
• Maintenance – Perform daily inspections, basic servicing, and minor repairs on drill rigs and support equipment.
• Team Coordination – Work closely with crane operators, pile drivers, divers, and other crew members to ensure smooth project workflow.

Qualifications

Experience: 2+ years operating heavy drilling equipment in construction, preferably in marine or foundation work.

Skills:

• Knowledge of pile installation methods and subsurface drilling practices.
• Ability to read and interpret construction plans and specifications.
• Strong mechanical aptitude for troubleshooting equipment issues.

Certifications:

• OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 preferred.
• NCCCO or other operator certifications a plus.
• TWIC card (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) may be required for port access.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Comfortable working over water and at heights.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and standing for extended periods.

Work Environment

• Outdoor marine construction sites including barges, docks, and shoreline areas.
• Exposure to variable weather, water hazards, heavy machinery, and loud noise.
• Travel to project sites may be required.

Drill Superintendent / Foreman – Marine Construction

Location: Stratford, CT
Reports To: Project Manager / Construction Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt (Salary) or Non-Exempt (Hourly) – Depending on arrangement
Employment Type: Full-Time (Union or Non-Union)

Position Overview

The Drill Superintendent / Foreman leads and manages all on-site drilling operations for marine foundation projects, including pile installation, shaft drilling, and other deep foundation work. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of work while coordinating crews, equipment, schedules, and subcontractors in challenging marine environments.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Crew Management

• Direct day-to-day drilling operations, ensuring adherence to project plans, specifications, and safety requirements.
• Supervise and coordinate union or non-union drill operators, laborers, and support staff.
• Conduct daily toolbox talks, safety briefings, and work assignments.
• Provide on-the-job training and mentorship for crew members.

Project Execution

• Review and interpret project drawings, geotechnical reports, and engineer directives to plan drilling sequences.
• Oversee rig setup on barges, docks, or land-based platforms, including alignment and stabilization.
• Monitor drilling performance, adjust methods as needed, and ensure compliance with engineering tolerances.
• Coordinate closely with crane operators, pile drivers, welders, and marine crews to optimize workflow.

Safety & Compliance

• Enforce OSHA, USACE, and company safety policies, as well as environmental protection standards.
• Maintain daily safety logs, equipment inspection reports, and incident records.
• Ensure compliance with union agreements (if applicable) and labor regulations.

Scheduling & Coordination

• Work with the Project Manager to develop daily and weekly drilling schedules.
• Coordinate delivery of materials, tooling, and support equipment to the site.
• Liaise with engineers, inspectors, and clients regarding progress and quality control.

Administration

• Track crew hours, equipment usage, and production metrics.
• Prepare daily reports detailing progress, conditions encountered, and any deviations from plan.
• Recommend process improvements and cost-saving measures.

Qualifications

Experience:

• Minimum 5+ years in marine construction, with at least 2 years in a supervisory drilling role.
• Proven experience with pile installation, drilled shafts, casing, and marine rigging operations.

Skills:

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and geotechnical data.
• Mechanical aptitude to troubleshoot drilling equipment issues.

Certifications:

• OSHA 30 required (OSHA 10 acceptable for foreman roles, but 30 preferred).
• First Aid/CPR certified.
• TWIC card may be required for certain port or secure facility projects.
• NCCCO or other equipment certifications a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Capable of working outdoors in marine environments and variable weather conditions.
• Comfortable working at heights, over water, and in confined spaces.

Work Environment

• Marine construction job sites including barges, floating platforms, and shoreline areas.
• May require extended hours, night shifts, weekends, and travel to remote project sites.