Drill Rig Operator Job in Kansas City, MO

Vacancy No. CERH-25-12831486-DHA Department U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Salary $34.84 to $42.35 Grade 10 to 11
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 11/17/2025 Close Date 11/21/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Kansas City, MO


Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority solicitation under the DHA for Certain Personnel of the DoD Workforce. ***

About the Position:
Acts as principal operator on core drill party on assignments to subsurface investigation projects throughout the United States. Work sites vary and operations are often difficult due to ruggedness of terrain, weak substrata, etc.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens

Duties

  • Serves as a senior-level drill rig operator.
  • Installs monitor wells and instrumentation, grouts borings, obtains undisturbed samples of soil and rock.
  • Effectively uses double tube, triple tube, wireline, core barrels, hollow stem augers, thin wall piston sampler, and Dennison barrel and material appropriate bits.
  • Drives, sets-up and operates the Site Characterization and Analysis Penetrometer System (SCAPS) direct push system and vehicle
  • Operates hydraulic controls for penetrometer pushes, computerized data acquisition equipment, grouting equipment, and instruments.
  • As crew chief, is responsible for assigning work to crew members and assuring job related tools and materials are available
  • Serves as operator of drill rigs or tractor trailer truck with a gross weight up to 43,000 pounds.
  • All of the major duties are in connection with foundation investigations for various engineering projects and/or hazardous, toxic and radioactive waste (HTRW) sites involving the wearing of protective gear against possible chemical hazards

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position has a Temporary Duty (TDY) or business travel requirement of 90% for official duties/training.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • This position is subject to a pre-employment screening, and random testing thereafter, to include testing based on reasonable suspicion and testing due to direct involvement with an on-duty accident.
  • This position requires the incumbent to possess or obtain and maintain a valid state Driver's License in one of the 50 U.S. states or possessions to operate vehicles.
  • Must successfully complete or have completed 40 hours of training in Health and Safety for Hazardous Waste Sites.
  • 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.
  • Must obtain and maintain a Class A CDL within 120 days of employment.
  • This position requires the employee to use personal protective equipment provided by the employer.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

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.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Drill Rig Operator~ without more than normal supervision. I have the ability to perform the most difficult and complex tasks as the operator of multiple types of drill rigs or tractor trailer trucks with a gross weight up to 43,000 pounds, providing technical direction and/or assistance for difficult work and demonstrating proper work methods. I can install and operate drilling equipment from pontoon platform or barges when offshore drilling is required. I am skilled in operating rigs to maximum achievable depths, installing monitor wells and instrumentation, backfilling borings with grout, obtains undisturbed and disturbed samples of soil and rock, performing preventative maintenance and minor overhaul on equipment and tools, plan and coordinating support activities as required to include supplies and replacement parts, operating hydraulic controls for penetrometer pushes, computerized data acquisition equipment, grouting equipment, and instruments, selecting and installation of appropriate equipment, devices and tools required to carry out the work assignments. I am considered an expert and work with a high degree of independence. I have the ability to track time, keep accurate time and attendance and purchasing documentation. I have the ability to train incumbent team members on proper safety and operating techniques associated with drilling operations.- Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.



Physical Effort: Work involves standing for prolonged periods, walking, bending, pushing, reaching, pulling and lifting. Considerable physical exertion is required due to the large size of the drill rigs and the difficulty in manipulating the controls. A high level of reflex action is required in responding to unpredictable formation changes, overburden conditions, and core recovery problems. Frequently handles objects weighing 40 to75 pounds and occasionally as much as 150 pounds.

Working Conditions: Works outside in all kinds of weather, exposed to poison growth, reptiles and insects, and under noisy conditions. Is exposed to cuts and bruises, strain and danger of falling while working from river barges.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a CP 18 Engineers and Scientists (Resources and Construction) Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • When you perform a Civilian Permanent Change of Station (PCS) with the government, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers the majority of your entitlements to be taxable. Visit https://www.dfas.mil/civilianemployees/civrelo/Civilian-Moving-Expenses-Tax-Deduction/ for more information.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations.
  • Permanent Change of Station (PCS) allowances may be authorized, subject to the provisions of the Joint Travel Regulations and an agency determination that a PCS move is in the Government Interest.
  • Enhanced Annual leave and credit for Non-Federal Service may be authorized.
  • Advanced In-Hire Rate may be authorized.
  • Relocation/Recruitment Incentive may be authorized.
  • Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) may be authorized.
  • All selections under an announcement must be made within 3 months from the issuance date of the certificate referral list.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Review our benefits

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Required Documents

The documents you are required to submit vary based on whether or not you are eligible for preference in federal employment. A complete description of preference categories and the associated required documents is in the Applicant Checklist for Public Announcements.

As described above, your complete application includes your resume, your responses to the online questionnaire, and documents which prove your eligibility to apply. If you fail to provide these documents, you will be marked as having an incomplete application package and you will not be considered any further.

1. Your resume:

  • Your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration.
  • For each relevant work experience, make sure you include the employer's name, job title, start and end dates (include month and year), for qualifications purposes, the number of hours worked per week, and a brief description that show you can perform the tasks at the required level listed in the job announcement. If your resume does not contain this information, your application may be marked as incomplete, and you may not receive consideration for this position.
  • Use plain language. Avoid using acronyms and terms that are not easily understood. The hiring agency will not make assumptions about what's in your resume.
  • If your resume includes a photograph or other inappropriate material or content, it will not be used to make eligibility and qualification determinations, and you may not be considered for this vacancy.
  • For additional information, to include formatting tips, see: What to include in your resume.
2. Other supporting documents:
  • Cover Letter, optional
  • Most recent Performance Appraisal, if applicable
  • This position requires a job-related license or certification. You MUST submit a copy of your license or certification with your application package or you will be rated ineligible. See: Transcripts and Licenses
NOTE: Documents submitted as part of the application package, to include supplemental documents, may be shared beyond the Human Resources Office. Some supplemental documents such as military orders and marriage certificates may contain personal information for someone other than you. You may sanitize these documents to remove another person's personal information before you submit your application. You may be asked to provide an un-sanitized version of the documents if you are selected to confirm your eligibility.

How to Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below.

The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 11/21/2025 to receive consideration

  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12831486).
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section.
  • You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete.
  • It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
  • Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.

To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/profile/dashboard/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.

Agency contact information

Army Applicant Help Desk
Website
https://portal.chra.army.mil/hr_public?id=app_inq
Address
RH-W07105 US ARMY ENGINEER DISTRICT-KANSAS CITY
DO NOT MAIL
Kansas City, MO 64106
US

Next steps

If you provided an email address, you will receive an email message acknowledging receipt of your application. Your application package will be used to determine your eligibility, qualifications, and quality ranking for this position. If you are determined to be ineligible or not qualified, your application will receive no further consideration.


Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.