Recruitment

Members of the BDA enjoy the exclusive benefit of being able to advertise their opportunities and vacancies on the BDA website. This allows companies to promote roles not only directly to fellow members, but also to the wider drilling and geotechnical sector. It’s an effective way to reach a highly relevant audience of professionals, contractors, and specialists who are already engaged with the industry.

By showcasing job opportunities here, BDA members can attract skilled candidates, raise their company profile, and demonstrate their active involvement in strengthening the sector.

Current Vacancies

Ground Control Ltd  – Geotechnical Engineer (Vacancy posted – 16th September 2025)

Details:

The Senior Geotechnical Engineer in the Ground Investigation sector is responsible for planning, supervising, and delivery of geotechnical site investigations to support infrastructure, construction, and environmental projects. This role involves technical leadership in field operations, data analysis, reporting, and client liaison, ensuring high standards of safety, quality, and technical accuracy.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Supervise site investigation activities including drilling, sampling, and in-situ testing.
  • Log soil and rock samples in accordance with BS5930 and other relevant standards.
  • Prepare factual geotechnical reports.
  • Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations during site activities.
  • Maintain accurate records and manage geotechnical data using digital tools and software.
  • Support senior engineers in project delivery and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Liaise with clients, contractors, and internal teams to ensure project requirements are met
  • Maintain open communication with clients, providing regular updates and addressing any concerns.
  • Build strong client relationships to foster trust and drive repeat business.
  • Assist management team with promoting a culture of safety by ensure yourself and those you supervise complying with safety procedures and rules.
  • Ensure environmental practices align with company policies, including waste reduction and energy efficiency.

Must have:

  • Degree in Geotechnical Engineering (BSc or MSc), or a related field.
  • Ability to collaborate closely with our technical team in project delivery and maintaining high levels of client satisfaction.
  • Excellent communication and critical thinking skills.
  • Minimum 2 – 5 years of experience in ground investigation and geotechnical engineering.
  • Sufficient understanding of UK ground conditions, geology, and geotechnical standards (e.g., Eurocode 7, BS5930).
  • Experience in geotechnical software (e.g., HoleBASE SI, gINT, AGS data formats).
  • Excellent communication and report-writing skills.
  • Full UK driving licence (preferred for site work).
  • Willingness to travel throughout the UK.
  • CSCS Card
  • Working towards chartership (CEng, CGeol, RoGEP).
  • Familiarity with digital data capture.
  • Knowledge of CDM regulations as related to the construction environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and teams in a fast-paced environment

Salary & benefits:

Competitive and based on experience within the industry.

Additional Information:

We would consider applications from candidates who are either at Senior or Principal level as well.

To apply contact: Hannah.neal@ground-control.co.uk

Ground Control Ltd  – Assistant Driller (Vacancy posted – 16th September 2025)

Details:

We’re looking for an Assistant Driller to support our Lead Drillers on site investigation projects across the UK. If you enjoy practical, hands-on work outdoors and want to develop a career in drilling and geotechnics, this could be the role for you.

What you’ll do:

  • Help set up and operate drilling rigs and equipment.
  • Collect and handle soil and rock samples for testing.
  • Assist with installing monitoring equipment (e.g. piezometers, standpipes).
  • Carry out equipment checks and basic maintenance.
  • Work safely on site, following all health, safety and environmental standards.

What we’re looking for:

  • Some experience in drilling, construction, or outdoor fieldwork.
  • Confidence using tools, machinery, or plant equipment.
  • Physically fit, with a strong awareness of safe working practices.
  • Willingness to learn and progress (NVQ Land Drilling training available).

Why join us?

  • Full training and career progression opportunities.
  • Work on varied projects across geotechnical and site investigation sectors.
  • Be part of a supportive, safety-focused team.

Must have (essential):

  • Previous experience in drilling, construction, or outdoor fieldwork.
  • Basic knowledge of drilling techniques, soil mechanics, or site investigations.
  • Confident using hand tools, plant, and lifting equipment safely.
  • Strong awareness of HSE requirements and safe working practices.
  • Physically fit and able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

Must have (desirable):

  • NVQ Level 2 in Land Drilling (or working towards).
  • Experience in geotechnical drilling or site investigation projects.
  • Valid First Aid or safety-related certifications.
  • Forklift, telehandler, or plant operation licence.

Salary & benefits:

Competitive.

To apply contact: lou.elliott@ground-control.co.uk

Ground Control Ltd  – Lead Rotary Drilling Operative (Vacancy posted – 16th September 2025)

Details:

We’re looking for an experienced Lead Rotary Drilling Operative to take charge of drilling operations on geotechnical site investigation projects across the UK. This is a hands-on leadership role, where you’ll operate rotary drilling rigs, supervise on-site teams, and ensure projects are delivered safely, efficiently, and to the highest technical standards.

What you’ll do:

  • Operate and maintain rotary drilling rigs and associated equipment.
  • Lead and supervise on-site drilling teams, assigning tasks and mentoring junior operatives.
  • Collect and log high-quality soil and rock samples for analysis.
  • Carry out pre-start checks, daily maintenance, and minor equipment repairs.
  • Ensure full compliance with health, safety, and environmental (HSE) standards.
  • Provide accurate site records, progress updates, and client-facing professionalism.

What we’re looking for:

  • Proven experience in rotary drilling operations.
  • Strong technical knowledge of geotechnical drilling methods (Geobore S, coring, sampling).
  • Leadership skills – able to supervise, train, and motivate a team.
  • Excellent awareness of HSE practices and safe site operations.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to work to deadlines.

Why join us?

  • Lead high-profile geotechnical projects with cutting-edge drilling methods.
  • Opportunities to mentor and develop future drilling professionals.
  • Be part of a safety-first, quality-driven, and supportive team.
  • Competitive package with opportunities for career growth.

Essential Skills & Experience:

  • Proven experience in rotary drilling and ground investigation.
  • Good knowledge of soil mechanics, geology, and in-situ testing.
  • Strong understanding of drilling techniques (open-hole, core, wireline).
  • Ability to operate and maintain rotary drilling rigs and equipment.
  • Experience leading teams and planning daily site operations.
  • Solid understanding of HSE regulations, CDM, and site risk assessments.
  • Background in large infrastructure, utilities, or construction projects.

Desirable Skills & Experience

  • NVQ Level 2/3 in Land Drilling or equivalent.
  • First Aid and emergency response training.
  • Experience in piling, embankment stabilisation, or slope stability.
  • Familiarity with logging software, digital data tools, or apps.

Salary & benefits:

Competitive and based on experience within the industry.

To apply contact: Hannah.neal@ground-control.co.uk

Sirius Drilling Ltd  – Lead Driller / Drilling Foreman (Vacancy posted – 16th July 2025)

Details:

  • Experienced rotary \ rotary percussive drillers required to carry out drilling for the stabilisation of shallow mineworkings, mine shafts and rotary site investigations.
  • Based out of our Leeds office the works we cover the whole of the UK, but predominantly the north of England.
  • You should be willing to work away from home if necessary
  • You must be committed to all aspects of health and safety and be able to manage and supervise the safe operation of a range of rotary drilling rigs.
  • You will be expected to undertake all works in  accordance with all Sirius policies and procedures.

Must have:

  • NVQ Level II – Land Drilling – Rotary
  • Full UK driving licence (travel is a requirement)
  • Valid CSCS Card
  • Previous experience in drilling and grouting, mineshaft treatments and site investigation drilling
  • A ‘can do’ attitude, along with excellent communication and people management skills
  • A team player

Salary & benefits:

  • Competitive rates of pay for the right candidate.
  • Discretionary Bonus Scheme
  • Pension Scheme
  • Sirius Group Benefits

To apply contact: andrew.thomas@thesiriusgroup.com

Sirius Drilling Ltd  – Grouting Foreman (Vacancy posted – 16th July 2025)

Details:

  • Experienced Grouting Foreman required to carry out grouting for the stabilisation of shallow mine workings, mine shafts and  other bulk grouting operations.
  • Based out of our Leeds office the works we cover the whole of the UK, but predominantly the north of England.
  • You should be willing to work away from home if necessary.
  • You must be committed to all aspects of health and safety and be able to manage and supervise the safe operation of grout pumps, grout mixers and manage the grouting team.
  • You will be expected to undertake all works in  accordance with all Sirius policies and procedures.

Must have:

  • Previous experience in drilling and grouting operations
  • Full UK driving licence (travel is a requirement)
  • Valid CSCS / CPCS Card
  • A positive attitude to Health & Safety on site
  • Excellent communication and people management skills, with a ‘can do’ attitude

Salary & benefits:

  • Competitive rates of pay for the right candidate.
  • Discretionary Bonus Scheme
  • Pension Scheme
  • Sirius Group Benefits

To apply contact: andrew.thomas@thesiriusgroup.com

Sirius Drilling Ltd  – Assistant Driller/Grouter (Vacancy posted – 16th July 2025)

Details:

  • Assistant drillers required to second man standard rotary and “top hammer” drilling operations
  • Based out of our Leeds office the works we cover the whole of the UK, but predominantly the north of England.
  • A “can do” attitude is essential along with excellent communication and people management skills.
  • Experience in the stabilisation of shallow mineworkings would be preferred, but not essential.

Must have:

  • Experience in land drilling preferable but not essential
  • NVQ in Land Drilling or working towards this
  • Current CSCS Card
  • Valid full UK driving licence

Salary & benefits:

  • Weekly wage negotiable and based upon experience.
  • Quality and Production based Bonus Scheme.
  • Sirius Group Benefits including: Pension Scheme; Reward Me Now Savings; Cycle Scheme; Tech Scheme

To apply contact: andrew.thomas@thesiriusgroup.com

Igne Ltd – Lead Driller / Drilling Crewe (Vacancy posted – 17th June 2025)

Details:

  • As a Lead Driller, you will be responsible for organising equipment, operating drilling rigs, and managing sites for both domestic and commercial water well projects ensuring all work is delivered to technical specifications and in line with company procedures.

Must have:

  • Full UK driving licence (travel is a requirement)
  • Knowledge of Health & Safety regulations
  • Previous experience of operating Rotary drilling rigs

Salary & benefits:

  • Salary – c£40,000 for a 44.5 hour week, plus overtime; 25 days holiday + Bank Holidays; Continuous training and development; Medical cashback plan; Death in service scheme.

Additional information:

  • We are Igne Group Limited, a synergetic amalgamation of six companies, renowned within our respective fields, with over 350 years of combined experience. A one-stop-shop for pre- and post-construction services. Igne’s six service categories are: site investigation, testing, unexploded ordnance, water wells, geothermal, and geo-environmental.

To apply contact – nicola.purt@igne.com

TerraRoc Ltd – Regional Sales Engineers (Vacancy posted – 7th February 2025)

Details:

  • Geotechnical consumable sale engineers
  • Two roles available
  • One role based in England or Wales. Covering these countries
  • One role based in Scotland covering Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland

Must have:

  • Excellent knowledge of the Geotechnical drilling market
  • Ideally Geotechnical consumable sales experience but may suit driller or drilling assistance who has very good knowledge of drilling tools

Salary & benefits:

  • We offer a very competitive package that includes all the tools you need to execute your role, a company car, attractive pension scheme and the option for company health care insurance

Additional information:

  • With the continued growth of TerraRoc Ltd through the UK & Ireland we are happy to announce that we are looking to hire two  sales Engineers. These roles will be field based in both regions. Although these roles are UK based you will be part of the European sales team. We are hiring sales engineers to cover England and Wales and a 2nd sales engineer to cover Scotland, Northern Ireland and Ireland.The successful candidates will be expected to develop new business within their region as well as maintaining the already large existing customer base through promoting the TerraRoc product portfolio of drilling tool consumables. Promotion of the products will be done by customer face to face meetings, drill site visits, practical product training as well as teams calls and telephone calls. At TerraRoc we believe strong customer support and service is key

To apply contact – kris.mccormick@terraroc.com

To advertise your job vacancies please contact: bdajooce@britishdrillingassociation.co.uk

If you are looking for a interesting, challenging and rewarding career in Land Drilling more information is available from CITB’s Go Construct website

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