Senior Technical Officer (Percussion/Reverse Circulation Driller)
Salary: R633 494,40 CTC R / Year
Job Title : Senior Technical Officer (Percussion/Reverse Circulation Driller)
Reporting Line : Manager: Technical Services
Overall Job Purpose : To execute drilling for geotechnical assessment, groundwater studies and other geoscientific research boreholes using multifunctional reverse circulation and percussion drill rig, with related drilling equipment and technologies.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Drilling for groundwater assessment and geoscientific research boreholes using percussion and reverse circulation drilling methods. This will include, but not limited to groundwater boreholes to maximum depth of 250 meters and mineral assessment boreholes to the maximum depth of 450 meters, installation of steel and uPVC casings, etc.
- Drilling of geotechnical assessment boreholes using percussion/reverse circulation drilling methods. This includes geotechnical assessment boreholes to maximum depth of 100 meters.
- Borehole development and casing for groundwater, geotechnical assessment and mineral exploration using steel and uPVC casings, etc.
- Developing of borehole as per the client’s specifications, which can include but not limited to blow testing, water yield testing, etc.
- Recovering or (fishing) of lost equipment down the hole during drilling, such as rods, bits, etc.
- Prepare the related drilling equipment needed for each type of drilling methods.
- Supervise assistant technical personnel while undertaking drilling services.
- Borehole development and casing for mineral exploration.
- Knowledge of standard operating procedures related to drilling methods and operations.
- Recording data or information during drilling such as drilled core meters, gas detected etc
- Handling and processing of the samples as prescribed by the requests of the client.
- Check and maintain good quality of core regularly to adhere to the specifications and quality standards set by the CGS.
- Daily checks and minor maintenance of equipment are required and recorded as per the CGS checklists and reports, and to specifications of the client.
- Loading and offloading of equipment at office and drill site using the safe work procedures laid down by CGS.
- Setting up and dismantling of camps and drill sites. The drill sites must be safe and not destructive to the environment. The drill sites must be rehabilitated and left as close to the original state as possible, or to the acceptance of the client.
- Assist in driving the transport necessary to move the drill rig and equipment. The driller/technical officer will be required to assist with the driving of the trucks and other vehicles to mobilise the equipment from and to drill sites.
- Execute all administrative aspects related to drilling, for day-to-day record keeping of all activities at the drill site, such as daily drill record, vehicle log and check lists, etc.
- Execute ad-hoc tasks deemed necessary by the supervisor or Manager, such as transport of equipment, etc.
Learning and Development
- Supervises and provides guidance of assistant technical officers during drilling operations.
- Provide guidance in drilling methodologies, data collection and ensure quality control related to drilling and mineral exploration.
- Monitor and evaluates drilling operations, while mentoring assistant technical officers.
Quality Assurance
- Development and implementation of quality documentation, and work within the requirements of the prescribed standards (ISO 9001 quality documentation).
- Ensuring health and safety measures on and off drilling sites
- Develops and Implements drilling operating manuals work procedures for ISO certification.
- Mentors and supervises assistant technical officers to ensure quality core recovery.
- Present training courses or workshops to junior staff.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
- A minimum of grade 10 with atleast seven (07) years percussion/reverse circulation drilling experience.
- Valid code 10 drivers’ licence (C1).
- Valid code 14 drivers’ license, (EC) with Public Driving Permit (PDP) and experience of driving four axle, 8 x 4 heavy-duty trucks will be an added advantage.
- Valid training certificates of drilling methods of reverse circulation and percussion will be an advantage.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
- Proven seven years’ experience and advance knowledge on percussion and reverse circulation drilling methods within the various geological terrains.
- Experience in drilling for geotechnical assessment. Mainly in dolomitic terrain using reverse circulation or percussion drilling, with maximum borehole depth of 100 meters.
- Experience in drilling for groundwater investigation and assessment using percussion and reverse circulation, with maximum borehole depth of 200 meters, diameters up to 300mm, and installation of steel and uPVC casings.
- Experience in drilling reverse circulation boreholes for mineral exploration with maximum borehole depth of 450 meters for each borehole.
- Experience in recovery (fishing) methods for lost equipment down the hole, such as rods, bits, etc.
- Experience in preparation of the equipment needed for each type of drilling methods required.
- Experience in supervision of assistant technical personnel while undertaking drilling services
- Experience and knowledge of borehole development and casing for groundwater, geotechnical assessment and mineral exploration
- Experience and knowledge of ensuring health and safety measures on and off drilling site
- Knowledge of standard operating procedures related to drilling methods and operations.
- Recording data or information during drilling such as drilled sample meters, water strikes, cavities, etc.
- Must be computer literate, MS Word, MS Excel etc. for the up keep of daily records and other needed records.
- Experience with stick or Mig welding, and Gas cutting and brazing.
- Proven experience of operating a truck mounted crane. Operator ticket or valid certificate to be supplied.
- Experience in undertaking minor mechanical repairs such as replacement of air and fuel filters, etc.
KEY ATTRIBUTES
- Ability to work in remote areas.
- Presentation and facilitation skills.
- Communication skills (Oral and Written).
- Negotiation skills.
- Customer orientation.
- Teamwork and collaboration.
- Must be physically fit e.g., ability to handle heavy equipment and machinery.
- Adherence to operation procedures as advised by the CGS and the client.
- Flexibility towards changes in priorities as determined by the supervisor/ project manager.
- Must have good self-discipline.
The Council for Geoscience is committed to Employment Equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity prescripts, preference will be given but not limited to candidates from under-represented designated groups. Females and people from previously disadvantaged groups and sectors are encouraged to apply.
If you meet the above requirements and wish to apply, click the apply button below.
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you have not been contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
All appointments are subject to vetting processes. Appointments are subject to positive vetting results. The processing of your personal information by the Council for Geoscience will be done in accordance with the POPI Act 4 of 2013.
Applications submitted on CGS social media platforms will not be considered.
Closing Date: 31 August 2023
All the best with your applications