OPEN POSITION
Lead Driller
Grand Forks, ND (national travel) · Full-time · Reports to Chris Schill, Drilling Operations Manager
POSITION SUMMARY
We are looking for a highly experienced Lead Driller to run our rigs in the field and lead a crew of developing drillers and helpers. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone with 10+ years behind the controls who can drill difficult holes, keep a rig running, and set the standard for safety and productivity on every site.
Because our projects span the country, this role involves heavy, extended travel — you should expect to be on the road and away from home for stretches at a time, wherever the work is.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
The work.
- Operate drill rigs to complete soil borings, rock coring, instrumentation installations, and subsurface investigations to project spec and depth.
- Lead and develop a crew of entry-level drillers and helpers — training, mentoring, and holding them to MAK's safety and quality standards.
- Mobilize and travel to job sites wherever our projects take us. This role requires frequent, extended travel across the country, often for weeks at a time on a rotational basis.
- Keep equipment running through routine maintenance, field repairs, and troubleshooting to minimize downtime and keep the crew productive.
- Perform welding and fabrication as needed for rig maintenance, tooling, and field repairs.
- Own site safety as the on-site leader — enforce safety protocols, run daily safety briefings, and maintain a clean, compliant work area.
- Maintain accurate field logs, boring records, and daily reports, and communicate site conditions and progress to the Drilling Operations Manager.
- Haul and transport rigs and support equipment safely and legally under a Class A CDL.
WHAT YOU BRING
The experience.
- 10+ years of hands-on drilling experience — geotechnical drilling experience strongly preferred.
- Valid Commercial Driver's License (Class A) in good standing, with a clean driving record and willingness to haul equipment.
- Availability and willingness to travel extensively and work away from home for extended periods on a rotational schedule.
- Strong mechanical aptitude — you can service, troubleshoot, and repair a rig in the field.
- Welding skills for equipment repair and fabrication.
- Proven proficiency across multiple rig types and drilling methods (auger, mud rotary, rock coring, etc.).
- Leadership experience — the ability to run a crew, train less-experienced hands, and keep a job moving.
- Strong safety mindset, dependable, and comfortable working long days in variable weather and remote conditions.
PREFERRED
- Familiarity with the geologies and site conditions across the Great Plains, Bakken, Permian, and Front Range regions.
- Current safety certifications (OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR, or similar).
- Experience with difficult-access and remote-site drilling.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Per diem is provided for travel. This is a full-time position with a company that keeps its crews busy year-round.
HOW TO APPLY
Send your résumé and drilling experience to info@makconstructiongf.com or call (701) 330-8196.
MAK Drilling is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.
READY TO TALK
Ready to run a rig for MAK?
Send your résumé to info@makconstructiongf.com or call (701) 330-8196.