Drilling Field Manager - Orlando

Ardaman & Associates, Inc. is one of the largest geotechnical engineering and materials testing consulting firms in the Southeast. Over our history, we have worked on more than 150,000 projects throughout the region, the U.S., and worldwide, serving virtually every type of public and private client associated with industrial, commercial, and infrastructure projects.

Geotechnical Drilling Field Manager to lead and oversee all day‑to‑day drilling operations for site investigations. Act as the primary field contact for project managers and drill crews.

• Manage drilling crews, equipment, schedules, and safety compliance to deliver accurate subsurface data on time.
• Serve as primary technical resource for drilling methods, sampling protocols, and field QA/QC; coordinate with project engineers and subcontractors.
• Supervise day‑to‑day drilling operations including mobilization/demobilization, rig set up, drilling, sampling, logging, and site restoration.
• Help to assign crews and equipment to projects, create work schedules, and ensure timely completion of field tasks.
• Work as a crew‑chief and/or driller’s helper to keep crews operating on days when other staff may be unavailable or call out.
• Deliver repair parts to rigs that may be experiencing mechanical issues in the field and help with repairs to the extent possible.
• Enforce field safety programs (e.g., OSHA, company H&S policies), conduct toolbox talks, and lead incident investigations as needed.
• Implement and maintain sampling and drilling QA/QC procedures (e.g., split spoon sampling, rock coring, SPT, Shelby tubes, drill cuttings management).
• Inspect, maintain, and coordinate repair of drilling rigs, ancillary equipment, and vehicles; manage spare parts and inventory.
• Train, mentor, and evaluate drill crew members: recruit and retain skilled field staff.
• Coordinate with project managers and engineers to clarify scope, field methods, and schedule adjustments.
• Prepare field reports, daily logs, equipment checklists, and assist in compiling field data for lab submission and final deliverables.
• Ensure regulatory and client compliance for waste handling, permits, site access, and environmental protection measures.
• Deliver drill rigs requiring CDLs to job sites as needed.
• Develop staffing plans, training programs, and continuous‑improvement initiatives to optimize field performance and reduce downtime.

• Minimum 10 years of hands‑on geotechnical drilling experience, with at least 2 years in supervisory or lead role.
• Demonstrated competency with standard geotechnical drilling methods (SPT, Shelby tubes, rock coring, auger, well installation, hollow‑stem auger, mud rotary, tripod, all terrain rigs, barge rigs).
• Valid CDL driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record; ability to travel to job sites and mobilize equipment.
• Strong leadership and crew‑management skills, including scheduling and conflict resolution.
• Working knowledge of health and safety regulations (OSHA), confined space entry, and field emergency procedures.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reporting and client interactions.
• Ability to read and interpret boring logs, field notes, and basic geotechnical reports.

• Professional certifications such as OSHA 30, First Aid/CPR, HAZW.
• Previous experience managing multiple field crews or regional drilling operations.
• Familiarity with environmental sampling protocols, chain‑of‑custody procedures, and hazardous material handling.
• Experience with maintenance planning, inventory control, and vendor coordination for drilling equipment.
• Proficiency with digital field reporting tools and GPS.

• Ability to perform physically demanding tasks: lifting up to 50 lbs. frequently and up to 80 lbs. occasionally; climbing, kneeling, bending, and standing for extended periods.
• Comfortable working at heights and in/around heavy machinery.
• Sufficient vision, hearing, and dexterity to operate equipment, read gauges and logs, and maintain safety on site.
• Ability to work long shifts, irregular hours, and travel for multi‑day assignments and…