Driller Laborer - Illinois State Geological Survey

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — the state’s flagship public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions — every staff member helps shape what’s next. Founded in 1867, Illinois is home to a vibrant community of 59,000 students from all 50 states and 129 countries, supported by 15 colleges and instructional units, more than 20 research institutes, and one of the most comprehensive student service ecosystems in the nation. Whether you’re empowering first-generation students, fueling breakthrough innovation, or strengthening communities across Illinois and beyond, your work here has a far-reaching and deeply meaningful impact. The university offers a highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and financial security. Join a top 10 public university that has launched over 330 startups and continues to redefine excellence — where the Illinois Value Proposition ensures that your contributions are recognized, your potential is nurtured, and your career can thrive.

The Prairie Research Institute (PRI), a research and service institute of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis, houses five large scientific surveys covering a wide range of expertise including biology, water resources, climate, geology, sustainable technology, and archaeology.  PRI’s mission is to provide objective, integrated scientific research and service that allow citizens and decision-makers to make choices that ensure sustainable economic development, enduring environmental quality, and cultural resource preservation for the people, businesses, and governments of Illinois. Learn more at go.illinois.edu/PRIjobs.

Operate and maintain a variety of equipment during geological exploration and soil testing. During periods where unable to conduct drilling, provide back up and support to PRI facilities group. Including equipment maintenance, office and equipment relocation, and conducting skilled manual work to support scientific research needs.

• Drilling Support: Supply water to the drill rig; operate the water pumps. Mix drilling mud; add drill pipe, unload sampler, assist in installing monitoring wells, and assist in downhole logging operations. Assist in pulling the drill string out of the wellbore and then running it back in. Assist in tripping in/out operations. Assist higher level staff in obtaining samples of geologic materials and geophysical data. Move and assist with setting up and tearing down drilling equipment; load and unload equipment and supplies securing them with chains, boomers, and ratchet straps. Ensures a safe working environment by complying with safety regulations and procedures.
• Shop Support: Operate and maintain a variety of equipment and machinery including, but not limited to, water trucks, pipe trailers, enclosed trailers, and a variety of machinery including, but not limited to, lathes, milling machines, drill presses, grinders, welders, and power woodworking tools; performs metal fabrication, welding, woodworking, and painting. Assist with the movement of equipment and commodities, record keeping, vehicle shuttling, running errands, and shop security.
• Drilling Equipment Maintenance: Perform preventative maintenance on drill rigs, probe truck, and support equipment including water trucks, pipe trailers, enclosed trailers). Maintain equipment by greasing equipment, checking oil and fuel levels, changing filters, and dismantling and reassembling water pumps for needed maintenance and repairs.
• Other: Perform other duties as needed in order to further the mission and goals of the Survey, PRI, and the University of Illinois. Keep abreast of developments in this discipline.

The work of this position takes place in field and garage/shop settings. On-site locations are often out of town/out of state and require overnight travel and overtime. Ability to perform physical activities that require considerable use of arms, hands, and legs including lifting, carrying, and handling equipment and materials weighing up to 100 pounds. Ability to perform field work in remote locations and under adverse conditions. Ability to travel extensively.

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. One (1) year (12 months) of volunteer and/or work experience in operation, maintenance, and light repair of industrial or heavy equipment (with a load capacity requiring a CDL) commonly used in such operations as drilling, farming, trucking, or labor.

3. Possess a current/valid Illinois Commercial Driver's License (Class A with airbrake AND tanker endorsements).

• Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. Knowledge of mathematics, algebra, geometry and their applications. Working knowledge of safety procedures. Experience watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly. Ability to perform routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed. Repairing machines using the needed tools. Ability to determine causes of operating errors and deciding how to proceed. Ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions. Ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears. Mechanical ability. Ability to follow, read, listen to, and understand instructions. Effective communication, personal relations, collaboration, organizational, teamwork, and leadership skills. Demonstrated ability to perform effectively in a diverse and fast-paced work environment consisting of multiple and changing priorities with stringent deadlines, under minimal supervision. Attention to detail, sound judgment, and strong conflict resolution skills. Proficiency in commonly-employed software and databases.

This is a 100% full-time Civil Service 2290 - Driller Laborer position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 2/9/2026. The salary range is $48,000 to $52,000 and final salary determination will be commensurate with experience.

For more information on Civil Service classifications, please visit the SUCSS web site at https://www.sucss.illinois.gov/pages/classspec/default.aspx .

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on January 30, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. In order to be considered as a transfer candidate, you must apply for this position. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. If required by the position, transcripts or other documentation of credentials are to be provided no later than the first day of employment. For further information about this specific position, please contact Megan Weeks, mkweeks@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position; however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

This position is intended to be eligible for benefits . This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.

The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify .

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal , or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu .

Requisition ID: 1034385
Job Category: Crafts & Trades
Apply at:https://jobs.illinois.edu