Environmental Drilling Operator in Tennessee Career Overview

As an Environmental Drilling Operator, you play a vital role in the field of environmental protection and resource management. Your work involves the drilling and sampling of soil and groundwater, which is essential for assessing environmental conditions and potential pollution sources. Here are some key aspects of this career:

  • Job Responsibilities: You are responsible for operating drilling rigs and equipment to collect samples from various depths. This may include monitoring machinery performance, conducting site assessments, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

  • Industry Importance: Your efforts contribute significantly to environmental studies and remediation projects. By gathering accurate data, you assist in identifying contamination and informing strategies to mitigate environmental impacts.

  • Collaboration: You often work alongside scientists, engineers, and environmental technicians. This multidisciplinary approach enhances the effectiveness and accuracy of environmental assessments and clean-up efforts.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Understanding and adhering to local, state, and federal regulations is fundamental in your role. This knowledge ensures that all drilling activities minimize environmental risks and align with safety standards.

  • Field Work: Your job typically requires a considerable amount of time spent in the field, often in diverse and sometimes challenging environments. This exposure not only tests your operational skills but also enhances your ability to adapt to different working conditions.

  • Technology Use: You may employ advanced drilling techniques and technologies to improve efficiency and data accuracy. Staying updated on the latest equipment and methods is essential for maintaining a competitive edge in the industry.

  • Impact on Communities: The findings from your drilling work directly influence local communities and ecosystems. Ensuring safe and sustainable practices helps protect water sources and promotes public health.

By fulfilling these duties, you provide invaluable support to environmental initiatives and contribute to the safeguarding of natural resources in Tennessee.

Environmental Drilling Operator Salary in Tennessee

Annual Median: $47,410
Hourly Median: $22.79

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become an Environmental Drilling Operator in Tennessee

To become an Environmental Drilling Operator in Tennessee, you will need specific educational qualifications and training. Here are the recommended college degree programs that can provide you with a solid foundation for this career:

  • Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering

    • Focuses on the application of engineering principles to environmental projects, including soil and groundwater assessment.
  • Geology and Earth Science

    • Provides a strong understanding of earth materials, processes, and the environmental impacts of drilling operations.
  • Ground Transportation

    • Offers knowledge on the logistics and infrastructure related to transport systems, which is beneficial for understanding drilling site access and operation.
  • Hydrology and Water Resources Science

    • Covers the study of water resources, including groundwater systems, which is essential for environmental drilling work.
  • Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management

    • Focuses on the principles of managing water quality and treatment processes, important for understanding environmental impacts related to drilling.
  • Recycling Technology

    • Teaches sustainable practices and technologies that can aid in managing waste produced during drilling operations.

In addition to formal education, practical training and certifications specific to drilling operations may also be required to enhance your qualifications in this field.

Best Schools to become a Environmental Drilling Operator in Tennessee 2024

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS

In-State Tuition:$9,248
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,294
Admission Rate:75%
Graduation Rate:63%
Total Enrollment:22,649

Santiago Canyon College

Orange, CA

In-State Tuition:$1,104
Out-of-State Tuition:$8,712
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:11,696

Washington State University

Pullman, WA

In-State Tuition:$10,708
Out-of-State Tuition:$26,392
Admission Rate:83%
Graduation Rate:62%
Total Enrollment:27,539

Texas A & M University-College Station

College Station, TX

In-State Tuition:$8,815
Out-of-State Tuition:$36,239
Admission Rate:63%
Graduation Rate:84%
Total Enrollment:74,014

City Colleges of Chicago-Olive-Harvey College

Chicago, IL

In-State Tuition:$11,520
Out-of-State Tuition:$14,430
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:20%
Total Enrollment:2,101

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Charlotte, NC

In-State Tuition:$3,812
Out-of-State Tuition:$17,936
Admission Rate:80%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:29,551
Environmental Drilling Operator Job Description:
  • Operate a variety of drills such as rotary, churn, and pneumatic to tap subsurface water and salt deposits, to remove core samples during mineral exploration or soil testing, and to facilitate the use of explosives in mining or construction.
  • Includes horizontal and earth boring machine operators.

Environmental Drilling Operator Required Skills and Competencies in Tennessee

  • Technical Proficiency: You should have a strong understanding of drilling techniques and equipment. Familiarity with environmental regulations and safety protocols specific to drilling operations is essential.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: The ability to assess situations quickly and implement effective solutions is important, especially when unexpected challenges arise during drilling activities.

  • Attention to Detail: Precision is critical in monitoring drilling processes and environmental factors. You need to be attentive to detail to ensure compliance with regulations and to maintain the integrity of drilling operations.

  • Physical Stamina: Working as an Environmental Drilling Operator often requires physical endurance since you may need to conduct fieldwork in diverse and demanding conditions.

  • Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills are necessary for collaborating with team members, reporting findings, and interacting with supervisors or regulatory agencies.

  • Analytical Skills: You should be comfortable interpreting data and making decisions based on geological and hydrological assessments.

  • Safety Awareness: A commitment to safety is vital, as environmental drilling poses risks. You must be able to identify hazards and take necessary precautions to protect yourself and others.

  • Teamwork: You must work well in a team environment, as drilling projects often require collaboration with geologists, environmental scientists, and other specialists.

  • Equipment Operation: Proficiency in operating drilling rigs and ancillary equipment is required. You should be able to perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting to keep machinery in optimal condition.

  • Adaptability: The ability to adjust to changing conditions and requirements in the field is crucial. Environmental factors and project scopes can change, and you must be able to respond accordingly.

Job Duties for Environmental Drilling Operators

  • Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.

  • Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled.

  • Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.

Technologies and Skills Used by Environmental Drilling Operators

Mobile location based services software

  • Global positioning system GPS software

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Environmental Drilling Operator in Tennessee

The job market for Environmental Drilling Operators in Tennessee is evolving, driven by various factors that influence demand for these skilled professionals.

  • Demand for Services: The increasing emphasis on environmental protection and compliance with regulations has led to a higher demand for drilling operations that monitor and mitigate contamination risks. Public and private sectors require Environmental Drilling Operators to support environmental assessments, remediation projects, and compliance drilling.

  • Growth Potential: The need for sustainable practices indicates a positive growth trajectory in this field. As infrastructure projects expand and communities seek to address environmental challenges, job opportunities for Environmental Drilling Operators are projected to rise. Additionally, the shift towards greener technologies and practices in industries such as construction, oil, and gas further supports this growth.

  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Nashville: As a rapidly growing urban area, Nashville presents numerous environmental projects linked to urban expansion, infrastructure development, and land reclamation.
    • Knoxville: Home to several environmental consulting firms and governmental agencies, Knoxville has a significant demand for environmental clean-up and monitoring efforts.
    • Memphis: The presence of the Mississippi River and various industrial activities creates a need for environmental drilling services in and around Memphis to address potential contamination and natural resource management.
    • Chattanooga: With a focus on revitalizing brownfield sites and managing water resources, Chattanooga also offers opportunities in environmental drilling, particularly in the context of sustainable urban development.

As environmental concerns continue to gain attention, exploring job openings and connecting with industry networks in these hotspots can enhance your prospects as an Environmental Drilling Operator in Tennessee.

Additional Resources To Help You Become an Environmental Drilling Operator in Tennessee

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
    The EPA provides guidelines, regulations, and resources for environmental protection practices. This includes information relevant to drilling operations and environmental compliance.
    Visit the EPA website

  • National Ground Water Association (NGWA)
    NGWA offers resources on groundwater management, drilling standards, and continuing education specific to environmental drilling.
    Visit NGWA

  • Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME)
    SME provides access to technical research on drilling methodologies, environmental impacts, and best practices in the field.
    Visit SME

  • American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
    ASCE offers technical resources, publications, and standards regarding civil engineering practices, including drilling and environmental assessments.
    Visit ASCE

  • Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC)
    TDEC regulates environmental practices in Tennessee and provides resources on environmental drilling regulations, permits, and compliance information.
    Visit TDEC

  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
    OSHA offers guidelines and regulations for workplace safety specific to drilling operations, including best practices for protecting workers in environmental settings.
    Visit OSHA

  • International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)
    IADC provides information on drilling operations, technical papers, and training resources that are valuable for environmental drilling operators.
    Visit IADC

  • Environmental and Water Resources Institute (EWRI)
    A part of ASCE, EWRI focuses on environmental engineering and provides resources, including conferences and technical literature relevant to water and environmental drilling.
    Visit EWRI

  • Local Community Colleges and Technical Schools
    Many community colleges in Tennessee offer programs and certifications in environmental science and drilling technology. Check with institutions like the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) for relevant courses.

  • Trade Journals and Publications
    Subscribing to industry journals such as "Drilling Contractor" or "Environmental Engineer" can keep you updated on the latest trends, technologies, and regulatory changes in environmental drilling.

  • LinkedIn Learning and Online Courses
    Platforms such as LinkedIn Learning host courses specific to drilling operations, environmental compliance, and safety management that can enhance your skills as an Environmental Drilling Operator.
    Visit LinkedIn Learning

By utilizing these resources, you can gain insight into best practices, regulatory updates, and professional development opportunities in the field of environmental drilling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Environmental Drilling Operator in Tennessee

  • What is an Environmental Drilling Operator?
    An Environmental Drilling Operator is responsible for operating drilling equipment to collect soil, water, and other samples from the ground for environmental testing and assessment. You will ensure the proper techniques are utilized for safe and accurate sample collection.

  • What qualifications do I need to become an Environmental Drilling Operator in Tennessee?
    Typically, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training in drilling operations and environmental science. Many employers prefer candidates with certifications in safety and environmental regulations.

  • What skills are important for this role?
    Key skills include:

    • Mechanical aptitude for operating and maintaining drilling equipment.
    • Attention to detail for accurate sample collection and documentation.
    • Strong problem-solving skills to address unexpected challenges.
    • Physical stamina and strength for working outdoors in various conditions.
  • What is the average salary for an Environmental Drilling Operator in Tennessee?
    As of October 2023, the average salary for an Environmental Drilling Operator in Tennessee varies by experience and location, typically ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 per year.

  • What are the typical work hours for this position?
    Work hours can vary significantly depending on the project and location. You may work standard hours during weekdays, but be prepared for extended hours or weekend work, especially during busy periods.

  • Is previous experience required for this job?
    While entry-level positions may not require extensive experience, having a background in construction, geology, or environmental science can be beneficial. Employers often provide on-the-job training.

  • What safety precautions should I be aware of?
    Safety is a top priority. Familiarize yourself with safety protocols, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper handling of hazardous materials, and emergency response procedures.

  • What career advancement opportunities exist for an Environmental Drilling Operator?
    With experience, you can advance to supervisory roles or specialized positions such as project management, geotechnical engineering, or environmental consulting. Continuing education and certifications can enhance your career prospects.

  • Do I need to obtain any licenses or certifications?
    While not always required, obtaining certifications such as OSHA safety training, HAZWOPER, and specific drilling operation certifications can enhance your qualifications and job prospects in this field.

  • What types of projects might I work on?
    You may work on various projects, such as soil contamination assessments, groundwater sampling, environmental impact studies, or drilling for remediation efforts, each aimed at protecting public health and the environment.