Lead Driller

Lead Driller Chester-le-Street, DH2 2RG Contract Type: Full Time Salary: £commensurate with experience, generous benefits & overtime available Working Hours: 40 Job Category: Drilling 19/10/2026 - Expires Tomorrow Apply for this job

Job Introduction

Igne is seeking a Lead Driller to join the Ground Investigation (GI) Division in Durham. This is a full-time, permanent position that will require travel. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing and progressive geotechnical contractor.

We offer above industry pay, which includes lots of opportunities for overtime and regular bonuses, along with generous subsistence and inconvenience payments when working away from home.

If you want to join an innovative, fast paced and dedicated team who are making a difference, we would love to hear from you. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Carry out all works in accordance with company standards, included (but not limited to), ESOPs, project instructions, method statements and statutory and Health, Safety and Environmental standards.
• Report to the site manager and carry out works as instructed when on site.
• Ensure equipment intended for the works can access work areas, fulfil the project requirement etc.
• Training of Assistant drillers to encourage professional development to Lead driller level
• Carry out maintenance checks of rigs and equipment and report defects faults prior to works commencing and carry out close down inspections, as required.
• Carry out all drilling works on-site, employing techniques as required. This may include intrusive survey works, ground/site investigation employing open hole and cased methodologies using air and water flush systems etc.

Person Specification:

• A background in geotechnical drilling
• NVQ Level 2 Land Drilling (desirable)
• Qualified to tow
• Knowledge of working on construction sites
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites

Salary & Benefits

• Depending on experience
• 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay
• Company pension, life insurance (3x salary) & sick pay
• Health cash plan & medical cashback
• Annual leave buy & sell scheme
• Ongoing training & development
• Cycle to Work, Green Vehicle & Home/Tech schemes
• High street discounts & long service awards

We are Igne Group Limited, a synergetic amalgamation of six companies, renowned within our respective fields, with over 350 years of combined experience. A one-stop-shop for pre- and post-construction services. Igne’s six service categories are: ground investigation, testing, unexploded ordnance, specialist drilling, geothermal, and geo-environmental.

 

We are a Disability Confident Employer and signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant; we recruit talented individuals who care about making a positive difference.  We want colleagues to bring their whole selves to work and to be able to be themselves, so equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are core to our company culture and integral to the success of our business.  We also want all colleagues to thrive, which is why we have trained and dedicated mental health first aiders across the organisation who are available for all employees to speak to for any support they need.  We believe in the development of our talent, which is why at Igne, you will have many opportunities for training and development within your role.

 

Igne is not able to offer visa sponsorship for this position.  All applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

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Overview

Number of Positions
1
Contract Type
Full Time
Working Hours
40
Salary
£commensurate with experience, generous benefits & overtime available
Job Category
Drilling
Location
Chester-le-Street
Reference
ignecareers/TP/3320/369