Ground Control is a leading external maintenance business and biodiversity expert committed to enhancing and improving the physical environment for our customers and their communities.
We're a purpose driven, values centred business, on a mission to realise the potential of human nature by bringing together people, places and the planet.
Human Nature - At Its Best
Lead Cable Percussion Driller – Geotechnical Ground Investigation
Location: Leeds (with national travel as required)
Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits
Contract Type: Permanent, full-time
At Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions (GCES), we deliver innovative, sustainable, and high-quality geotechnical and ground investigation services across the UK. Our mission is to lead the way in geotechnical drilling by combining technical excellence, operational integrity, and environmental responsibility to support major infrastructure and construction projects nationwide.
Lead Cable Percussion Driller
We’re looking for an experienced Lead Cable Percussion (CP) Driller to take the lead in delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality geotechnical drilling operations.
You’ll operate cable percussion drilling rigs, supervise on-site drilling teams, maintain equipment, and ensure full compliance with Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) standards. This hands-on role also involves mentoring and developing junior drilling operatives to maintain GCES’s industry-leading standards.
Key Responsibilities
* Deliver high-quality ground investigation drilling operations using CP drilling techniques.
* Lead, supervise, and motivate site drilling teams.
* Ensure compliance with HSE regulations and company safety standards.
* Operate and maintain cable percussion drilling rigs and related equipment.
* Manage daily site operations, logistics, and project delivery.
* Liaise with clients, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure excellent communication and project outcomes.
* Mentor and train junior drilling operatives.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience in cable percussion drilling and ground investigation projects.
* Strong technical understanding of open-hole drilling, core drilling, and wireline coring.
* Knowledge of soil mechanics, geotechnical sampling, and logging techniques.
* Experience supervising small teams and planning daily site operations.
* Working knowledge of CDM Regulations, risk assessments, and method statements.
* Experience working on large infrastructure, utilities, or civil engineering projects.
Desirable Qualifications
* NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Land Drilling (or equivalent qualification).
* First Aid at Work certification.
* Experience in piling, embankment stabilisation, or slope stability projects.
* Familiarity with digital data logging or ground investigation software tools.
Why Join Ground Control?
At Ground Control, we believe in investing in our people. You’ll have access to:
* Career Development & Training
* Tailored learning through our GC Leadership Academy.
* Funded job-specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.
* Clear progression pathways within a growing, sustainable business.
* Competitive salary
* 23 days holiday (increasing with service) + bank holidays.
* Share options and robust pension scheme.
* Employee wellbeing support, including online private GP access, Medigold health services, and free flu jabs.
* Free or subsidised gym memberships across the UK.
* Two volunteering days per year to support causes you care about.
Apply Today
If you’re an experienced Cable Percussion Driller or Lead Drilling Operative looking to take the next step in your geotechnical career, join a company where safety, sustainability, and career development are at the heart of everything we do.
Apply now to become part of Ground Control Geotechnical Solutions – helping shape the foundations of the future.
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Equal Opportunities Statement
At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on sex, age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.