Job Description
Posting Title: Drilling / Exploration Technician (Entry Level)
Location: Des Moines, IA + Regional Travel
Looking to start a hands-on career with long-term stability—not seasonal layoffs? Terracon offers year‑round work, paid training, and a clear path to advancement in a growing industry. If you enjoy working outdoors, learning technical skills, and being part of a safety‑focused team, this could be the opportunity for you.
What You’ll Do
As an Entry-Level Drilling / Exploration Technician, you’ll train alongside experienced professionals while building skills that lead to a long-term career:

• Work year‑round (not seasonal like landscaping, snow removal, or construction)
• Learn drilling and exploration fundamentals, including:
  • Equipment operation and maintenance (augers, bits, tooling)
  • Soil and rock testing methods
  • Installation of groundwater monitoring wells
  • Basics of reading civil and geotechnical plans
• Assist the Lead Operator with daily field operations
• Drive medium‑duty trucks to job sites across the region
• Follow Terracon’s Safety‑First culture:
  • Participate in pre‑task planning
  • Follow all safety standards and report concerns
• Maintain quality standards on every project
• Travel regionally and occasionally nationwide with per diem provided

Why Join Terracon?
We don’t just offer a job—we offer a career path:

• ✅Stable, year‑round employment
• ✅Paid, on‑the‑job training—no prior drilling experience required
• ✅Clear advancement opportunities, including growing into a Team Leader role
• ✅Employee ownership—you share in the company’s success
• ✅Strong safety culture that prioritizes your well‑being
• ✅ Opportunity to work on projects across Nebraska and beyond
• ✅ Build specialized skills that are always in demand

What We’re Looking For

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Little to no prior experience required—we’ll train you
• Willingness to travel for projects
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record
• Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within 30 days of hire
• Ability to work outdoors and in varying weather conditions
• Dependable, safety‑minded, and eager to learn

Ready to build a career that lasts?
Join Terracon’s Des Moines-area team and start developing skills that open doors to leadership, specialization, and long-term stability.


About Terracon
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon’s growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace.

Terracon’s vision of “Together, we are best at people” is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
EEO Statement
Terracon is an EEO employer. We encourage qualified minority, female, veteran and disabled candidates to apply and be considered for open positions. We do not discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender, disability, age, or military status.