Job Description

General Responsibilities:
Are you ready to lead a growing and dynamic exploration team in Minnesota? Terracon’s Minnesota operations is looking for a dynamic Exploration Team Group Manager to help shape the next chapter of our success. The position will be located in Terracon’s Plymouth, MN office and report to our Geotechnical Department Manager. This position will oversee drilling operations in our Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester offices.

As our Exploration Team Group Manager, you will supervise or monitor all exploration projects to ensure that work is executed on time and in accordance with the client’s requirements and within company policies, procedures and standards. You will also help prepare proposals and cost estimates for clients that include proper scoping of services, schedule (based on available resources), and pricing. You will oversee the daily operations of the drilling team including:

• Scheduling

• Utilization of equipment and facilities

• Safety oversight

• Timely delivery of services and deliverables

• Quality review of deliverables

• Procurement of exploration equipment and consumables

• Staff training, development, and performance reviews

• Exploration team business planning, including helping to identify, develop, win, and execute project opportunities and build and maintain client relationships.

A successful candidate will have experience with subsurface exploration techniques, be a self-motivated, detail-oriented individual comfortable leading a team and working in close collaboration with our geotechnical engineers.

Why This Role Is Exciting

• Huge opportunity for a motivated individual to grow their career and help Terracon continue our incredible growth in Minnesota exploration services.

• Collaborative network: Terracon has the largest fleet of drill rigs in the country and our drilling teams are supported across the country with resources and experts in the industry.

• Excellent position for someone who wants to lean into management while staying in the exciting and hands-on world of exploration.

• Growing organization: Terracon continues to expand nationwide, offering stability, opportunity, and long‑term potential.

Terracon anticipates the starting salary range for this job opportunity will be from $95,000 to $120,000. Additional details on the salary range for this job class at Terracon can be found further below in this posting.

If you’re excited to take on a role where you can truly make an impact — while contributing to a growing, people‑focused organization — we’d love to hear from you!

Essential Roles and Responsibilities:

• Execute the initiatives of regional exploration services including development of drilling safety practices/initiatives, drill rig inspection programs, and compliance.

• Oversee and ensure consistent operations and practices of drilling teams by providing training, drill rig safety inspections, and monitoring/balancing workload (employees, rigs, and projects).

• Communicate and monitor Terracon’s safety expectations and culture to the drilling team. Leverage the manager position to hold staff accountable for following safety rules and guidelines to ensure every employee gets home safely every day.

• Oversee the development of drilling packets for the drill teams providing clear and concise instructions for the project with appropriate safety and utility clearance documentation.

• Monitor the performance of drilling teams through site visits, safety incident and near miss investigations, quality audits, and metrics.

• Provide leadership and direction on drilling practices and rig utilization/fleet management to local offices.

• Partner with other Regional/Divisional Exploration Managers to develop and deliver coordinated and consistent exploration services across all regions.

• Monitor safety, quality, and production of regional teams and provide recommendations for improvement to Division/Service Line Management.

• Assist local offices with marketing activities related to exploration services including pricing, planning, and drill methods.

• Participate and provide input in the recruitment, interview, and selection process for drillers.

• Develop understanding and be aware of project-related risk. Be familiar with what could go wrong on a project and how to protect the Company. Be familiar with company risk policies.

• Promote continuous quality monitoring and improvement on projects.

Requirements:

• Commitment to safety and ability to communicate a safety mindset effectively to your team.

• Bachelor’s degree in technical discipline practiced by the Firm including Engineering or Geology and 5 years’ site exploration experience. Or, in lieu of a degree, a minimum of 9 years’ related experience.

• 3-5 years management experience preferred.

• Proficient knowledge of multiple drilling methods including mud rotary, auger and coring techniques.

• OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour course; or must attend within 90 days of hire.

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable violation history.

Preferred Certification:

• Minnesota Department of Health certified Environmental Well Contractor.

The expected salary range for this position is listed below. The base range may be adjusted based on the specific location of the applicant. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.
Minimum $94300 - Maximum $146100
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.