HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
There is no single pathway for this occupation, and requirements can vary by employer and region. Many workers learn through a mix of on-the-job training, work experience, and related trades or construction experience. A high school diploma is common in some cases, while others enter with apprenticeship or trades training, or with experience in construction, mining, or heavy equipment work. Because the job involves drilling equipment, outdoor work, and safety procedures, employers usually look for people who are reliable, physically able, and willing to learn machinery operation and maintenance. Some workers later specialize in a drilling method such as cable, rotary, auger, hammer, or reverse circulation drilling.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Review client requirements and proposed locations for water wells
- Operate water well drilling rigs and other equipment to drill, bore and dig for residential, commercial and industrial water wells or environmental assessment, and install well screens, casings and other well fixtures
- Document geological formations encountered
- Clean and disinfect wells in preparation for use
- Perform routine mechanical maintenance work on water well drilling rigs and equipment
- Install, test, maintain and repair water well pumps, piping systems and equipment and perform pumping tests to assess well performance
- May provide other drilling services, such as repair or dismantling of existing water well structure, elevator shaft drilling and hydro pole drilling.
- Water well drillers may specialize in a specific method of drilling, such as cable, rotary, auger, hammer or reverse circulation drilling.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A day for a water well driller often starts with checking the work site, reviewing the plan, and preparing the rig and tools. The crew may travel to a rural property, construction site, or industrial location, then set up equipment and begin drilling. During the day, the driller watches soil and rock conditions, adds casing or screens as needed, and keeps notes on the geological layers found underground. They may clean and disinfect a finished well, test pumps, or help with maintenance and repairs on equipment. Work can change quickly if the ground conditions change, so attention and communication are important. Some days focus on drilling; other days involve repair, testing, or moving equipment.
SKILLS TO BUILD