Solar Drilling Field Apprentice

This hands-on, field-based role is ideal for individuals who take pride in physical work, value safety and precision, and are eager to gain experience in solar construction and drilling.

This position follows a four-weeks-on, one-week-off rotation, offering steady work and the opportunity to travel to project sites across multiple states.

This position is an excellent starting point for building a long-term career within ARI and the renewable energy and rock drilling industries.

• Wage Range: $20- $24 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications
• Zone Differential Pay: Most solar projects include an additional $5.00 per hour in zone differential pay for work requiring extra commitment due to location, duration, or scope.
• Benefits: Generous benefits package including per diem, comprehensive health insurance, 401(k) with company match, paid time off, holiday pay and more. 

• Construction Experience: Previous experience in construction is preferred, particularly in utility-scale or solar-related projects.
• Equipment & Surveying Familiarity: Familiarity with heavy equipment operation, spotting procedures, or basic surveying techniques is a plus.
• OSHA 10-Hour Construction Certification: Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) 10-Hour Construction certification is strongly preferred. If not already obtained, the company will work with the employee to complete the certification prior to the start date.
• Driving Requirements: Valid driver’s license with a driving record that includes no more than 3 moving violations and/or chargeable accidents in the last 3 years and no DUIIs.
• Travel Commitment: Ability and willingness to travel nationwide on a four-week-on, one-week-off rotation; airfare, lodging, and per diem provided
• Background Check: Candidates are submitted to a background check through the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to screen felony records in compliance with federal regulations.
• Drug Test and Physical Requirement: Pre-employment drug test and physical required. We conduct random drug tests and post-accident drug testing. For safety reasons, we have a zero-tolerance drug policy, including marijuana use.
• Physical Requirements: Physical stamina with the ability to lift 50 pounds and remain on your feet for extended periods of time.

• Values-Driven: Embodies ARI’s values of integrity, teamwork, grit, and continuous improvement.
• Safety Focus: Dedicated to maintaining a safe job site by following all safety protocols, using proper PPE, and actively identifying and reporting potential hazards in the field.
• Situational Awareness: Maintains a high level of alertness and focus in busy, dynamic job site environments to support safety and efficiency.
• Clear Communication: Able to communicate effectively with drill operators, field leads, and team members to coordinate tasks and ensure safe and efficient operations.
• Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility in daily responsibilities, from spotting equipment to assisting with layout or performing general labor, adjusting to shifting project needs and priorities.
• Attention to Detail: Takes pride in maintaining clean, organized work areas and checking that all work meets quality standards, especially when assisting with layout, QA/QC, or tool maintenance.
• Work Ethic & Reliability: Consistently shows up prepared, on time, and ready to contribute. Takes ownership of assigned tasks and follows through without close supervision

• Spot Heavy Equipment: Assists with spotting Rock Drills and other large equipment to support safe and efficient maneuvering within the job site.
• Drill Hole Backfilling: Uses support equipment, such as skid steers, to safely and effectively backfill completed drill holes.
• Field QA/QC Checks: Performs quality and safety inspections during drilling operations under supervision, reporting any issues or deviations from standard procedures.
• Surveying & Layout Support: Use GPS and rover systems to assist in site layout, stake placement, and verification of drill locations.
• General Site Labor: Executes essential labor tasks including staging materials, site preparation, and marker setup, and daily cleanup.
• Equipment Support: Helps maintain and organize tools and equipment, ensuring everything is clean, operational, and stored correctly.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with Drill Operators and Site Leads to ensure smooth daily operations.
• Supports other tasks and responsibilities as required to ensure smooth operations.

• Safety commitment: Maintains a safety-first mindset and consistently follows all safety policies, procedures, and regulations to help ensure a safe work environment for self and others.

• Paid Time Off 
• Paid Holidays
• Company Paid Lodging When working on jobs that require more than 1.5 hours of one-way travel, ARI arranges and covers 100% of lodging accommodations.
• Paid travel-time
• Health Insurance We offer health insurance at a cost of $59/month for the employee portion of the basic plan. We also offer buy up plan options that have lower deductibles. 
• Vision Insurance We cover 100% of vision premiums
• Dental Insurance We offer Dental insurance through Cigna and cover a portion of the employee premium for dental benefits.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Employees are given the option to contribute a portion of their earnings, pre-tax, into a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). They can use the funds contributed to their account to pay for qualified medical or dependent care expenses that are not covered by insurance.
• Voluntary Insurance We offer a voluntary insurance program for Critical Illness, Accident Protection, Short-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) With this benefit program, employees and members of their household can receive free, confidential counseling services to help work through both personal and professional issues.
• 401k We match 100% of the first 3% of your salary that you contribute, and 50% of the amount that exceeds 3%, up to 5% of your annual earnings. In addition, ARI may make a profit-sharing contribution to your account at the end of the plan year.

Department: Drilling & Blasting
This is a full time position