What are the responsibilities and job description for the Geotechnical Aide position at Arkansas Department of Transportation?
Posting closes on 8/18/2025
This position is responsible for assisting in the setup, drilling, and sampling for subsurface investigation units.
Examples of Work
The following examples are intended only as illustrations of various types of work performed. No attempt is made to be exhaustive. Related, similar, or other logical duties are performed as assigned. The Department may require employees to perform functions beyond those contained in job descriptions. The Department may modify job descriptions based on Department needs. The Arkansas Department of Transportation is an "at will" employer.
- Drive tandem axle water truck on highway and off-road.
- Perform daily maintenance on drill rigs and vehicles.
- Operate chain saw to clear path/drilling area.
- Place cribbing for drill rig set up.
- Unload and arrange tooling.
- Place and seal water recycle pit.
- Operate water transfer track vehicle.
- Join and break drill rod connections.
- Handle and maneuver drill rod and tooling.
- Clean and secure tooling for transport.
- Train and assist in duties involving the operation of drill rigs and the preparation of field documentation.
Minimum Requirements
Education and experience: The educational equivalent to a diploma from an accredited high school.
Knowledge, skills and abilities: Ability to read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, and to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.
Physical requirements: Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation. Ability to use power tools.
Working conditions: Constant statewide travel.
Licenses, registrations and certifications: Valid driver’s license. Applicants for this position must pass the written portion of the exam for a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) with tanker (“N”) endorsement within the first 90 calendar days of hire and the driving portion within 180 calendar days of hire. Failure to pass the written portion of the CDL exam within the 90-day period will result in demotion to the General Laborer job title with a reduction in salary. Subsequently, if the written portion is then passed, employee will be reinstated to the Geotechnical Aide title and pay rate. Failure to obtain the required CDL certification within the 180-day period may result in immediate termination or permanent demotion to the General Laborer title (demotion would depend on the availability of full-time work that does not require a CDL). Successful applicants must meet the physical and mental requirements for a CDL.
A pre-employment drug/alcohol test will be conducted after a contingent offer of employment or transfer has been made, and prior to the candidate performing any work for the Department in that capacity. Internal applicants who are already in a safety-sensitive position will not be subject to pre-employment drug/alcohol testing; however, offers to internal applicants who are not in a safety-sensitive position will be contingent upon pre-employment drug/alcohol testing. Subject to additional drug/alcohol testing according to the provisions of the ARDOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Program.
("Accredited" means the educational institution or program is accredited by an accrediting organization recognized either by the United States Department of Education or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.)
This position does not require theoretical and practical application of highly specialized knowledge or a bachelor’s degree or higher in the field; thus, this position is not eligible for H-1B visa sponsorship.
