Geologist/PE at RigUp – Austin, Texas

Professional Geologist (PG) or PE – HDD Field Inspector (3rd Party) | MO | July | Day/Night
Location: Missouri (MO) – USACE-regulated lake/waters crossing (HDD)

Start: July (exact date TBD)

Duration: 30–45 days (project-based)

Schedule: Day & Night shift coverage required (rotation as needed)

Hours: 10–12 hours per shift

Pay: Chief pay rate (DOE) + per diem/lodging (if applicable)
Job Summary
We are a third-party inspection/monitoring firm seeking an on-site Professional Geologist (PG) or Professional Engineer (PE) to provide inspection/monitoring for a Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) project in Missouri under U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requirements. The PG/PE must be present during drilling and other invasive activities to monitor, document, and report conditions and help ensure compliance with permit requirements and the HDD work plan.
Responsibilities
Provide on-site coverage during HDD drilling/invasive activities (pilot hole, reaming, pullback, and support ops as applicable)
Serve as the licensed PG/PE on-site representative (independent/3rd party)
Monitor and document:
Drilling progress and key operational events
Returns characteristics, drilling fluid behavior, and subsurface indicators
Loss of returns, inadvertent returns (frac-outs), heave/settlement, or other anomalies
Lake/shoreline conditions and any potential impacts in the regulated area
Produce complete daily shift reports, field notes, and photo documentation
Communicate issues promptly to project leadership and maintain clear, professional documentation
Required Qualifications
Active PG license or PE license (valid and in good standing; reciprocity/acceptance as required by the project)
5+ years of HDD field experience (inspection/monitoring, drilling support, frac-out monitoring/response, etc.)
Available for 30–45 days in July timeframe and able to work 10–12 hour shifts, including nights
Strong documentation/report writing skills
Valid driver’s license; able to work outdoors around active construction equipment
Preferred
Prior work on USACE-regulated projects or permitted water crossings
Familiarity with HDD inadvertent return (IR) plans and reporting expectations