This position will work under the WASH Coordinator to ensure that the planned drilling operations in Sierra Leone are completed and that the country program is achieving targets and delivering reliable water supply to communities in need.  The Chief Driller will operate and oversee operations of the equipment in the field and support the managing of the team effectively and efficiently to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Essential Functions:

• Ensures that staff acts within the safety measures for field drilling operations and follows up the drilling team performance to ensure reliable, efficient, and effective operation of the equipment to complete work in a timely fashion.
• Works closely with the WASH Coordinator to help ensure the efficient execution of the scheduling of the drilling plan so that all required resources are in the right locations and so that equipment is moved in a timely manner.
• Keeps relevant records of the drilling operations for reporting to the Drilling Supervisor.
• Supports the routine maintenance and collaborates with the WASH Coordinator   and Maintenance Team to work on equipment, particularly during the rainy season.
• Keeps the equipment operational data logging updated.
• Make proper use of geographical data and maintain records in relation to successful and unsuccessful drilling locations and reports this to the WASH Coordinator.
• Carry out necessary field tests of borehole depth, output and quality assessments to ensure a high standard for all outputs.  This includes maintaining drilling logs and well reports to be submitted timely to the WASH Coordinator.
• Supervises 5 or 6 employees on drilling crews, i.e., drilling assistants, mason & other personnel.
• Provides expert training in well drilling’s best practices when needed or requested.

Skills and qualifications:

• Relevant experience working as driller, master driller and/or drilling crew supervisor.
• Proficient auto and 4×4 driver.  Valid driver’s license.
• Diploma/Certificate in mechanical studies; at least 4 years of relevant Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) technical experience; or some equivalent combination of experience and education.
• Competent in operating drilling machines to drill boreholes at various depths.
• Working knowledge of mechanical processes and maintenance of heavy trucks and drilling equipment to suitably care, maintain and manage expensive/critical equipment.
• Able to coach, train and mentor others.
• Experience working in a cross-cultural setting; field experience working in Africa.
• Ability to travel and work in difficult conditions and under pressure.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Fluent spoken English and Krio.

Benefits include paid national holidays, sick leave, annual leave, parental leave, and medical benefits.