Vertical drilling machine operator vacancies in Belgium
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What does a vertical drilling machine operator do?
How do I become a vertical drilling machine operator? See the guideAs a vertical drilling machine operator, you carry out vertical ground drilling with machines to pump up groundwater, to place pipes and wells, or to investigate the soil. You are also known as a drilling machine driver, a drilling foreman or a well driller. You install the drilling structure, organise the workstation and carry out first-line maintenance on your machines and equipment. You also finish the drill holes, record your data and work safely and with respect for the environment. Working with construction site machines on outdoor sites across Flanders and Belgium, you combine machine operation with a solid technical feel and a strong focus on safety.
Typical tasks
- Install the drilling structure
- Organise the workstation
- Carry out first-line maintenance on machines and equipment
- Perform vertical ground drilling
- Finish the drill holes
- Record the drilling data
- Work safely and with respect for the environment
Required skills
- Experience operating heavy site machinery
- Feel for soil, depth and drilling technique
- Able to carry out first-line machine maintenance
- VCA safety certificate is often required
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
What does a vertical drilling machine operator earn?
Indicative Belgian pay range: €19–€25 gross per hour. Your experience, the type of drilling and the sector influence your pay. Employee pay estimate; actual pay depends on experience, sector pay scales and working hours. Premiums, overtime and benefits are separate.
How to apply via Werkvolk?
- Download the appInstall the free Werkvolk app for iOS or Android.
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Frequently asked questions
Answers to the most common questions about applying via Werkvolk.
What does a vertical drilling machine operator do?
A vertical drilling machine operator carries out vertical ground drilling with machines. You do this to pump up groundwater, to place pipes and wells, or to investigate the soil. You install the drilling structure, organise the workstation, finish the drill holes and carry out first-line maintenance, always working safely and recording your data.
How much does a vertical drilling machine operator earn in Belgium?
Indicative Belgian pay range: €19–€25 gross per hour. Your experience, the type of drilling and the sector influence your pay. Employee pay estimate; actual pay depends on experience, sector pay scales and working hours. Premiums, overtime and benefits are separate.
What is the difference between a vertical drilling machine operator and a drilling machine driver?
The terms largely overlap. A vertical drilling machine operator, or bediener machines verticale boringen, specifically carries out vertical ground drilling and finishes the holes. A drilling machine driver, or bestuurder van een boormachine, is the broader term for anyone operating a drilling machine, so on a vertical drilling site it points to the same hands-on role at the machine.
How is demand for vertical drilling machine operators across Flanders?
Across Flanders, drilling work stays in steady demand for groundwater, deep foundations, environmental surveys and geothermal projects. Experienced operators who can run the machine safely and finish holes cleanly are welcome on construction and public works sites, and mobility across the region helps you find work.
Which diplomas or certificates do you need to become a vertical drilling machine operator?
There is no single fixed diploma. Many people learn on the job after starting as a site worker, often coming from a construction or machine background. A VCA safety certificate is usually expected on sites, and hands-on experience with the drilling machine and first-line maintenance matters most.
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