THE OPPORTUNITY
We’re looking for a capable and hands‑on Drilling Supervisor to lead drilling activities on our solar farm projects - starting in Goulburn River, 3 hours inland from Newcastle, NSW. The role blends practical know‑how, technical oversight, and team coordination. Reporting to the Drilling Manager, you’ll be responsible for keeping our rigs running smoothly, mentoring the crew, and maintaining the high standards Solar Farm Constructions is known for.
This is a site‑based role with long‑term potential. Willingness to travel to future projects across Australia is essential.
ABOUT US
Solar Farm Constructions is a progressive contractor delivering large‑scale solar and infrastructure projects across Australia. We combine practical expertise with a forward‑thinking approach, tackling complex work with smart systems, solid planning, and a focus on continual improvement.
We specialise in drilling, batching, piling, and mechanical works for solar farms, with a proven track record across regional and remote utility‑scale renewable energy projects throughout Australia.
Custom drill masts on Volvo excavators.
Atlas Copco and Airman compressors.
We primarily undertake down‑the‑hole hammer drilling and auger drilling to depths between 1.5 and 4.5 metres.
ABOUT THE ROLE
- Lead the planning and execution of preventive maintenance for all drilling rigs and support equipment – including overseeing and assisting with pre‑starts, servicing, cleaning, and minor repairs – to maintain peak performance and compliance with equipment service plans.
- Direct equipment fault diagnosis and breakdown resolution, coordinating mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical troubleshooting efforts. Make critical decisions to reduce downtime and minimise repair costs, while managing impact on project timelines.
- Oversee equipment inspections (daily, weekly, or as required), identifying wear, safety issues, or performance risks proactively and ensuring follow‑up actions are executed efficiently.
- Coordinate with drilling manager and site leadership to align maintenance schedules with drilling operations, adjust workflows if necessary, and anticipate logistical needs to ensure smooth field progress.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to drilling and maintenance crews by modelling experience and best practice, setting expectations for workmanship, safety, and efficiency, and stepping in as needed to coach performance and compliance.
- Ensure timely and accurate documentation and reporting, including daily pre‑start inspections, maintenance logs, incident records, equipment usage logs, and non‑conformance reports. Use this data to review performance trends and identify improvement opportunities.
- Drive a culture of urgency, accountability, and efficiency, proactively reallocating crew and resources to address breakdowns or delays and maintain on‑schedule drilling operations.
- Oversee crew compliance with site and plant standards, including safety gear, cleanliness, and equipment presentation.
- Foster crew development, identifying technical or procedural knowledge gaps among team members and delivering or organising targeted training and mentoring to build capability.
- Conduct repairs, maintenance and ordering of spare parts between projects with support of the drilling manager and mechanics.
Required Skills
- Demonstrated drilling experience, with strong competency in mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.
- Ability to diagnose and resolve complex machinery issues under pressure.
- Proactive approach to maintenance with the ability to anticipate and prevent problems before they escalated.
- Strong time management and organisational skills; able to prioritise competing demands and keep teams on track.
- Clear and confident communication skills with the ability to lead, direct, and motivate field crews.
- Practical experience working in a rapid‑paced construction environment.
- Experience coordinating with multiple departments or subcontractors to keep operations aligned.
- Certification or relevant training in heavy equipment maintenance highly regarded (e.g., Certificate III in Drilling Operations, Hydraulic Systems, etc.).
- HR license desirable but not essential.
Please apply through Seek or send your resume to solarfc.com.au.
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