Job Description

TERMS OF REFERENCE (ToR) ROTARY PILING RIG OPERATOR Company: Business Links Ltd Location: Rwanda and other project sites as assigned Department: Piling and Foundation Engineering Position: Rotary Piling Rig Operator Reports to: Piling Supervisor / Site Engineer Employment Type: Project-based or full-time, as agreed in the employment contract 1. Background Business Links Ltd is a Rwandan company engaged in piling, foundation engineering, water drilling, and soil stabilization works. The company seeks to engage competent and experienced Rotary Piling Rig Operators to undertake piling operations for building, bridge, infrastructure, and other civil engineering projects. The operator shall be responsible for the safe, efficient, and accurate operation of rotary piling rigs and associated equipment to ensure that piles are constructed in accordance with approved construction drawings, method statements, project specifications, and instructions from the responsible site engineer. 2. Purpose of the Assignment The purpose of this assignment is to operate rotary piling equipment safely and efficiently to achieve the required pile depth, diameter, verticality, and construction quality while maintaining equipment reliability, minimizing downtime, and complying with project safety and environmental requirements. 3. Scope of Duties and Responsibilities 3.1 Operation of Piling Equipment The operator shall: 1. Operate rotary piling rigs for bored pile construction in accordance with approved construction procedures. 2. Operate and control the rig’s hydraulic, mechanical, electrical, and drilling systems within the manufacturer’s specified limits. 3. Handle Kelly bars, drilling buckets, augers, core barrels, casing tools, and other approved drilling attachments as applicable to the rig. 4. Position and align the piling rig accurately over the designated pile location. 5. Maintain the required pile verticality, diameter, and depth in accordance with approved drawings and specifications. 6. Operate equipment used for temporary casing installation and extraction where applicable and within the operator’s competency. 7. Coordinate with crane operators, excavator operators, concrete teams, surveyors, and other site personnel during piling operations. 8. Immediately report abnormal ground conditions, obstructions, excessive vibration, drilling resistance, equipment instability, or unexpected water ingress. 3.2 Pre-Operational Inspection and Maintenance Before commencing work, the operator shall: 1. Conduct daily inspections of the piling rig and associated equipment. 2. Check hydraulic hoses, cylinders, drilling tools, winches, wire ropes, Kelly bar connections, tracks or chassis, safety devices, and other critical components. 3. Check engine oil, hydraulic oil, coolant, fuel, and other required operating fluids. 4. Verify that emergency stops, alarms, guards, and other safety systems are functioning. 5. Record inspection findings and report defects to the maintenance team or supervisor. 6. Perform routine operator-level maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer’s manual. 7. Keep the equipment clean and in good operating condition. 8. Never operate equipment with a defect that could compromise safety or the integrity of the piling operation. 3.3 Drilling and Pile Construction The operator shall: 1. Confirm the pile identification, location, diameter, and target depth with the site supervisor before drilling. 2. Ensure that the rig is positioned on an adequately prepared and approved working platform. 3. Drill according to the approved method statement and the instructions of the responsible engineer. 4. Monitor drilling parameters and communicate changes in soil or rock conditions to the site team. 5. Support the proper installation of temporary or permanent casing as specified in the approved construction method. 6. Coordinate with the site team on borehole cleaning, reinforcement cage installation, concrete placement, and other relevant pile construction activities. 7. Ensure drilling tools are suitable for the encountered ground conditions and report when alternative tools or methods may be required. 8. Avoid unauthorized changes to pile depth, diameter, drilling sequence, or construction methods. 9. Stop work and notify the supervisor if borehole collapse, excessive deviation, unstable ground, equipment failure, or other conditions threaten pile quality or safety. 3.4 Quality Control and Documentation The operator shall maintain accurate operational records, including: * Date, shift, and machine identification. * Pile reference number and location. * Specified and achieved pile depth. * Pile diameter and drilling tool used. * Drilling start and completion times. * Ground conditions and unusual drilling observations. * Casing installation and extraction details, where applicable. * Equipment breakdowns, delays, and corrective actions. * Any deviation from the approved construction procedure. The operator shall provide this information to the piling supervisor or site engineer for inclusion in the official pile records. The operator shall not independently approve technical deviations or certify pile compliance. 3.5 Health, Safety and Environmental Compliance The operator shall: 1. Comply with the company’s health, safety, and environmental procedures and the project’s approved method statements. 2. Attend site inductions, toolbox talks, and relevant safety briefings. 3. Wear all required personal protective equipment. 4. Confirm that the rig operating area is adequately barricaded and that unauthorized persons remain clear of the equipment. 5. Follow approved lifting procedures and maintain safe communication with banksmen and signalers. 6. Never operate the rig under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substance that impairs safe performance. 7. Report all accidents, near misses, unsafe conditions, and equipment damage immediately. 8. Stop operations when there is an imminent safety risk or when working conditions are unsafe. 9. Observe environmental controls for spoil disposal, fuel handling, oil spills, noise, and site housekeeping. 4. Qualifications and Experience The successful candidate should possess: 1. A minimum of five (5) years of practical experience operating rotary piling rigs, preferably on major infrastructure, bridge, commercial building, or industrial projects. 2. Demonstrated experience in bored pile construction and the operation of modern rotary piling equipment. 3. Experience with major rig brands such as Bauer, Soilmec, Liebherr, SANY, XCMG, or equivalent equipment. 4. Practical knowledge of drilling tools, Kelly bars, temporary casing systems, and different ground conditions. 5. An understanding of pile construction tolerances, borehole stability, drilling records, and site quality requirements. 6. The ability to read basic piling drawings, interpret pile schedules, and follow method statements. 7. A valid operator’s licence, competency certificate, or other relevant qualification where required by applicable law or the project. 8. Basic communication and record-keeping skills. 9. Good physical fitness and the ability to work in demanding site conditions. Experience with casing oscillators, casing rotators, CFA piling, or other specialist piling systems shall be an advantage where relevant to the company’s equipment and project requirements. 5. Required Competencies The operator shall demonstrate: * Strong practical knowledge of rotary piling equipment. * Accurate rig positioning and drilling control. * Good judgement when dealing with changing ground conditions. * Ability to identify mechanical faults and prevent avoidable breakdowns. * Commitment to safety, quality, and equipment care. * Effective teamwork and communication. * Ability to work under pressure and meet approved production targets without compromising safety or quality. 6. Performance Indicators Performance shall be evaluated against the following indicators: 1. Compliance with approved pile locations, depths, diameters, and verticality requirements. 2. Safe and efficient operation of the piling rig. 3. Achievement of realistic daily production targets established by the project management team. 4. Minimization of avoidable equipment downtime. 5. Completion of daily inspections and maintenance records. 6. Accurate and timely submission of drilling records. 7. Compliance with safety procedures and site instructions. 8. Proper care and handling of company equipment, tools, and accessories. 9. Cooperation with the piling supervisor, engineers, and other construction teams. Production targets shall be determined according to the rig capacity, ground conditions, pile specifications, site logistics, and approved construction methodology. No production target shall override safety or quality requirements. 7. Reporting and Supervision The Rotary Piling Rig Operator shall report directly to the Piling Supervisor or another designated site engineer. The operator shall: * Attend daily site coordination meetings as required. * Receive and follow authorized operational instructions. * Submit daily equipment and production reports. * Immediately escalate safety concerns, technical difficulties, and breakdowns. * Obtain approval before implementing changes that affect the approved piling method or pile specifications. 8. Working Arrangements and Mobilization The operator shall be available to work at project locations assigned by Business Links Ltd, including sites outside the operator’s usual place of residence, subject to agreed employment terms. The assignment may require shift work, extended site hours, weekend work, travel, and accommodation arrangements in accordance with project needs and the applicable employment agreement. Before mobilization, the operator may be required to: 1. Submit identification and evidence of relevant experience and qualifications. 2. Complete an interview and practical competency assessment. 3. Demonstrate familiarity with the specific piling rig to be operated. 4. Participate in site induction and equipment-specific safety training. 5. Confirm availability for the agreed mobilization date. 9. Company Responsibilities Business Links Ltd shall, subject to the applicable employment and project arrangements: 1. Provide access to the piling rig and the equipment necessary for the assigned duties. 2. Provide approved drawings, method statements, pile schedules, and relevant operating instructions. 3. Arrange appropriate site supervision and technical support. 4. Provide the required personal protective equipment and safety induction. 5. Arrange agreed remuneration, accommodation, transport, travel, and other employment benefits in accordance with the employment contract. 6. Ensure that the operator is assigned duties appropriate to their demonstrated competence. 10. Professional Conduct and Equipment Accountability The operator shall exercise due care in the use of company equipment and shall not: * Allow unauthorized persons to operate the rig. * Use company equipment for unauthorized purposes. * Bypass safety devices or operate outside the manufacturer’s limits. * Conceal equipment defects, accidents, or damage. * Authorize repairs, purchases, or equipment modifications without the required approval. Any question of negligence, misconduct, or liability for equipment damage shall be assessed fairly and in accordance with the applicable law and employment agreement. 11. Duration and Review of Assignment The assignment shall commence on the date agreed between Business Links Ltd and the selected operator. Its duration shall be determined by the employment contract or the requirements of the relevant project. Performance may be reviewed periodically by the Piling Supervisor or Project Manager. Continued assignment shall depend on operational requirements, demonstrated competence, safety compliance, and satisfactory performance under the agreed terms. 12. Acceptance of Terms of Reference The selected operator shall acknowledge receipt and understanding of these Terms of Reference and agree to carry out the assigned duties in accordance with approved construction procedures, company policies, applicable law, and the relevant employment agreement.