Drilling Rig Operator at Lighthouse Drilling, LLC El Dorado, KS

Lighthouse Drilling, LLC; El Dorado (KS); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Paid time off

Performance-based bonuses

Job summary

Lighthouse Drilling, LLC is seeking a Drilling Rig Operator in El Dorado, KS. You will lead a small crew, ensuring all operations are conducted safely and efficiently. Responsibilities include supervising rig operations, conducting safety meetings, and overseeing maintenance tasks. Candidates should possess previous drilling experience, mechanical knowledge, and a valid driver’s license. Benefits include competitive pay, health benefits, paid time off, and performance bonuses.

Qualifications

• Previous drilling experience on a Kelly Drive Rig.
• Valid driver's license required, CDL preferred.
• Must pass pre-employment drug and alcohol screening.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise a drilling rig crew.
• Ensure safety and efficiency during operations.
• Conduct safety meetings and direct crew activities.

Skills

Drilling experience

Mechanical knowledge

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (preferred)

Tools

Pason reporting tool

Job description

Drilling Rig Operator job at Lighthouse Drilling, LLC. El Dorado, KS.

Position Overview

Operators lead a three-to-five-person rig crew while safely operating drilling rig components. This is a safety-sensitive position. They are responsible for rig up and down activities, general equipment repairs, and maintenance of rig components. Operators conduct safety meetings and assign activities on the rig floor or derrick. They supervise the mud-mixing duties and other duties performed by floor hands & derrick hands. Operators are responsible for their crew performing these duties safely and efficiently.

Major Duties

• Ensures all crew members are at the rig and prepared to work at the scheduled time.
• Performs routine operating functions and troubleshooting on all equipment with direction from operation personnel and the client company representative.
• Operates the draw works and assesses downhole conditions and well pressures.
• Handles jack stands and instructs crew on securing the guy wires.
• Provides operating reports (via Pason) to the Field Supervisor‑Rigs or Toolpusher.
• Tested and monitored equipment using correct procedures.
• Trained and directed the crew on safety and job procedures.
• Establishes daily maintenance & housekeeping program for the rig.
• Oversees the setting up, taking down, and transportation of drilling rigs & equipment.
• May be requested to work outside of regular work schedule to meet customer needs.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Basic Requirements

• We expect more out of our drillers than most contractors. We need them to be driven and able to direct crew members to work hard.
• We also expect our Drillers to lead by example via their good work ethic.
• Previous drilling experience on a Kelly Drive Rig.
• A valid driver’s license is required (CDL preferred).
• Knowledge of basic mechanical functions.
• Oilfield industry experience.
• Must pass pre‑employment drug and alcohol screening & background check.
• Able to work well with & lead a team.

Preferred (not required)

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent education.
• Clean driving record.
• CDL.
• 3+ years of previous drilling rig operations experience (not required).

Physical Requirements

• Able to lift, move, or carry up to 100 pounds.
• Able to regularly walk and climb stairs up to 15' high.
• Able to stay alert and attentive for a 12-hour tour while performing sometimes repetitive tasks.
• Able to open/close valves requiring upwards of 160 lbs of torque.
• Able to pull drill slips with another employee and latch/unlatch tongs.
• Able to listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and machinery problems.

Mental Alertness Requirements

• Work in a constant state of alertness and sin a afe manner.
• Have, display & maintain the ability to perform tasks involving high levels of cognitive function and judgment.
• Not being mentally or physically impaired from any cause can adversely affect an employee’s ability to safely and completely perform the duties of the position.
• Have, display & maintain the ability to cope with sudden changes in surroundings and/or emergencies and/or alarms.
• Have, display & maintain, and demonstrate a caring, committed, and concerned attitude about personal and crewmember safety.

Typical Working Conditions and Hazards

• Work is performed in all weather conditions.
• Able to perform duties with protective equipment.
• Potential hazards include working near or with heavy tools and moving machinery.
• Occasional work will be done on slick surfaces due to weather, drilling mud, or oil/grease.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salaries
• Company driver (pickup truck)
• Advancement opportunities
• Per diem
• Health benefits
• Dental benefits
• Vision benefits
• Paid time off (starting at 12 months of employment)
• 100% company‑matched IRA program
• Annual reimbursements for gear / boots & overalls
• Performance‑based bonuses & incentives
• Company uniforms
• Paid holidays