Geotechnical Drill Rig Operator

Pacific Drilling Co.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Paid vacation

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Pacific Drilling Co. seeks an experienced Geotechnical Drill Rig Operator to join our field operations team in Southern California.

The role involves safely operating multiple drilling rigs, leading field crews, maintaining equipment, and communicating professionally with clients to ensure projects meet Pacific Drilling’s standards. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, steady work, and opportunities for advancement within a long-established drilling contractor serving the

Qualifications

• Previous professional geotechnical/environmental drilling experience required.
• Ability to operate drill rigs using multiple drilling methods.
• Knowledge of diesel engines, hydraulics, and related maintenance.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate drill rigs, support vehicles, and related equipment.
• Lead field crew and communicate with clients and project reps.
• Maintain accurate field logs, time sheets, and safety docs.
• Perform routine equipment inspections and preventive maintenance.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures and SOPs.

Skills

Drill rig operation

Safety procedures

Team leadership

Client communication

Field documentation

Tools

Diesel engines

Hydraulic systems

Job description

Pacific Drilling Co. is seeking an experienced, safety-focused Geotechnical Drill Rig Operator to join our field operations team.

We are a long-established, licensed, bonded, and insured geotechnical and environmental drilling contractor serving Southern California and beyond. Our Drill Rig Operators are responsible for safely and efficiently operating drilling equipment, leading field crews, maintaining equipment, communicating professionally with clients, and ensuring that every project meets Pacific Drilling’s standards.

We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, steady work, and opportunities for advancement.

Our Core Values

Everything we do at Pacific Drilling is guided by four core values:

1. Dedicated to the Process
We follow established procedures, prioritize safety, maintain our equipment, document our work accurately, and do the job correctly from start to finish.

2. Dedicated to the Client
Our operators are often the face of Pacific Drilling in the field. We communicate clearly, remain professional, understand our clients’ project requirements, and work to provide dependable, high-quality service.

3. Dedicated to the Team
Successful drilling requires teamwork. Our operators lead by example, communicate effectively, support their crew, and contribute to a safe and productive work environment.

4. Extra Effort Every Time
We believe the details matter. From preparing and maintaining equipment to keeping a clean jobsite, supporting a teammate, and taking care of a client, we expect our team to go the extra mile.

Position Overview

The Geotechnical Drill Rig Operator is responsible for safely operating and maintaining multiple types of drilling equipment while completing geotechnical and environmental drilling projects in a variety of terrains and jobsite conditions.

Operators are expected to understand project requirements, supervise and direct their field crew, communicate with clients and project representatives, maintain accurate field documentation, troubleshoot equipment issues, and ensure work is performed safely and efficiently.

This position reports to Pacific Drilling’s Managing Equipment Operators, Operations Manager, and President.

Drilling Methods & Specialized Experience

Qualified candidates should have professional experience with multiple drilling methods, including:

• Air rotary
• HQ rock coring

Additional experience with the following is highly desirable and considered a plus:

• Seismic testing
• Soil vapor and gas probe installation
• Packer testing

Key Responsibilities

• Safely operate Pacific Drilling drill rigs, support vehicles, and associated equipment
• Follow all company safety procedures, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and project-specific requirements
• Properly use and maintain required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Lead, supervise, and provide direction to Assistant Operators and Drilling Apprentices
• Conduct pre-job tailgate safety meetings and ensure required safety documentation is completed
• Review project requirements with the client or field representative before drilling begins
• Confirm sampling requirements, including sample types, depths, and intervals
• Maintain clear and professional communication with clients regarding project status and progress
• Complete accurate daily driller’s logs, time sheets, work orders, and other required field documentation
• Accurately document all billable labor, equipment, materials, and drilling activities
• Confirm completion of drilling activities with the client or field representative
• Perform and oversee jobsite cleanup and restoration, leaving the site in the same or better condition than it was prior to drilling
• Perform routine equipment inspections, cleaning, preventative maintenance, and basic troubleshooting
• Ensure company-owned and rented equipment is properly inspected, greased, and fluid levels are checked prior to operation
• Conduct required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections
• Properly secure equipment and loads for transportation
• Maintain accurate Hours of Service records through the required electronic logging system
• Operate company vehicles safely and in compliance with applicable traffic and transportation regulations
• Complete required safety training and maintain necessary certifications
• Represent Pacific Drilling professionally on every jobsite

Qualifications & Requirements

• Previous professional geotechnical and/or environmental drilling experience required
• Demonstrated ability to safely operate drill rigs using multiple drilling methods
• Working knowledge of hollow-stem auger, mud rotary, air rotary, HQ rock coring, and direct push drilling
• Working knowledge of diesel engines, diesel mechanics, and hydraulic systems
• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to troubleshoot, diagnose, and assist with routine maintenance and repairs of drilling equipment
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required
• Strong understanding of drilling safety practices and jobsite procedures
• Ability to lead, train, and effectively communicate with field crew members
• Strong client communication and customer service skills
• Ability to accurately complete field logs, work orders, safety documentation, and electronic records
• Ability to follow project specifications, sampling requirements, and field instructions
• Ability to work independently while functioning effectively as part of a team
• Ability to meet the physical demands of geotechnical drilling and fieldwork
• Willingness to work overtime, nights, weekends, and out-of-town assignments as project schedules require
• Ability to pass required pre-employment screenings
• Ability to meet background and security requirements for projects performed at certain government and secured facilities

Schedule & Travel

Our typical operating schedule is Monday through Friday; however, drilling is project-driven and work hours will vary depending on project requirements.

Candidates must be willing and able to work extended hours, overtime, occasional nights and weekends, and overnight or out-of-town assignments when required. Overtime and other applicable compensation are paid in accordance with state and federal wage requirements.

What Pacific Drilling Offers

• Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications
• Medical benefits
• Paid vacation
• Consistent work with an established geotechnical and environmental drilling contractor
• Experience operating a variety of drilling equipment and working across diverse project types
• Continued training and professional development

Pacific Drilling believes in developing and promoting strong employees from within.

Drill Rig Operators who consistently demonstrate safe work practices, technical proficiency, leadership, professionalism, strong client relationships, and alignment with our core values will be considered for additional responsibilities and advancement opportunities.

We’re looking for experienced operators who take pride in their equipment, their crew, their work, and the service they provide our clients.