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Apprentice Drilling Rig Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Patterson-UTI

Driller - North Dakota & Wyoming

Dickinson, ND · On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters * Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees * Ensure regular ...

Patterson-UTI

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters * Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees * Ensure regular ...

Patterson-UTI

Driller - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$22.75 - $31/hr

Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters * Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees * Ensure regular ...

Independence Contract Drilling

Motorhand

Odessa, TX

$23.25 - $31.50/hr

Driller REVIEWING SUPERVISOR:Rig Manager POSITION PURPOSE:Monitor and report the general condition of rig equipment. Perform maintenance and repairs to rig equipment as directed by the Rig Manager ...

Nabors Industries Limited

WTX - MOTORHAND I

Odessa, TX · On-site

... drilling rig. The Motorhand works under the direction of the Rig Manager. Responsibilities Perform regular rounds where he / she will look, listen and feel the equipment Anticipate problems that may ...

Nabors Industries Limited

WYOMING MOTORHAND

Casper, WY · On-site

... drilling rig. The Motorhand works under the direction of the Rig Manager. Responsibilities Perform regular rounds where he / she will look, listen and feel the equipment Anticipate problems that may ...

AKITA Drilling

Floorhand

Midland, TX · On-site

$28/hr

The Floorhand works under the close supervision of the Driller, but reports directly to the Rig Manager. Position Requirements Minimum Qualifications Education And/Or Experience High School Diploma ...

AKITA Drilling

Floorhand

Bend, OR · On-site

$28/hr

The Floorhand works under the close supervision of the Driller, but reports directly to the Rig Manager. Requirements Minimum Qualifications Education And/Or Experience High School Diploma or ...

AKITA Drilling

Floorhand

Glasgow, MT · On-site

$28/hr

The Floorhand works under the close supervision of the Driller, but reports directly to the Rig Manager. Position Requirements Minimum Qualifications Education And/Or Experience High School Diploma ...

Calista Corporation

Pit Watcher

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$66K - $88K/yr

Reports any spills on pad to Rig Manager's office immediately- including oil, water, glycol, drilling mud, dry mud products, etc. * Notifies Rig Manager of any environmental non-compliances ...

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Apprentice Drilling Rig Manager information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Apprentice Drilling Rig Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Apprentice Drilling Rig Manager, you need foundational knowledge of drilling operations, safety protocols, and a high school diploma or relevant technical training. Familiarity with drilling equipment, rig management software, and certifications such as H2S Alive or First Aid are commonly required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills help you coordinate teams and respond effectively to challenges on site. These abilities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient operations and smooth team coordination in a high-risk, fast-paced environment.

What are some typical challenges faced by an Apprentice Drilling Rig Manager during their training period?

Apprentice Drilling Rig Managers often encounter challenges such as adapting to the fast-paced and physically demanding environment of a drilling site, learning to manage and motivate diverse crews, and ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols. Balancing hands-on technical tasks with administrative responsibilities, like reporting and scheduling, can also be demanding. However, these challenges are excellent learning opportunities and are supported by experienced supervisors, helping apprentices build strong leadership and operational skills essential for career advancement.

What is the difference between Apprentice Drilling Rig Manager vs Drilling Rig Supervisor?

AspectApprentice Drilling Rig ManagerDrilling Rig Supervisor
CredentialsOn-the-job training, minimal certificationsRelevant certifications, experience in drilling operations
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised tasksOperational site, overseeing drilling activities
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level role in drilling companiesMid-level role, responsible for daily operations

The Apprentice Drilling Rig Manager is an entry-level position focused on learning and assisting with drilling operations under supervision. In contrast, the Drilling Rig Supervisor is responsible for overseeing daily drilling activities, requiring more experience and certifications. The roles differ mainly in responsibility level and experience required, with the apprentice position serving as a stepping stone toward becoming a supervisor.

What is an Apprentice Drilling Rig Manager?

An Apprentice Drilling Rig Manager is an entry-level professional who is training to oversee the operations and crew on a drilling rig. Under the supervision of experienced managers, apprentices learn about safety protocols, equipment maintenance, scheduling, and personnel management. Their goal is to develop the skills necessary to eventually manage drilling operations independently. This role typically combines hands-on experience with formal training and is a crucial step for those aspiring to become full-fledged Drilling Rig Managers.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Rig Manager jobs? The most popular types of Drilling Rig Manager jobs are:
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Apprentice Drilling Rig Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Drilling Rig Manager job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 90% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.
Driller - North Dakota & Wyoming

Driller - North Dakota & Wyoming

Patterson-UTI

Dickinson, ND • On-site

$21.75 - $29.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Job Description
Job Title: Driller
Location: Regional
Brief Description:
The Driller is responsible for monitoring well conditions and drilling parameters. The Driller operates and monitors the essential systems of the drilling rig including: the hoisting, well control, and mud and power systems. The driller is responsible for the supervision of the rig crew, ensuring that they work safely and effectively. Additional responsibilities include delegating tasks to Derrickhand, Motorhand, and Floorhands based on drilling activities. The Driller must be able to communicate with a variety of employees and third parties including Customer representatives and Directional Driller.
Detailed Description:
  • Stand or sit at the Driller's console for up to 12 hours with minimal ability to leave the Driller's cabin
  • Occasionally climb steep stairs and walk on steel grating and decking, which may be slick. Additionally, the Driller will be walking on boards, gravel, dirt, mud, ice, and snow.
  • Manually operate equipment at Driller's console, which consists of touchscreens, buttons, keyboard, joystick, and levers
  • Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
  • Utilize proper hand signals when working from the cabin to communicate with other rig employees
  • Accurate recall over short and long-term memory
  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to operate drilling equipment, be aware of other workers' location in relation to drilling activities, and safely move around work environment with many moving objects
  • Stay continuously alert and focused up to12.5 hours while independently performing repetitive and routine activities and be able to remain calm and continue working in the event of a problem situation
  • Make sound and quick decisions in a changing and hazardous environment
  • Work in a heavy industrial environment which includes working around constantly moving overhead machinery, being in close proximity to loud equipment and handling potentially hazardous chemicals
  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English
  • Take initiative and work independently during downtime
  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection
  • Oversee all drilling activities and monitor rig employees and third parties that are working on, entering or exiting rig floor
  • Performs the following functions from the Driller console: raising and lowering the drill stem; lowering casing into the well; making connections on the drill stem; controlling or running the mud pumps; controlling rotary table speed; and adjusting the weight on the bit
  • Follow established plan for drilling operations
  • Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters
  • Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees
  • Ensure regular maintenance of all equipment and machinery
  • Assist Rig Manager with preventing and solving problems to keep the rig operational
  • Communicate with Rig Manager, Company Man, and Directional Driller as necessary
  • Responsible for well control
  • General upkeep and housekeeping of the Driller's cabin
  • General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
  • Maintain daily logs of drilling activities and submit daily Tour Sheets
  • Supervise and direct rig crew, ensure that the Derrickhand maintains proper drilling fluid properties, and assist with rig up / down procedures
  • Support other crew members as needed, ensure compliance with safety procedures, and other additional tasks as assigned
  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrate ability to successfully complete all duties of a Floorhand, Motorhand and Derrickhand
  • Must be able to use a computer and multiple monitors to track drilling activities
  • Must be able to utilize standard formulas and basic mathematical equations for well control calculations
  • Must be able to verbally communicate directions and expectations effectively to the rig crew and third parties
  • Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
  • Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
  • Willing to travel to and work in remote locations on a rotational schedule which consists of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5 hour shifts that can include days or nights and as well as weekends and holidays
  • Willing to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside of your assigned schedule with little or no advanced notice
  • Must be willing and able to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment
  • Able to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws)

Minimum Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED
  • At least 6 months experience as a Derrickhand
  • Well Control certification

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced education (e.g., college, trade school, etc.)
  • Prior experience as a Driller with PTEN

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct work activities of other rig crew and third parties.
Work Environment
This position requires the Driller to work outdoors for an entire tour work shift in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located. Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80° to low 100° with high humidity; winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20°. Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as -40°.

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