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Apprentice Oil Rig Jobs in North Dakota (NOW HIRING)

... in the oil and gas petrochemical industry for a project in Stanley, ND. Authorization to work ... Demonstrate ability to assemble, set up and rig a crane properly * Demonstrate ability to calculate ...

... in the oil and gas petrochemical industry for a project in Stanley, ND. Authorization to work ... Demonstrate ability to assemble, set up and rig a crane properly * Demonstrate ability to calculate ...

Apprentice Oil Rig information

See North Dakota salary details

$12

$23

$39

How much do apprentice oil rig jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice oil rig in North Dakota is $23.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.32 and $25.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can I expect from the work environment and daily routine as an apprentice oil rig?

As an Apprentice Oil Rig worker, you will typically work long shifts in a physically demanding outdoor environment, sometimes in remote offshore or land-based locations. The role often involves rotating schedules, such as two weeks on and two weeks off, and requires performing both routine maintenance and assisting experienced crew members with drilling operations. You will participate in regular safety briefings, operate and maintain various equipment, and be trained in emergency response procedures. Teamwork is essential, as you’ll be working closely with colleagues to ensure operational efficiency and safety. Over time, apprentices can gain valuable experience and certifications leading to higher-level positions such as Derrickhand or Driller.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice oil rig?

To thrive as an Apprentice Oil Rig worker, you need physical stamina, a basic understanding of mechanical systems, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, hand and power tools, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential, with certifications like H2S safety or first aid/CPR often required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this demanding environment. These qualities are critical to ensure safety, effective operations, and successful integration into a high-risk, team-oriented workplace.

What is an apprentice oil rig?

An Apprentice Oil Rig job is an entry-level position designed to train individuals in the essential skills needed to work on an oil rig. Apprentices assist experienced crew members with tasks such as equipment maintenance, drilling operations, and safety procedures. The role requires physical stamina, adherence to strict safety protocols, and a willingness to work in challenging offshore or onshore environments. Over time, apprentices gain hands-on experience and can advance to higher positions within the oil and gas industry.

Can you do an apprenticeship on an oil rig?

Yes, apprenticeships on oil rigs are available and typically involve on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. These programs often require candidates to meet minimum age and educational requirements, and they may include certifications such as H2S safety training and basic offshore safety induction. Apprenticeships provide practical experience in rig operations, safety procedures, and technical skills essential for offshore work.
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig jobs in North Dakota? The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs in North Dakota are:
What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Oil Rig jobs in North Dakota? For Apprentice Oil Rig jobs in North Dakota, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Apprentice Oil Rig jobs in North Dakota look for? The top searched job categories for Apprentice Oil Rig jobs in North Dakota are:
Infographic showing various Apprentice Oil Rig job openings in North Dakota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,466 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Overview / Responsibilities

Wood is currently recruiting for a Crane Operator with extensive experience in the oil and gas petrochemical industry for a project in Stanley, ND. 

Authorization to work lawfully in the US without sponsorship from Wood is required.

Must be able to assist workers engaged in operating derricks, cranes, power shovels, or other hoisting machines used to lift and move machinery, equipment, or materials, such as concrete, castings, structural steel, stone slabs, scrap metal, pipe, dirt, and logs, performing any combination of the following duties.

  • Accurately interpret and apply information from work orders, job orders, specifications, blueprints or drawings
  • Identify, recognize and demonstrate safe usage of hand tools and power tools appropriate for the job
  • Recognize various materials used in the craft and demonstrate a working knowledge of appropriate material handling techniques
  • Select and safely use appropriate equipment which may include (but not limited to) manlifts, fork lifts, and company tucks
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in safe rigging practices
  • Identify, explain and perform crane signals
  • Demonstrate ability to perform equipment inspections and daily reporting procedures consistent with the company's and manufacturer's requirements
  • Demonstrate ability to accurately read load charts
  • Identify functions, operating characteristics and limitation of various pieces of heavy equipment
  • Demonstrate ability to assemble, set up and rig a crane properly
  • Demonstrate ability to calculate and determine a crane's actual new capacity for every possible configuration of the machine
  • Demonstrate ability to recognize and effectively communicate machinery maintenance problems
  • Demonstrate knowledge and skills in appropriate procedures required when performing lifts near power lines
  • Demonstrate ability to assure adequate site preparation for various types of equipment and tasks
  • Demonstrate ability to consistently obtain correct load weight and load placement information prior to performing any lifts
  • Identify and recognize factors that may reduce crane capacity
  • Demonstrate ability to safely move equipment from one location to another
  • Demonstrate appropriate procedures in shutting down and securing equipment when it is unattended
  • Identify and recognize the functions of control of various types of heavy equipment
  • Demonstrate ability to read and understand sling and shackle charts
  • Demonstrate ability to perform routine maintenance on equipment and determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed
  • Demonstrate ability to monitor operation of the equipment including watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly
Skills / Qualifications
  • 1- 2 years of crane operating experience.
  • Must have a current valid NCCCO certification to operate appropriate equipment (or equivalent certification if recognized by client company)
  • Must have a current valid driver's license
  • Employee must be able to solve practical problems which deal with a variety of variables in situations where standardization exists. The problems that the employee will confront will be related to the job area and will be confined to the nature of the work experience or training that is available.
  • Control Precision - The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
  • Multi-limb Coordination - The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
  • Rate Control - The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
  • Reaction Time - The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
  • Depth Perception - The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
  • Far Vision - The ability to see details at a distance.
  • The employees must have training in the correct "Crane Hand Signals," the company's requirements, the customers' requirements, and O.S.H.A requirements.
  • The employee must be willing to be trained on J.L.G. lifts, tow motors, and all other equipment that is used at the plant site.
  • Candidate must have at least 2 -5 years of experience operating overhead cranes/hoisting equipment in an industrial environment.  A portion of that experience may be as a helper/apprentice
  • NOTE: Prior to operating any type of lift equipment the employee must have been tested by the company and after passing the tests on operation and written test, the employee will be issued a certification car. Unless a person is certified, they are not to operate any of this equipment.
Company Overview

Wood is a global leader in engineering and consultancy across energy and the built environment, helping to unlock solutions to some of the world's most critical challenges. We provide consulting, projects and operations solutions in more than 60 countries, employing around 40,000 people. www.woodplc.com

Diversity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer that recognises the value of a diverse workforce. All suitably qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment on the basis of objective criteria and without regard to the following (which is a non-exhaustive list): race, colour, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or other characteristics in accordance with the relevant governing laws.

Employment Type: OTHER