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Chief Drilling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Concordia Group

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

The HDD Crew Chief leads a field team to install underground utilities (fiber, pipe) by operating drill rigs, managing daily tasks, ensuring safety, and overseeing site setup/restoration, all while ...

Concordia Group

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL

$30 - $34/hr

The HDD Crew Chief leads a field team to install underground utilities (fiber, pipe) by operating drill rigs, managing daily tasks, ensuring safety, and overseeing site setup/restoration, all while ...

Concordia Group

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

The HDD Crew Chief leads a field team to install underground utilities (fiber, pipe) by operating drill rigs, managing daily tasks, ensuring safety, and overseeing site setup/restoration, all while ...

Concordia Group

HDD Crew Chief

Carol Stream, IL · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

The HDD Crew Chief leads a field team to install underground utilities (fiber, pipe) by operating drill rigs, managing daily tasks, ensuring safety, and overseeing site setup/restoration, all while ...

Tetra Tech

Driller Trainee - Orlando

Orlando, FL

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

... chief in solid auger and rotary drilling techniques. The trainee will help move, set up and operate drill rigs and related equipment to drill test holes for geotechnical engineering studies. Site ...

Tetra Tech

Driller Trainee - Orlando

Orlando, FL · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

... chief in solid auger and rotary drilling techniques. The trainee will help move, set up and operate drill rigs and related equipment to drill test holes for geotechnical engineering studies. Site ...

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Driller Trainee - Orlando

Orlando, FL · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

... chief in solid auger and rotary drilling techniques. The trainee will help move, set up and operate drill rigs and related equipment to drill test holes for geotechnical engineering studies. Site ...

Tetra Tech

Drilling Field Manager - Orlando

Orlando, FL · On-site

Work as a crew-chief and/or driller's helper to keep drill crews operating on days when other staff may be unavailable or call out. * Deliver repair parts to rigs that may be experiencing mechanical ...

Tetra Tech

Drilling Field Manager - Orlando

Orlando, FL · On-site

Work as a crew-chief and/or driller's helper to keep drill crews operating on days when other staff may be unavailable or call out. * Deliver repair parts to rigs that may be experiencing mechanical ...

KGHM, International Ltd

Chief Mine Engineer

Ruth, NV · On-site

The Chief Mine Engineer is responsible for day-to-day operational engineering, short, medium, and long term mine planning, slope stability analysis, Drill and Blast, Reserve Estimations, resource ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsChief Drilling Jobs

Chief Drilling information

See salary details

$33K

$124.4K

$200.5K

How much do chief drilling jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief drilling in the United States is $124,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,000.00 and $146,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a chief drilling?

Chief Drilling Officers are senior executives responsible for overseeing all drilling operations within an organization, typically in the oil, gas, or mining industries. They manage drilling projects, ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, and coordinate with engineering teams to optimize drilling efficiency. Their role also includes budgeting, supervising drilling staff, and implementing new technologies to improve operational performance. Chief Drilling Officers play a key leadership role in achieving the company's production and safety goals.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief drilling?

To excel as a Chief Drilling Officer, you need extensive knowledge of drilling engineering, project management, and industry regulations, usually backed by a degree in engineering and significant field experience. Familiarity with drilling software (such as WellView or Drillbench), safety management systems, and certifications like IWCF or IADC Well Control are typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing diverse teams and high-stakes operations. These competencies ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and the successful delivery of complex projects in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges a chief drilling faces when managing multi-rig operations across different locations?

A Chief Drilling often oversees multiple drilling rigs that may be spread across various sites, which can present significant logistical and communication challenges. Coordinating between teams, ensuring safety compliance, and maintaining consistent operational standards across locations require strong leadership and effective systems. Additionally, adapting quickly to changing geological conditions and regulatory requirements is crucial. Building robust relationships with site managers and fostering open communication channels are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring project success.

What is the difference between Chief Drilling vs Drilling Supervisor?

AspectChief DrillingDrilling Supervisor
CertificationsTypically requires certifications like Well Control, HSE, and technical drilling licensesRequires similar certifications, often including safety and technical training
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple drilling operations, often in offshore or onshore rigsSupervises daily drilling activities on specific rigs or projects
ResponsibilitiesStrategic planning, safety compliance, and overall drilling program managementDirect supervision of drilling crews, ensuring operational efficiency and safety

The Chief Drilling and Drilling Supervisor roles share many certifications and work environments, but the Chief Drilling typically holds a higher-level, strategic position overseeing multiple projects, while the Drilling Supervisor manages daily operations on specific rigs.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Drilling jobs?

For Chief Drilling jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Chief Drilling job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,409 per year, or $59.8 per hour.

Blast Hole Drill Operator-Quarry

Allentown, PA • On-site

Maine Drilling & Blasting Inc
Construction • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Maine Drilling & Blasting Incexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform construction or quarry drilling activities in accordance with the job program to achieve production goals.

  • Perform daily maintenance activities required for the safe and efficient operation of drilling equipment.

  • Understand and execute drill patterns and layouts, communicate terrain conditions and problems to supervisors, and complete necessary reports and documentation.

Maine Drilling & Blasting rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal earth drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within the drilling and blasting industry with a stable, growing, majority employee-owned company? If you answered YES to these questions, then we want to meet you!

The ideal candidate will have Down the Hole (DTH) drilling experience (though top hammer drilling experience is acceptable as we are willing to cross-train). The primary work area is central to eastern North Carolina, with potential travel to western NC or out of state if work demands change. Most work will involve quarry drilling with DTH drills, but those with top hammer experience may also work for construction/DOT projects. Work hours range from 8 to 12 hours per day, depending on job demands. Candidates should be self-motivated, skilled in time management, and professional when interacting with customers and colleagues.

At MD&B we work with the unity of family and the determination of business owners. We provide a unique and generous array of benefits including two retirement plans, an Employer-contributed Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and company matched 401(k). In addition to health, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits, we also offer training and development opportunities. Come rock your career at MD&B!

DRILL OPERATOR 

Safely perform all construction or quarry drilling activity in accordance with the job program to achieve anticipated production. 

Responsibilities

  • Follow Safety Policies and Procedures
  • Perform daily maintenance activities required for safe, efficient operation of assigned equipment
  • Understand different drill patterns and terminology then execute drill pattern and layout as established by the Blaster Foreman

  • Maximize the usage of all drill supplies

  • Inventory accessories, understand cost of accessories, maintenance drill accessories

  • Communicate problems and terrain conditions to the Blasting Supervisor

  • Understand the Field Accounting system and be able to accurately complete and submit timely drill reports, hole sheets, and signed timecards

  • Physical agility
  • Participate in meetings:  Foreman's, safety, job specific, daily heads-up
  • Ability to work unsupervised while maintaining efficiency and safe work practices
  • Complete Driller I and Driller II training certifications
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Must have 5+ years hydraulic equipment operating experience
  • Valid Driver's License with own reliable transportation, must be a truck.
  • Must have personal cell phone for communications
  • One year experience in the construction industry
  • Experience as a construction laborer
  • Must hold a high level of common sense relative to equipment and machinery operation
  • Mechanical aptitude based on past experience around equipment, motors, hydraulic, electrical systems, ETC.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment physical and drug screen
  • Must successful complete background screening for ATF

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to perform essential functions of the position
  • Ability to lift 50 - 100 lbs.,  30 - 40% of the time
  • Stooping and bending 30 – 40% of the time
  • Work on uneven and loose surfaces in varying weather environments

Skeptical about advancement opportunities? Check out these videos:

  • Dante (CST) talks about what it’s like to work at MD&B: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrSWPW4Qbgo
  • Dan (CEO) talks about career advancement opportunities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvloIft9KPY

Does this sound like you? If it does, then go ahead and hit that APPLY button because we cannot wait to meet you!

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