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Core Drill Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Bore Rig Operator

Acampo, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

In water well or geotechnical drilling, the operator may collect and log core samples to determine the nature of the rock and soil strata being drilled.Problem-solving: The operator must troubleshoot ...

Motive Workforce

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

... core Drill), hand cores, skid-steel, backhoe, and excavators experience required. The operator ... monitors equipment condition for regular operation and may perform minor maintenance or repairs.

Motive Workforce

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

... core Drill), hand cores, skid-steel, backhoe, and excavators experience required. The operator ... monitors equipment condition for regular operation and may perform minor maintenance or repairs.

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores * Skid-steel, backhoe, excavators experience required.

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores * Skid-steel, backhoe, excavators experience required.

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores * Skid-steel, backhoe, excavators experience required.

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores * Skid-steel, backhoe, excavators experience required.

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores * Skid-steel, backhoe, excavators experience required.

Motive Companies

Equipment Operator

Mission Viejo, CA

$28 - $35/hr

Purpose The Equipment Operator has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job ... Skid steer (core Drill) * Hand cores * Skid-steel, backhoe, excavators experience required.

Omni Underground, inc.

Construction Worker

Fowler, CA

$27/hr

... Drill Operator, Locator, or Foreman, we want to hear from you. Compensation: $20 - $27 hourly ... Our culture is built around four core values: Grit, Integrity, Respect, and Teamwork. That means ...

New

Cascade Drilling, LP

Traveling Driller

Richmond, CA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Operate drill rigs and drilling equipment with high proficiency * Maintain daily drilling reports ... experience operating a variety of rigs (i.e. sonic, rotary, auger) * Negative drug test

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Core Drill Operator information

What is a core drill operator?

Core Drill Operators are skilled workers who operate drilling machines to extract cylindrical samples (known as cores) from various materials such as concrete, rock, or soil. These samples are used for testing, analysis, or construction purposes. Core Drill Operators must understand blueprints, ensure safety procedures are followed, and maintain their equipment. Their work is essential in fields like construction, mining, and geological surveying.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a core drill operator?

Core Drill Operators require mechanical aptitude, knowledge of drilling techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant on-the-job training. Familiarity with core drilling equipment, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or MSHA are typically necessary. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication are important soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient, and precise extraction of core samples, which is critical for construction, mining, and geological projects.

What are common challenges faced by core drill operators on construction sites?

Core Drill Operators frequently encounter challenges such as working in tight or awkward spaces, managing heavy equipment, and ensuring accuracy while drilling through various materials like concrete or asphalt. They need to maintain strict safety protocols, especially when dealing with dust and debris or operating around other trades. Effective communication with project managers and site supervisors is crucial to coordinate drilling locations and schedules, helping to minimize disruptions and ensure precise results.

What is the difference between Core Drill Operator vs Diamond Drill Operator?

AspectCore Drill OperatorDiamond Drill Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, geological explorationMining, geological exploration, construction
Industry UsageConstruction, mining, environmental testingMining, mineral exploration, construction

Both Core Drill Operators and Diamond Drill Operators require similar certifications and work in construction and mining environments. The main difference lies in the drilling methods: core drills extract cylindrical samples, while diamond drills use industrial diamonds for cutting through hard materials. Understanding these distinctions helps employers and workers choose the right role for specific projects.

How to become a core drill operator?

To become a core drill operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or apprenticeships to learn how to operate core drilling equipment safely. Certification in equipment operation and safety standards can improve job prospects, and physical fitness is important due to the demanding nature of the work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Core Drill Operator jobs in California?

For Core Drill Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Core Drill Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Core Drill Operator jobs in California are:

Core Drill Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Core Drill Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Directional Drill Operator

Omni Underground, inc.

Fowler, CA

$35/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Omni Underground is a rapidly growing underground utility contractor specializing in horizontal directional drilling (HDD), dry utility installation, potholing, trenching, vault setting, restoration, and turnkey underground construction throughout California.

We are looking for an experienced Horizontal Directional Drill (HDD) Operator who takes pride in quality workmanship, values safety, and enjoys working with a team that is committed to excellence. If you're looking for a long-term career with a company that invests in its people, equipment, and growth, we'd like to talk with you.

Our drill fleet includes Ditch Witch JT10, JT25, and JT28 directional drills. Experience operating these models—or comparable Vermeer or Ditch Witch equipment—is highly preferred.

Compensation:

$29 - $35 hourly


Responsibilities:

  • Safely operate horizontal directional drilling equipment, including Ditch Witch JT10, JT25, and JT28 drills.

  • Responsible for getting equipment to the job site.

  • Perform directional bores for fiber optic, telecommunications, electrical, gas, and joint trench installations.

  • Read and interpret utility plans, bore profiles, Dig Alert markings, and project specifications.

  • Monitor bore alignment and drilling conditions to maintain production and accuracy.

  • Perform equipment inspections, routine maintenance, and daily equipment documentation.

  • Assist with potholing, conduit installation, pullbacks, and restoration when needed.

  • Maintain a safe, clean, and professional jobsite while following all OSHA and company safety standards.

  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, inspectors, and customers.


Qualifications:

  • Minimum of 2 years of experience operating horizontal directional drilling equipment.

  • Experience with Ditch Witch or Vermeer directional drills.

  • Valid Class A CDL.

  • Knowledge of underground utility construction and safe excavation practices.

  • Ability to read utility plans and Dig Alert markings.

  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

  • Reliable transportation and dependable attendance.

  • Experience with Ditch Witch JT10, JT25, or JT28 drills.

  • Experience installing fiber optic, telecommunications, electrical, or gas utilities.

  • Experience working with vacuum excavation equipment.

  • Experience operating excavators, skid steers, or backhoes.

  • OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.


About Company

Omni Underground is a growing underground utility contractor specializing in directional drilling, joint trench, potholing, vault and box setting, restoration, and full turnkey utility installation throughout California.

We’re building a team of people who take pride in their work and want to grow with the company. Our culture is built around four core values: Grit, Integrity, Respect, and Teamwork. That means showing up, working hard, doing things the right way, taking care of your crew, and taking ownership of the job.

We invest in our people and believe in promoting from within. For someone willing to learn and put in the work, there are opportunities to advance into equipment operation, drilling, locating, crew leadership, and foreman positions.

If you’re dependable, motivated, and looking for more than just another construction job, we’d like to hear from you.