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Directional Drilling Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

... Directional Drilling, map reading, etc. * You enjoy problem-solving and like to troubleshoot ... You have previous site management experience while maintaining a good relationship with clients and ...

... Directional Drilling, map reading, etc. * You enjoy problem-solving and like to troubleshoot ... You have previous site management experience while maintaining a good relationship with clients and ...

... Directional Drilling, map reading, etc. * You enjoy problem-solving and like to troubleshoot ... You have previous site management experience while maintaining a good relationship with clients and ...

... Directional Drilling, map reading, etc. * You enjoy problem-solving and like to troubleshoot ... You have previous site management experience while maintaining a good relationship with clients and ...

... Directional Drilling, map reading, etc. * You enjoy problem-solving and like to troubleshoot ... You have previous site management experience while maintaining a good relationship with clients and ...

... Directional Drilling, map reading, etc. * You enjoy problem-solving and like to troubleshoot ... You have previous site management experience while maintaining a good relationship with clients and ...

... Directional Drilling, map reading, etc. * You enjoy problem-solving and like to troubleshoot ... You have previous site management experience while maintaining a good relationship with clients and ...

... Directional Drilling, map reading, etc. * You enjoy problem-solving and like to troubleshoot ... You have previous site management experience while maintaining a good relationship with clients and ...

Backfill Operator/Laborer

Des Moines, IA

$16 - $19.75/hr

Rooted in heavy construction, we specialize in excavation, grading, sewer, directional drilling ... management. * Read blueprints, grade stakes, and utility locates. * Perform daily equipment ...

Rooted in heavy construction, we specialize in excavation, grading, sewer, directional drilling ... management. * Read blueprints, grade stakes, and utility locates. * Perform daily equipment ...

Material Handler

Delhi, IA · On-site

$15.25 - $18.25/hr

Under the direction of the Value Stream Leader and Senior Team Leader, the Material Handler assists ... Time management- meeting deadlines and keeping workflows efficient. * Communication- Coordinating ...

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Directional Drilling Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$12

$24

$32

How much do directional drilling manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for directional drilling manager in Iowa is $24.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $27.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a directional drilling manager do?

A Directional Drilling Manager oversees the planning and execution of directional drilling operations in the oil and gas industry. They are responsible for coordinating drilling teams, ensuring equipment is properly maintained, and implementing drilling strategies that maximize efficiency and safety. Their role also involves monitoring drilling progress, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations and client requirements. They work closely with engineers, geologists, and field staff to achieve drilling objectives within budget and timeline constraints.

How does a directional drilling manager typically collaborate with field crews and engineers during a drilling project?

A Directional Drilling Manager serves as a crucial link between field crews, drilling engineers, and project management teams. They oversee drilling operations, provide technical guidance, and ensure that teams adhere to project specifications and safety standards. Regular communication—often through daily briefings and progress reports—helps address any operational challenges and fosters teamwork. This role also involves coordinating with engineers to adjust drilling plans as needed, ensuring project efficiency and successful well completion.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a directional drilling manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Directional Drilling Manager, you need in-depth knowledge of drilling engineering, geosteering, and wellbore placement, usually backed by a degree in engineering or a related field and several years of drilling experience. Familiarity with directional drilling software (such as Landmark, WellPlan, or Compass) and relevant certifications like Well Control (IWCF/IADC) are commonly required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with clients and field personnel. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling operations, which are critical for project success and operational safety.

What is the difference between Directional Drilling Manager vs Drilling Supervisor?

AspectDirectional Drilling ManagerDrilling Supervisor
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., IWCF, Well Control), technical degreesSimilar certifications, technical experience often required
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple drilling projects, manages teams, strategic planningSupervises daily drilling operations, onsite management
Industry UsageCommon in oil & gas, energy sectorsWidely used in oil & gas, construction, mining

The main difference is that a Directional Drilling Manager focuses on overseeing multiple projects and strategic planning, while a Drilling Supervisor manages daily onsite drilling operations. Both roles require similar certifications and industry experience, but their scope and responsibilities differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Directional Drilling jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Directional Drilling jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Directional Drilling Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Directional Drilling Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Directional Drilling Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Directional Drilling Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Directional Drilling Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Directional Drilling Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Directional Drilling Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,998 per year, or $24.5 per hour.

Operator/Directional Drill Foreman/Locator at Q3 Contracting, Inc Des Moines, IA

Dan Cummins Ford Lincoln

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

Operator/Directional Drill Foreman/Locator

Q3 Contracting, a division of Primoris Services Corporation, is a publicly owned and operated construction contracting company that provides both specific and turnkey services for its customers in the gas, oil, electric and telecommunications industry. We are headquartered in Minnesota, with branch offices in Colorado, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Job Responsibilities
  • Organize and manage 2-3 person crews, be responsible for crew safety, ensure safety and DOT requirements are met and complete daily paperwork.
  • Read and understand, measure, mark and record areas where work are to be performed and have been completed.
  • Install and maintain pollution control measures per the SWMP/SWPPP.
  • Assist crew/company in all areas of storm water regulatory compliance management to the best of your abilities.
  • Perform restoration (soil prep, seeding, mulching, other stabilization methods).
  • Operate and maintain various sizes of farm and construction equipment skid steers & tractors with attachments, power tools, hand tools.
  • Obtain necessary operator qualifications as required by the Company.
  • Complete daily equipment inspection reports for any/all equipment.
  • Immediately report any defects of the equipment to the Foreman and Superintendent.
  • Follow safe operating instructions that stay within compliance of the manufacturer’s specifications and the scope of the project.
  • Attend all safety meetings and trainings as required by the Company.
Preferred

Drill locator experience and foreman experience is highly preferred.

Physical Demands (All Positions)
  • Must be able to lift and/or move 50 pounds.
  • Standing, walking including and primarily on uneven surfaces, turning, stooping, kneeling, crouching, speaking and hearing are required continuously.
Work Environment (All Positions)
  • Employee will be subjected to outside weather conditions.
  • Employee could be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, cold, heat and humidity.
  • The noise level in the work environment can often be loud.
  • The employee is frequently exposed to slow- or fast-moving traffic in the work environment.

Operators must be willing to work overtime as dictated by workload volumes and have willingness to travel.

Our company is a drug-free environment. This position requires compliance with the company and Federal Department of Transportation (FMSCA or PHMSA) drug testing policies and procedures for both pre-employment and continuing random.

Q3 Contracting provides competitive market pay based on current union agreements.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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