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Directional Drilling Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Traveling Rotary Driller

Upland, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Description Position at Cascade Drilling, LP Find out why our employees choose Cascade and what it's like to work here by visiting our Careers Page at www.cascade-env.com/careers. HERE'S WHAT YOU ...

Equipment Operator

Santa Ana, CA ยท On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Description Team Fishel , the Best Choice Employer in utility construction since 1936, is hiring Directional Drill and Excavating Equipment Operators at our Santa Ana, CA (Orange County area) office.

Driller

Corona, CA ยท On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Foundation and/or geotechnical drilling * Operating Hydraulic Track Drills * Responsible for maintaining daily drill logs and equipment inspection forms * Responsible for maintenance and ...

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Directional Drilling information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$13

$27

$36

How much do directional drilling jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for directional drilling in Riverside, CA is $27.23, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.33 and $30.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Directional Driller do?

A Directional Driller operates specialized drilling equipment to steer and control the direction of underground boreholes for construction, utility installation, or oil and gas extraction. They interpret geological data, use tools like gyroscopic or magnetic guidance systems, and work closely with engineers to ensure precise drilling paths while maintaining safety standards. Certification and knowledge of drilling techniques are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Directional Drilling position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Directional Drilling, a strong background in geology, drilling engineering, and mechanical aptitude is generally required, often supported by relevant technical certifications or a degree in a related field. Proficiency with directional drilling tools and software such as Measurement While Drilling (MWD) and Logging While Drilling (LWD) systems is essential. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These competencies are critical for ensuring drilling operations are executed efficiently, safely, and according to plan, often under challenging field conditions.

Is directional drilling a good career?

Directional drilling is a specialized field within the oil and gas industry that offers high demand for skilled workers, competitive wages, and opportunities for advancement. It requires technical skills, physical stamina, and often certification in safety and equipment operation. The job can involve long shifts and working in challenging environments, but it provides stable employment for those with the necessary training.

What are some common challenges encountered in a Directional Drilling role?

Directional Drilling professionals often face challenges such as adapting to unexpected geological formations, managing complex well trajectories, and ensuring real-time communication with surface teams. The role can also involve extended shifts in remote locations, requiring the ability to quickly troubleshoot under pressure. Success in this position depends on a strong understanding of drilling technology, adaptability to changing conditions, and effective collaboration with drill site personnel and engineers. Overcoming these challenges is key to maintaining project timelines, safety standards, and cost efficiency.

Is it hard to get a drilling job?

Getting a directional drilling job can be competitive, but having relevant skills, certifications, and experience with drilling equipment can improve your chances. Entry-level positions may be available, but advanced roles often require specialized training and physical fitness. Persistence and a willingness to learn are important in this field.

How much money do directional drillers make?

Directional drillers typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Skilled drillers with specialized equipment knowledge and safety training tend to earn higher wages, especially in high-demand regions or with overtime opportunities.

What is a Directional Drilling job?

A Directional Drilling job involves guiding and controlling the direction of a wellbore to reach a specific underground target. It is commonly used in oil and gas extraction to access reservoirs that are difficult to reach with vertical drilling. Directional drillers use specialized tools and technology, such as rotary steerable systems and downhole motors, to steer the wellbore. This technique improves resource recovery, minimizes environmental impact, and enhances drilling efficiency.

What are popular job titles related to Directional Drilling jobs in Riverside, CA? For Directional Drilling jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Directional Drilling jobs in Riverside, CA look for? The top searched job categories for Directional Drilling jobs in Riverside, CA are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Directional Drilling jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Directional Drilling job openings:
Infographic showing various Directional Drilling job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,645 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Bore Operator (Underground)

HHS Construction, a Congruex company

Ontario, CA โ€ข On-site

$22.75 - $29/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Reports To: Construction Manager
Travel Potential: 25โ€“50%
Compensation: We will determine salary based on skills and experience in relation to the function of the role, as well as equity to employees in similar roles.

Company Profile:

Congruex provides digital infrastructure solutions through engineering and construction services that connect communities nationwide. This includes wireline, wireless, data centers, and utility services from initial concept to market go-live.

With employees across the United States and India, the work we do enables essential infrastructure for the future of communications.

Build a Career. Build What Matters.

Job Summary:

As the Bore Operator, you will ultimately be responsible for safely operating directional drilling and heavy construction equipment, protecting existing underground utilities, and supporting the installation of underground telecommunications infrastructure. You will coordinate daily field operations with construction crews and deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality underground construction services. As the Bore Operator, your customers are telecommunications customers, project managers, and internal construction teams, and you will make meaningful contributions to the company's success through safe equipment operation, quality workmanship, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities (Including, but not limited to):

  • Safely operate directional drilling equipment, mini excavators, backhoes, and other heavy construction equipment in support of underground utility installation projects.
  • Load, unload, transport, and properly secure equipment, materials, and tools required for daily construction activities.
  • Conduct pre-trip, post-trip, and routine equipment inspections and perform basic preventative maintenance to ensure safe and efficient operation.
  • Locate and protect existing underground utilities while operating equipment to prevent utility strikes and ensure compliance with all safety regulations.
  • Install conduit, assist with excavation, backfilling, and restoration activities while maintaining production and quality standards.
  • Read and interpret construction plans, utility locates, staking sheets, and project specifications to perform assigned work accurately.
  • Communicate effectively with supervisors, locators, laborers, and other crew members to coordinate daily construction activities.
  • Follow all OSHA regulations, company safety policies, and customer requirements while maintaining a safe work environment.
  • Travel overnight to project sites as requested.
  • Perform additional responsibilities within the functional scope based on business needs.

Required Qualifications:

Education, Licensing, and Certifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
  • Valid unrestricted Driver's License.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Experience

  • Minimum one (1) year of related underground construction or heavy equipment operating experience.
  • CATV/Spectrum experience preferred.
  • Experience operating heavy equipment around existing underground utilities.

Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to safely operate heavy construction equipment.
  • Ability to read and interpret construction plans and utility drawings.
  • Basic computer and mobile device proficiency.
  • Knowledge of trenching, shoring, and excavation safety practices.
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills with the ability to work effectively with field crews and leadership.
  • Ability to safely lift up to 50 lbs. and perform physically demanding work.
  • Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions throughout the year.
  • Ability to safely perform work in both standard and high-risk construction environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Mini Excavator training or certification.
  • Experience operating Ditch Witch and/or Vermeer directional drilling equipment.
  • Experience with concrete and asphalt restoration.
  • Previous telecommunications underground construction experience.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, and perform physically demanding work for extended periods.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and on uneven terrain.
  • Ability to wear all required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
  • Ability to travel overnight to project sites as required.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Required Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations:

  • DOT Medical Card
  • Commercial Driver's License (CDL)
  • First Aid Certification
  • Flagger Certification
  • Competent Person Certification
  • OSHA 10 Certification
  • Silica Safety Training
  • Confined Space Certification
  • Trench Safety Certification

Operator Classification:

Operator I (T2), Operator II (T3), and Operator III (T4) classifications are based on experience, certifications, demonstrated proficiency, independence, and leadership capabilities.

Congruex Culture & Benefits:

Congruex's culture of safety and performance is built on the 4X Factor core values of Be Safe, Be Accountable, Be Respectful, and Earn Trust. These values guide how we work with one another and how we interact with our customers.

We are committed to building a workplace where employees feel supported and recognized. We invest in employees through a comprehensive approach, including the benefits below with eligibility on Day 1 of employment:

  • Medical, Dental & Vision benefits with 70% paid by the company.
  • 401(k) with company match up to 4% and immediate vesting.
  • Flexible PTO for exempt roles and competitive PTO accrual for non-exempt roles.
  • 10 company-paid holidays (9 standard and 1 floating).
  • Company Paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage.
  • Company Paid Maternity & Parental Leave options.
  • Company Paid Basic Life Insurance (with employee-paid voluntary options).
  • Annual Safety Boot Program of up to $150 per eligible field employee per year.
  • Safety Points Program for eligible field employees redeemable in the company store.
  • Free wellness benefits including counseling, financial planning, and more.

Additional Employment Information:

We will determine salary based on skills and experience in relation to the function of the role, as well as equity to employees in similar roles. Some benefits have eligibility criteria. All requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an at-will employment relationship. Conditions to hiring may include but are not necessarily limited to background checks and drug testing.