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Drill Rig Operator Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Equipment Operators

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

When not performing assigned duties of forklift operator, assists in pipeshed, drill rig or shop helping in areas where needed or assigned. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * Operates front-end loader with forks ...

Driller

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$23.50 - $32/hr

Monitors all rig and subsurface conditions and reports any issues directly to the Rig Manager ... Supervises workers to ensure they are following the proper job procedures and equipment operating ...

Driller (Expression of Interest)

Prudhoe Bay, AK · On-site

$26 - $35.25/hr

... drill rig hoisting, rotary and pumping equipment used to drill gas and oil wells. Working as part ... Follow DDI and customer operating and reporting procedures * Perform other duties as assigned CORE ...

TRS Technician II

Kenai, AK · On-site

$37K - $37K/yr

... professionally operating casing running equipment at various rig/field sites, and providing ... Rig up, run, and rig down various components on a drilling rig. * Communicate clearly and ...

... operating procedures. * Assists in any internal audits as necessary. * Assists Driller in daily rig site duties. SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS: This position has no supervisory functions. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ...

... operating procedures. * Assists in any internal audits as necessary. * Assists Driller in daily rig site duties. SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS: This position has no supervisory functions. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ...

Assists in development and implementation of standard operating procedures. * Keeps timely and ... Assists Driller in daily rig site duties. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: * High School Diploma or ...

Pit Watcher

Anchorage, AK · On-site

$66K - $88K/yr

General upkeep of drilling rig mechanical equipment. * Handles equipment and pipe on rig floor ... Assists in development and implementation of standard operating procedures. * Assists in ...

TRS Technician II

Kenai, AK · On-site

$37K - $37K/yr

... professionally operating casing running equipment at various rig/field sites, and providing ... Rig up, run, and rig down various components on a drilling rig. * Communicate clearly and ...

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Drill Rig Operator information

See Alaska salary details

$14

$29

$55

How much do drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for drill rig operator in Alaska is $29.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.50 and $33.41 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a drill rig operator?

As a Drill Rig Operator, your daily responsibilities typically include setting up, operating, and maintaining drilling rigs, monitoring equipment performance, and adhering to strict safety protocols. You'll often work closely with a team of drillers, assistants, and engineers, collaborating to ensure precise drilling according to project specifications. Regular tasks may also involve equipment inspections, troubleshooting mechanical issues, and recording drilling data. The role requires adaptability, as you may work in varying weather conditions and different locations, depending on the project.

What do you need to be a drill rig operator?

To become a drill rig operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training on operating drilling equipment. Many employers require certification in safety procedures and sometimes a commercial driver's license (CDL) if driving is involved. Hands-on experience and knowledge of machinery are also important for this role.

What is a drill rig operator?

A Drill Rig Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining drilling equipment to bore holes for various purposes, such as mining, construction, or oil and gas extraction. They set up, position, and control drilling rigs, monitor operations, and ensure safety protocols are followed. Operators must have technical knowledge of machinery, the ability to read blueprints, and an understanding of soil and rock formations. The role often requires physical endurance and adherence to strict safety regulations.

How do I become a drill rig operator?

To become a drill rig operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn operating procedures and safety protocols. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the region, and familiarity with machinery, tools, and safety standards is essential for the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drill rig operator?

To thrive as a Drill Rig Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a solid understanding of drilling processes, often supported by a high school diploma or vocational training. Familiarity with heavy machinery, safety regulations such as OSHA, and certifications like a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail are valuable soft skills in this role. These competencies enable safe, efficient drilling operations and effective teamwork in demanding outdoor environments.

What are popular job titles related to Drill Rig Operator jobs in Alaska? For Drill Rig Operator jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drill Rig Operator jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Drill Rig Operator jobs in Alaska are:
Infographic showing various Drill Rig Operator job openings in Alaska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,373 per year, or $30 per hour.

Equipment Operators

Calista Corporation

Anchorage, AK • On-site

$19.50 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Nordic Calista
On-Call
JOB SUMMARY:
Operates wheeled loader with forks and/or snow bucket. Must be familiar with all forms of rig equipment inclusive of downhole tools and pipe, tubing, etc. Charged with keeping drill pad location free from snow and organized. Capable of loading and unloading all types of equipment from floats and flatbed trucks. Must have a good knowledge of rigging and rigging practices. Works independently. When not performing assigned duties of forklift operator, assists in pipeshed, drill rig or shop helping in areas where needed or assigned.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Operates front-end loader with forks, bucket and miscellaneous attachments.
  • Services and maintains forklift - this includes greasing the forklift once per week, checking all fluid levels every tour, changing the oil as per maintenance schedule, checking for fluid leaks, adequate air in tires, working lights and systems once per week.
  • Moves, stores, and keeps inventory of all equipment/mud tubulars on pad and yard, and mud additives on rig location. Maintains a logbook. Notifies Rig Manager of delivered equipment to rig site.
  • Forwards packing slips for materials to Rig Manager's office upon receipt of items. Ensures all materials are received and notifies Driller of any shortages.
  • Ensures materials for shipment are shipped out with appropriate, complete documentation.
  • Maintains BOP skid every crossover with all nuts to flush with end of studs on all crossovers before storing on rack.
  • Keeps all racks organized - metal, bottles, hose.
  • Maintains rig location - removing snow, leveling yard, filling in holes, scratching pad to prevent slips. Keeping location clean, removing any wood, metal, scrapings, etc.
  • Reports any broken equipment to Rig Manager's office immediately.
  • Fuels and monitors auxiliary equipment on location.
  • Clean and maintain upper doghouse with a stock of water, coffee, cups, and supplies. Day tour operator fills out order sheet and picks up supplies from base camp.
  • Provides relief on drill rig floor when needed.

HSE Responsibilities
  • Conducts his job duties in compliance with Nordic HSE policies.
  • Works toward achieving Nordic's annual HSE goals.
  • Assists Rig Management in identifying operational non-conformances at the rigsite.
  • Reports any spills on pad to Rig Manager's office immediately- including oil, water, glycol, drilling mud, dry mud products, etc.
  • Reports any property or environmental damage by third-party vendors to Rig Manager's office immediately.
  • Assists in development and implementation of standard operating procedures.
  • Assists in maintaining waste management tracking system and hazardous waste determinations.
  • Notifies Rig Manager of any environmental non-compliances immediately.
  • Encourages rig personnel to report any unsafe work conditions or practices and any environmental non-compliances immediately to supervisors.
  • Assists in completing daily spill champion activities log.
  • Assists in any internal audits as necessary.
  • Assists Driller in daily rig site duties.

SUPERVISORY FUNCTIONS:
This position has no supervisory duties.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Works under the direct supervision of the Driller and general supervision of the Rig Manager.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Trained to Operate forklift.
  • Current Driver's license.
  • Must be functionally literate, able to read, write, and perform basic math.
  • Familiarity with oilfield-related equipment and procedures preferred.
  • The employee must complete a pre-employment drug screen and physical function assessment.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Normally inside enclosed cab, some noise but can wear earplugs. Worker is subject to bouncing and other movement of forklift.
PHYSICAL/VISUAL/MENTAL/ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
The work requires walking, standard, bending and carrying items weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance. May involve working with chemicals.
PREFERENCE STATEMENT
Preference will be given to Calista shareholders and their descendants and to spouses of Calista shareholders, and to shareholders of other corporations created pursuant to the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, in accordance with Title 43 U.S. Code 1626(g).
EEO STATEMENT
Additionally, it is our policy to select, place, train and promote the most qualified individuals based upon relevant factors such as work quality, attitude and experience, so as to provide equal employment opportunity for all employees in compliance with applicable local, state and federal laws and without regard to non-work related factors such as race, color, religion/creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship, genetic information, or other protected status. When applicable, our policy of non-discrimination applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, placement, layoff, compensation, termination, reduction in force and benefits.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION
It is Calista and Subsidiaries' business philosophy and practice to provide reasonable accommodations, according to applicable state and federal laws, to all qualified individuals with physical or mental disabilities.
The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.