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Drill Rig Operator Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

... rig and general working area while abiding by all safety regulations. A successful Boat Operator ... Experience or training relevant to geotechnical fieldwork and equipment, drilling/sampling and/or ...

... rig and general working area while abiding by all safety regulations. A successful Boat Operator ... Experience or training relevant to geotechnical fieldwork and equipment, drilling/sampling and/or ...

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Drill Rig Operator information

See Alberta salary details

$15

$41

$126

How much do drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for drill rig operator in Alberta is $41.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $43.99 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.

How to get hired on a drilling rig?

To get hired as a drill rig operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience, and often a certification such as Well Control or OSHA safety training. Employers look for physical fitness, mechanical skills, and the ability to work in challenging environments, with on-the-job training provided for specific equipment and safety procedures.

What is a Drill Rig Operator job?

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 much do oil rigs get paid?

Drill rig operators typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the rig. Overtime, certifications, and working in remote locations can increase earnings, with some experienced operators making over $120,000 per year.

How do I become a drill rig operator?

To become a drill rig operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with 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.

How much does a drill rig operator earn?

A drill rig operator typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Skilled operators with certifications and experience in heavy machinery may earn higher wages and additional benefits.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Drill Rig Operator position, and why are they important?

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 Alberta? For Drill Rig Operator jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Drill Rig Operator jobs in Alberta look for? The top searched job categories for Drill Rig Operator jobs in Alberta are:

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

SCOPE OF POSITION

ConeTec is an international full-service geo-environmental and geotechnical site characterization contractor. We offer clients superior project management and site investigation services across the globe, with a large presence in the Americas, Europe and Australia. ConeTec is known in the industry as a great place to work. We commit to all employees that we will provide a respectful, positive, and enriching work environment. We want you to look forward to going to work every day. We reward and recognize staff for exceptional contributions to the company. Our success is a direct result of the people who work here.


Responsible for operating marine vessels in various tailings environments, the Boat Operator will conduct basic maintenance and provide consistent, high-quality upkeep of the rig and general working area while abiding by all safety regulations. A successful Boat Operator will be a quick study, able to learn the steps for each activity and provide their crew with any help they might require; and in time, doing so instinctively. A successful candidate must have a strong desire to learn, an energetic work ethic, and be unafraid to get his or her hands dirty.

ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS

Equipment Operation

  • Safely operate our specialized marine equipment and other pieces of equipment in our extensive fleet.
  • Responsible for the safety of the crew.
  • Set-up and assist in operating CPT (Cone Penetration Testing) equipment, sampling systems, geophysical instruments and other in-situ testing equipment following ConeTec's procedures in a safe and productive manner in collaboration with an engineer.
  • Provide assistance to Engineers and Technicians as required
  • Assist with the mobilization and demobilization of equipment in hard-to-access environments
  • Coordinate crane contractors to execute safe crane lifts of ConeTec's marine equipment.
  • Perform routine maintenance on various pieces of equipment.

Health & Safety

  • Identify with and respect ConeTec's safety culture, first and foremost
  • Ensure proper preparation and knowledge of all necessary safe operating procedures before beginning any job.
  • Immediately report any safety-related incidents, infractions, or near misses to the Project Manager and the HSE Officer.
  • Know and follow the incident reporting protocol at all times.

Other General Responsibilities

  • Communicate with the Supervisor or Project Manager as to any equipment problems or needs, as well as any field observations that might be of use.
  • Perform other shop functions as required.
  • Maintenance and upkeep of equipment.
  • Seek ways to improve operating procedures/processes.
  • Fabrication and mechanical skills are an asset.


SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED


Experience requirements:

  • Experience navigating on water and operating marine equipment.
  • Experience or training relevant to geotechnical fieldwork and equipment, drilling/sampling and/or heavy equipment operations/mechanics.
  • Previous experience working in a mine tailings facility are an asset.
  • Driving pickup trucks, towing trailers, operating tracked and off-road equipment are an asset.

Technical skill requirements:

  • Must be able to perform physically demanding tasks, including lifting, moving heavy materials up to 50 lbs, climbing, crawling as well as walking on uneven ground, and working long hours in all weather conditions.
  • Must be computer literate.
  • High school diploma with strong reading, writing and mathematics skills.
  • Electrical and mechanical skills are an asset.

Soft skill requirements:

  • Must possess strong work ethic and represent the company in a professional manner.
  • Must be responsible and work well independently or in a team setting with minimal supervision.
  • Must enjoy working outdoors in all weather conditions, and travelling for extended periods of time.
  • Willingness to work on a wide variety of equipment during winter months when marine fleet is inactive.

Certification requirements:

  • Must have a clean driving record.
  • Must have a valid drivers license. Class 5 minimum and Class 1 considered an asset.
  • The following training will be considered an asset, and will be provided for the right candidate if required:
    • Small Vessel Operator Proficiency (SVOP) or greater marine vessel ticket
    • Small Domestic Vessel Basic Safety (SDV-BS) formerly known as MED-A3
    • Rigging, First aid, H2S Alive, RPE and other industry training.



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • This is a shift based position. Routine travel to project sites throughout Western Canada is required. Additional opportunities for assignments elsewhere in Canada and internationally may be available

As part of our dedicated focus on the health and safety of all employees, and due to the requirement, that employees be able to safely complete the tasks associated with this job position, a successful candidate will be required to take a pre-employment fit for duty test, including a drug and alcohol testing, and complete a satisfactory criminal record check.

ConeTec is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status, or any other status protected by applicable law.