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Drilling Fluid Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WI · On-site

$52 - $76/hr

Formulates and tests fluid changes in lab prior to rolling out into field. Keeps up with lab ... drilling fluid technology training. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are ...

Posted today

Drilling Fluids Lab Technician

Encinal, TX · On-site

$17 - $21.50/hr

Runs consistent QC checks on drilling fluid on a weekly basis. Runs periodic QC checks on chemical inventory. Formulates and tests fluid changes in lab prior to rolling out into field. Keeps up with ...

New

General Labor

Mentor, OH · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Drilling Fluid Assistance: Assist with mixing and cleaning up drilling fluid. * Utility Locating and Potholing: Assist with locating utilities and potholing. * Pipe Handling: Assist with handling ...

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Drilling Fluid information

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$20

$41

$69

How much do drilling fluid jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling fluid in the United States is $41.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.38 and $44.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling fluid job?

A Drilling Fluid job involves managing and optimizing the fluids used in drilling operations to ensure efficiency and safety. Drilling fluids, also known as mud, help with cooling the drill bit, carrying cuttings to the surface, and maintaining well stability. Specialists in this role monitor fluid properties, adjust formulations, and troubleshoot issues during drilling. They work closely with engineers and rig personnel to minimize operational risks and improve well performance.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a drilling fluid engineer on an oil rig?

As a Drilling Fluid Engineer, your daily tasks usually involve monitoring and testing the properties of drilling mud, adjusting formulations to optimize performance, and keeping detailed records of fluid parameters. You will collaborate closely with drilling supervisors, mud loggers, and other rig personnel to ensure fluid systems are functioning as required and address any unforeseen challenges. The role often requires quick troubleshooting, adaptability to changing drilling conditions, and effective communication with both field and office teams. This hands-on and dynamic environment provides valuable on-the-job experience and opportunities for career advancement in drilling operations or fluid technology specializations.

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

To thrive as a Drilling Fluid Engineer, you need a solid understanding of chemistry, geology, and drilling operations, typically supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Experience with industry-standard software for fluid hydraulics and mud property testing, as well as certifications like Well Control, are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help you excel in dynamic field environments. These abilities are essential for maintaining drilling efficiency, ensuring safety, and minimizing environmental impact on site.

More about Drilling Fluid jobs

What cities are hiring for Drilling Fluid jobs?

Cities with the most Drilling Fluid job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Drilling Fluid jobs?

The most popular types of Drilling Fluid jobs are:

What states have the most Drilling Fluid jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drilling Fluid jobs include:

Infographic showing various Drilling Fluid job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,248 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Utility Scale Horizontal Direction Drilling Foreman

R-2 Contractors

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$44 - $50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Join Our Team at R-2 Contractors!
R-2 Contractors is seeking an experienced and motivated Utility-Scale Horizontal Directional Drilling Foreman to lead field crews performing trenchless conduit installation on utility-scale power, renewable energy, transmission, and substation projects throughout the United States. This field leadership role is responsible for safely planning, coordinating, and executing daily Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) operations while delivering high-quality workmanship, developing crew members, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
Working closely with the Superintendent and Project Management team, the Horizontal Directional Drilling Foreman oversees day-to-day field operations, including crew leadership, bore planning, drill setup, pilot bores, reaming, drill fluid management, conduit installation, utility crossings, equipment utilization, and quality control. Success in this role is measured by the ability to build productive crews, consistently deliver quality work, maintain a safe jobsite, and exemplify the R-2 standard of excellence.
Position: Utility-Scale Horizontal Directional Drilling Foreman
Location: Nationwide job sites
Travel Requirements:
• This is a field-based position requiring 100% travel to active project sites throughout the United States
• Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and work extended schedules as required to support project demands
Salary: $40 - $55 per hour DOE (based on local union rates)
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead and supervise daily Horizontal Directional Drilling operations for utility-scale underground infrastructure projects
• Plan daily work assignments and coordinate crews, drilling equipment, tooling, materials, subcontractors, and production activities
• Read and interpret project drawings, bore profiles, utility locates, specifications, and construction documents
• Coordinate drill setup, pilot bores, reaming operations, drill fluid management, conduit installation, pullback operations, and utility crossings
• Ensure drilling operations are completed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications and quality standards
• Monitor daily production, manpower, equipment utilization, and project progress
• Coordinate the operation of HDD drill rigs, mud systems, vacuum excavation equipment, support equipment, and tooling
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment while promoting a strong safety culture
• Coordinate with Superintendents, Project Managers, utility owners, survey crews, inspectors, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Identify field issues and proactively communicate solutions before they impact production
• Train, mentor, and develop crew members while building future field leaders
• Complete daily reports, production tracking, bore logs, and required project documentation
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the crew
• Lead by example while living and reinforcing the R-2 Core Values every day
Requirements:
• Minimum 5 years of Horizontal Directional Drilling, underground utility, or heavy civil construction experience
• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Horizontal Directional Drilling Foreman leading field crews
• Strong knowledge of bore planning, pilot bores, reaming practices, drill fluid systems, conduit installation, pullback operations, utility crossings, and trenchless construction methods
• Experience operating or supervising Horizontal Directional Drill rigs, mud systems, vacuum excavation equipment, locating equipment, and associated support equipment
• Ability to read and interpret project drawings, bore profiles, utility locates, and construction specifications
• Working knowledge of utility locating, drill fluid management, production planning, and quality control
• Ability to lead multiple craft personnel while maintaining productivity, quality, and safety
• Excellent communication, leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships with Superintendents, Project Managers, customers, utility owners, and field personnel
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, accountability, quality workmanship, and operational excellence
• Willingness to travel nationwide and work extended hours as project schedules require
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment drug screening and background check
What Success Looks Like:
The successful Utility-Scale Horizontal Directional Drilling Foreman:
• Builds a crew that works safely, efficiently, and takes pride in producing quality work
• Consistently delivers accurate, efficient, and high-quality trenchless conduit installations that meet project specifications and production goals
• Develops crew members into future Foremen and Superintendents
• Earns the trust and confidence of customers, inspectors, utility owners, and project leadership through reliable execution
• Plans ahead, communicates effectively, and resolves field challenges before they impact production
• Strengthens R-2 by continuously improving safety, quality, productivity, and teamwork
Our Leadership Philosophy:
At R-2 Contractors, technical expertise may open the door-but leadership is defined by how you develop people, build teams, and live our Core Values.
Our leaders are expected to:
• Lead with integrity, humility, professionalism, and accountability
• Put the safety and success of their people first
• Coach, mentor, and develop future leaders
• Build trust through consistent execution and open communication
• Foster teamwork while empowering others to grow
• Hold themselves and others accountable to the highest standards
• Protect and strengthen the culture that makes R-2 different
• Leave their team stronger than they found it
The R-2 Core Values
PRIDE - We take ownership of our work, our people, our equipment, and our reputation. Every project reflects the pride we have in our craft.
• Do What's Right
• Put Your Name On It
• Never Accept Mediocrity
• I Am R-2
• Grow or Die
GRIT - We embrace challenges, solve problems, overcome adversity, and never allow obstacles to define our success.
• Dig Deep and Grind It Out
• Give It Your All
• Do What It Takes
• Dedication
OWN IT! - We don't make excuses or point fingers. We own the outcome, communicate early, solve problems, and continually improve ourselves and our teams.
• Do What You Say
• Be Accountable
• If You Ain't First, You're Last
• Accept Criticism
• Own Your Position
Union Wages & Benefits:
• Union Wages
• Union Retirement
• Paid Time Off (PTO) / Sick Leave
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus
Ready to Join Our Team?
If you're ready to lead utility-scale concrete crews, develop exceptional field personnel, and help build some of the nation's most critical power infrastructure projects, we'd love to hear from you.
At R-2 Contractors, we don't simply place concrete-we build infrastructure, develop leaders, strengthen teams, and create a culture that refuses to settle for anything less than excellence.
Apply today and help us build what's next.
R-2 Contractors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

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