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Drilling Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Surface Core Driller

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Complete drilling logs and daily field reporting * Perform basic equipment inspections and troubleshooting * Follow all safety policies and procedures * Travel and work across multiple U.S. states ...

HDD Driller/Locator

Converse, TX · On-site

$22 - $27.25/hr

Interpret project plans, blueprints, and utility maps to ensure accurate drilling paths and safe operations. * Perform pre-drill inspections to identify potential hazards and ensure proper equipment ...

Be Seen First

Perform routine inspections, maintenance, and minor repairs on drilling equipment * Load, transport, and secure equipment, tools, and materials to and from job sites * Follow all company safety ...

Showing results 41-60

Drilling Inspector information

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$10

$27

$68

How much do drilling inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling inspector in the United States is $27.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.87 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling inspector?

Drilling Inspectors are professionals responsible for overseeing drilling operations, typically in the oil, gas, or geothermal industries. Their main duties include ensuring drilling activities comply with safety regulations, industry standards, and environmental guidelines. They inspect equipment, review procedures, monitor site conditions, and document any violations or issues. Drilling Inspectors play a crucial role in preventing accidents, minimizing environmental impact, and maintaining operational efficiency.

What are some common challenges faced by drilling inspectors during site inspections?

Drilling Inspectors often encounter challenges such as ensuring strict compliance with safety and environmental regulations, especially when conditions on-site are rapidly changing. They must meticulously document findings and communicate effectively with drilling crews, engineers, and regulatory bodies to address any non-compliance or hazards. Additionally, adapting to variable weather conditions and remote work locations can add complexity to inspections. Successful Drilling Inspectors are proactive problem-solvers who stay current with industry standards and maintain strong professional relationships across teams.

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

To thrive as a Drilling Inspector, you need in-depth knowledge of drilling operations, safety standards, and industry regulations, typically supported by a degree or certification in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with drilling equipment, inspection tools, and reporting software such as WellView or OpenWells is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, compliant, and efficient drilling operations, minimizing risks and maintaining project integrity.

What is the difference between Drilling Inspector vs Well Site Supervisor?

AspectDrilling InspectorWell Site Supervisor
CertificationsAPI certifications, safety trainingAPI certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, inspecting equipment and proceduresOverseeing daily operations at the well site, managing personnel
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas drilling companies, contractorsOil & gas operators, drilling contractors
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding inspection roles in drillingManaging well site operations

The main difference is that a Drilling Inspector focuses on inspecting drilling equipment and procedures to ensure safety and compliance, while a Well Site Supervisor manages daily operations and personnel at the well site. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same environment, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

More about Drilling Inspector jobs

What states have the most Drilling Inspector jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Drilling Inspector job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,896 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Utility Scale Vertical Drilling Superintendent

R-2 Contractors

Salt Lake City, UT • On-site

$140 - $200/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 hours ago


Job description

Join Our Team at R-2 Contractors! R-2 Contractors is seeking an experienced and motivated Utility-Scale Vertical Drilling Superintendent to lead field operations performing drilled pier foundation construction 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 overseeing all aspects of drilled foundation construction while delivering exceptional quality, developing field leaders, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule. Working closely with Project Managers and Operations Leadership, the Vertical Drilling Superintendent oversees day‑to‑day drilling operations, including production planning, crew leadership, drilling equipment utilization, auguring, casing installation, spoil management, reinforcement placement, concrete coordination, quality control, scheduling, and customer coordination. Success in this role is measured by the ability to build high‑performing teams, consistently deliver quality work, maintain a safe jobsite, and exemplify the R‑2 standard of excellence.

Position:

Utility-Scale Vertical Drilling Superintendent

Location:

Nationwide Project 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:

$140-200k

Key Responsibilities:
  • Lead all field operations for utility‑scale drilled pier foundation construction projects
  • Plan and coordinate manpower, drilling equipment, tooling, materials, subcontractors, and production schedules
  • Supervise Superintendents, Foremen, Drill Operators, and field personnel to ensure safe and productive project execution
  • Oversee auguring, casing installation, spoil management, reinforcement placement, concrete placement, and drilled foundation construction
  • Ensure drilled foundations are installed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications and quality standards
  • Read and interpret project drawings, specifications, drilling logs, foundation schedules, and construction documents
  • Coordinate daily activities with Project Managers, customers, inspectors, survey crews, subcontractors, and suppliers
  • Monitor production, equipment utilization, manpower, budgets, schedules, and overall project performance
  • Identify field challenges early and proactively implement solutions to minimize impacts to safety, quality, and production
  • Develop Foremen and future Superintendents through coaching, mentorship, accountability, and leadership by example
  • Maintain complete project documentation, daily reports, production tracking, and quality records
  • Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
  • Lead by example while living and reinforcing the R‑2 Core Values every day
Requirements:
  • Minimum 10 years of drilled foundation, heavy civil, or utility‑scale construction experience
  • Minimum 5 years of experience leading drilled pier foundation operations as a Superintendent or Senior Superintendent
  • Extensive knowledge of drilled pier construction, auguring methods, casing installation, spoil management, reinforcement placement, concrete placement, and foundation quality control
  • Experience managing large drilling rigs, support equipment, tooling, and utility‑scale drilling operations
  • Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, equipment utilization, quality control, surveying, and project execution
  • Proven ability to lead multiple crews while maintaining productivity, quality, and safety
  • Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills
  • Ability to build strong working relationships with Project Managers, customers, inspectors, subcontractors, 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:
  • Builds high‑performing field teams that consistently work safely and efficiently
  • Delivers drilled pier foundation projects that meet or exceed project specifications, production goals, and quality expectations
  • Develops strong Foremen, Drill Operators, and future Superintendents
  • Earns the trust and confidence of customers, inspectors, and project leadership through reliable execution
  • Anticipates challenges, communicates proactively, and resolves issues before they impact production
  • Strengthens R‑2 through continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and leadership development
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 communicationFoster 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
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
Benefits:
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)/Paid Holidays
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (company funded plans available for the entire family)
  • 401(k) with 3% company match
  • 5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus

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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