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Drilling Operations Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valaris

Assistant Driller

Houston, TX · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Organizes and supervises the drilling crews for all operations. * Operates the pipe handling ... Provides regular mentoring, appraisal and feedback to direct reports. * Maintains the hygiene and ...

Driftwood Diamond Drilling

Be Seen First

Experienced Diamond Core Driller

Elko, NV · On-site

$40 - $44/hr

... drilling operations for a mineral exploration project in Winnemucca, Nevada. In this role, you will ... Mentor and direct drill helpers/slakers on rig safety, site setup, and wireline tooling assembly.

Matador Resources

Operations Geologist

Dallas, TX · On-site

An Operations Geologist's responsibilities at Matador, in our MAXCOM program (24-hr operations ... drilling engineers to optimize drilling parameters and identify potential risks * Direct ...

Matador Resources

Operations Geologist

Dallas, TX · On-site

An Operations Geologist's responsibilities at Matador, in our MAXCOM program (24-hr operations ... drilling engineers to optimize drilling parameters and identify potential risks * Direct ...

Valaris

Assistant Driller

Houston, TX

$22 - $29.75/hr

Organizes and supervises the drilling crews for all operations. * Operates the pipe handling ... Provides regular mentoring, appraisal, and feedback to direct reports. * Maintains hygiene and ...

Valaris

Assistant Driller

Houston, TX · On-site

$22 - $29.75/hr

Organizes and supervises the drilling crews for all operations. * Operates the pipe handling ... Provides regular mentoring, appraisal, and feedback to direct reports. * Maintains hygiene and ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

$150/day

... drilling operations by assisting the Lead Driller in daily tasks associated with both Reverse ... Help collect, label, and transport rock chip or core samples as directed. * Maintain sample ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

$150/day

... drilling operations by assisting the Lead Driller in daily tasks associated with both Reverse ... Help collect, label, and transport rock chip or core samples as directed. * Maintain sample ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

$150/day

... drilling operations by assisting the Lead Driller in daily tasks associated with both Reverse ... Help collect, label, and transport rock chip or core samples as directed. * Maintain sample ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

$150/day

... drilling operations by assisting the Lead Driller in daily tasks associated with both Reverse ... Help collect, label, and transport rock chip or core samples as directed. * Maintain sample ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

$150/day

... drilling operations by assisting the Lead Driller in daily tasks associated with both Reverse ... Help collect, label, and transport rock chip or core samples as directed. * Maintain sample ...

Earth Drilling

Driller Helper

Elko, NV · On-site

$150/day

... drilling operations by assisting the Lead Driller in daily tasks associated with both Reverse ... Help collect, label, and transport rock chip or core samples as directed. * Maintain sample ...

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Drilling Operations Director information

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$34K

$107.7K

$179.5K

How much do drilling operations director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling operations director in the United States is $107,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,500.00 and $135,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling operations director?

Drilling Operations Directors are senior leaders responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of drilling operations within an oil, gas, or mining company. They develop strategies, ensure safety and environmental compliance, manage budgets, and coordinate teams to ensure drilling projects are completed efficiently and on schedule. These professionals often liaise with engineers, geologists, regulatory agencies, and company executives to ensure all operational goals are achieved. Their expertise is crucial in decision-making related to drilling technologies, risk management, and resource allocation. Typically, they possess significant experience in drilling operations and advanced knowledge of industry standards and regulations.

What are some typical challenges a drilling operations director faces when managing multiple drilling projects simultaneously?

A Drilling Operations Director often contends with coordinating multiple drilling projects across various locations, each with unique geological, regulatory, and logistical requirements. Balancing resource allocation, maintaining safety and compliance standards, and responding to unexpected technical issues are common challenges. Effective communication with cross-functional teams—including engineering, safety, and logistics—is essential to ensure projects stay on schedule and within budget. Proactive risk management and adaptability are key qualities for overcoming these complexities and ensuring successful project delivery.

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

To thrive as a Drilling Operations Director, you need extensive experience in drilling engineering, project management, and a degree in petroleum engineering or a related field. Familiarity with drilling management software, safety compliance systems, and industry certifications such as IWCF or Well Control are typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help in managing teams and stakeholder expectations. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling operations while meeting regulatory and organizational objectives.

What is the difference between Drilling Operations Director vs Drilling Supervisor?

AspectDrilling Operations DirectorDrilling Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple drilling projects, strategic planning, and high-level decision-makingManages daily drilling operations, supervises drilling crews, and ensures safety compliance
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or geology, extensive industry experienceUsually has technical certifications, relevant experience, and safety training
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices and project sites, overseeing multiple teamsOn-site at drilling locations, directly supervising operations
Industry UsageCommonly found in large oil and gas companies, exploration firmsFound in operational drilling teams across the industry

The Drilling Operations Director focuses on strategic oversight and high-level management of drilling activities, while the Drilling Supervisor handles daily operations and team supervision on-site. Both roles require industry-specific credentials but differ in scope and responsibilities.

Is a drilling operations director a high position?

A drilling operations director is a senior management role responsible for overseeing drilling activities, safety, and efficiency in oil and gas extraction. It is considered a high-level position that requires extensive industry experience, leadership skills, and often relevant certifications. The role typically reports to executive management and involves strategic decision-making.

What cities are hiring for Drilling Operations Director jobs?

Cities with the most Drilling Operations Director job openings:

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

The most popular types of Drilling Operations jobs are:

What states have the most Drilling Operations Director jobs?

States with the most job openings for Drilling Operations Director jobs include:

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For Drilling Operations Director jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Drilling Operations Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Operations Director job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,680 per year, or $51.8 per hour.

Assistant Driller

Houston, TX • On-site

Valaris
Oil and Gas Extraction • 5 - 10K employees
Learn more about Valarisexternal

$22 - $29.75/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description


Job Summary
The Assistant Driller assists in the planning and execution of all drilling operations for the main or auxiliary well centers. Is responsible for ensuring the drill crews are properly assigned to their tasks and they are kept fully in the loop as to any changes of plans. He/she oversees the drill crews verifying all relevant maintenance is performed on all drilling, hoisting and mud circulating equipment while following directions from the well program in accordance with company policies and procedures in a safe and efficient manner.
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
  • Follows standard instructions and maintains good communication with the Driller and Toolpusher; provides notification of any concern, ensuring any deviation is properly communicated and documented.
  • Ensures that operations are planned, organized, supervised and executed in accordance with well programs, rig move plans, the company's requirements and contractual obligations.
  • Performs the drilling department's daily checks.
  • Assists service partners/third parties with the preparation of equipment for upcoming drilling operations.
  • Organizes and supervises the drilling crews for all operations.
  • Operates the pipe handling equipment for both main well and offline activities.
  • Assists and relieve the Driller during drilling operations.
  • Reads and interpret various gauges and meters relating to the drilling operations and assist the driller in maintaining records and logs.
  • Maintains accurate record of tubular and tool dimensions in the hole (for instance but not limited to internal and external diameter, fish neck, serial numbers).
  • Maintains accurate records of drilling line ton-miles and assist the Driller ahead of time with the planning for Slip and Cut operations.
  • Maintains an organized drilling equipment store and records of tubulars, subs and fishing tools inventory.
  • Ensures the solid control equipment and mud mixing operations are being monitored constantly and keep accurate records of fluid displacement when running tubular in or out of the hole.
  • Implements, follows and regularly reviews Valaris work instructions, ensures they are understood and observed by all drill crews.
  • Demonstrates leadership support for Valaris' Competence Management Program and implements all program requirements to ensure direct reports have the necessary competencies, training and skills to perform their job.
  • Provides regular mentoring, appraisal and feedback to direct reports.
  • Maintains the hygiene and housekeeping on the rig floor and associated areas to Valaris drilling standards with a particular focus on clear escape routes and walkways.

Qualifications / Experience
  • Three years offshore experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership and organization skills.
  • Completion of all training and certification requirements for the Assistant Driller position as described in the company's offshore training matrix.
  • Knowledge of all technical calculations required for the safe operation of the drilling unit and control of the well.

About Us
At Valaris, our core purpose is to provide responsible solutions that deliver energy to the world. Our purpose is the driving force that defines us as a leading organization in our industry. Our diverse fleet of ultra-deepwater drillships, versatile semisubmersibles and modern shallow-water jackups is capable of meeting a wide spectrum of customers' well program requirements. Our rig fleet is among the most technologically advanced in the industry and our well-trained crews perform at the highest levels in the most challenging offshore environments. With an unwavering focus on safety and dedicated employees, we provide innovative solutions and aim to deliver excellence in everything that we do.

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