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Drilling Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Fervo Energy

Drilling Operations Lead

Houston, TX · On-site

Lead and manage a team of Drill-Site Managers (DSMs) and Field Superintendents across active drilling operations, setting priorities and providing day-to-day direction * In alignment with the ...

Ormat

Drilling Superintendent

Reno, NV

Operational Standards & Vendor Management * Develop and maintain written drilling procedures to standardize operations across projects. * Lead supplier quality meetings (SQMs) with key vendors and ...

Ormat Technologies

Drilling Superintendent

Reno, NV · On-site

Provide leadership, training, and supervision to Drill Site Managers and field personnel. * Ensure field teams are properly prepared and equipped to execute drilling operations. * Hold third-party ...

Ormat

Drilling Superintendent

Reno, NV · On-site

Operational Standards & Vendor Management * Develop and maintain written drilling procedures to standardize operations across projects. * Lead supplier quality meetings (SQMs) with key vendors and ...

Earth Drilling

Operations Manager

Elko, NV · On-site

$150/day

Operations Manager * This is an on-site position located in Elko, Nevada. * This position requires ... We specialize in a variety of drilling solutions, from mineral exploration to water well recovery ...

Earth Drilling

Operations Manager

Elko, NV · Remote

$150/day

Operations Manager * This is an on-site position located in Elko, Nevada. * This position requires ... We specialize in a variety of drilling solutions, from mineral exploration to water well recovery ...

Devon Energy

Sr Drilling Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

... employees manage their unique personal life and care for their families so they can focus on ... The role provides technical assistance to drilling operations staff, drives continuous improvement ...

FHLB Des Moines

Sr Drilling Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

... employees manage their unique personal life and care for their families so they can focus on ... The role provides technical assistance to drilling operations staff, drives continuous improvement ...

Devon Energy

Sr Drilling Engineer

Oklahoma City, OK · On-site

... employees manage their unique personal life and care for their families so they can focus on ... The role provides technical assistance to drilling operations staff, drives continuous improvement ...

QB Energy

Sr Drilling Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$206K - $255K/yr

Manage and maintain the WellView drilling database. Quality check field data input including casing ... Ensure EH&S policies are adhered to across drilling operations. * Ensure that drill-site ...

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How much do drilling operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling operations manager in the United States is $63,456.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling operations manager?

Drilling Operations Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing and coordinating drilling activities in oil, gas, or geothermal extraction projects. They manage teams, ensure safety and environmental compliance, and work to optimize drilling efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These managers are also in charge of planning drilling operations, troubleshooting issues, and liaising with clients, engineers, and regulatory agencies. Their leadership ensures that drilling projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and according to industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drilling operations manager?

To thrive as a Drilling Operations Manager, you need in-depth knowledge of drilling engineering, project management, HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) standards, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with drilling simulation software, rig management systems, and certifications like IWCF or Well Control are commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help you effectively manage teams and coordinate with stakeholders. These skills are vital for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective drilling operations in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced by drilling operations managers, and how can they effectively address them?

Drilling Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as unexpected equipment failures, managing diverse teams in remote locations, and ensuring compliance with stringent safety and environmental regulations. To address these, they need to maintain clear communication channels, implement robust preventive maintenance programs, and foster a strong safety culture among their teams. Additionally, staying updated on industry best practices and investing in continuous training helps managers adapt to evolving technologies and regulatory requirements, ensuring smooth and efficient drilling operations.

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

AspectDrilling Operations ManagerDrilling Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire drilling projects, manages teams, plans operations, and ensures safety and efficiencySupervises daily drilling activities, manages drill crews, and ensures operational tasks are completed safely
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering or geology, with extensive industry experienceOften requires technical certifications and relevant field experience
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits; strategic planning and managementOn-site supervision of drilling operations
Industry UsageCommonly used in oil and gas companies for high-level managementUsed in daily operational roles at drilling sites

The Drilling Operations Manager focuses on strategic oversight, planning, and management of drilling projects, while the Drilling Supervisor handles daily on-site operations and team supervision. Both roles require industry-specific knowledge, but the manager has a broader scope and higher-level responsibilities.

How do you become a drilling operations manager?

To become a drilling operations manager, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, geology, or a related field, along with extensive experience in drilling operations. Progression often involves starting in entry-level roles such as drilling engineer or supervisor, gaining knowledge of drilling equipment and safety protocols, and obtaining relevant certifications like Well Control or HSE training. Strong leadership, technical skills, and understanding of industry regulations are essential for advancement to management positions.

What cities are hiring for Drilling Operations Manager jobs?

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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 Manager jobs?

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

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Operations Manager jobs?

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

Drilling Operations Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Operations Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,456 per year, or $30.5 per hour.

Drilling Operations Lead

Houston, TX • On-site

Stanford Climate Ventures
See more jobs at Stanford Climate Venturesexternal

Other

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Fervo is working to build the most cost-effective, repeatable geothermal power plants in the world. Delivering on this mission requires first-of-a-kind well designs, disciplined execution in the field, and continuous learning across the full well lifecycle. Joining Fervo’s Geoblock Factory organization means operating where subsurface innovation meets real-world execution, with safety, reliability, and capital efficiency as non-negotiables.

We are seeking a Drilling Operations Lead who is excited by Fervo’s mission and motivated to lead a team of engineers and field personnel executing advanced geothermal drilling operations in a highly dynamic environment. This role is ideal for a leader with strong field instincts, deep drilling operations experience, and the ability to build and manage a high-performing team where standard oil and gas playbooks must be adapted—or reinvented—for geothermal applications.

The Drilling Operations Lead is responsible for leading Fervo’s drilling operations team and overseeing daily execution across active rigs to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective delivery of wells. The Drilling Operations Lead will manage and develop a team of field personnel, set operational priorities, and serve as the primary point of accountability for rig-site execution.

Requirements Responsibilities
  • Lead and manage a team of Drill-Site Managers (DSMs) and Field Superintendents across active drilling operations, setting priorities and providing day-to-day direction
  • In alignment with the Drilling Engineers, support real-time execution decisions on active rigs, coordinating recovery plans and technical reviews during NPT events
  • Establish and enforce HSE standards and practices across all rig sites, ensuring full compliance with company and regulatory requirements
  • Develop, mentor, and grow team members’ technical and leadership capabilities, including career development planning
  • Drive continuous improvement in well cycle time, cost, and performance
  • Coordinate with drilling contractors, service providers, and vendors to ensure resources and equipment support planned operations
  • Serve as the primary escalation point for operational issues, resolving conflicts and driving cross–functional alignment with planning, supply chain, and engineering teams
  • Lead post-well closeout reviews and ensure lessons learned are captured and implemented across the team
  • Represent drilling operations in leadership reviews and communicate program status, risks, and resourcing needs
Qualifications Required
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering (or equivalent field experience)
  • 10+ years of experience in drilling engineering / operations, including experience leading field teams (minimum 5 years with an operator in US Onshore horizontal drilling)
  • Prior experience leading or supervising Drilling Operations
  • Ability to demonstrate competency in core well engineering fundamentals, including casing design, directional drilling, drill string / BHA design, drilling fluids, cementing, and contingency planning
  • Experience in risk assessment, well time / cost estimates, and planning complex drilling operations
  • Experience executing horizontal drilling in unconventional wells
  • Experience with supply chain and cost management
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills
  • Strong problem solver committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence
  • Unwavering commitment to protecting Health, Safety, and Environment in all aspects of design and operations
Preferred
  • Prior experience in a field leadership role overseeing multi‑rig drilling operations
  • Hands‑on field experience across drilling, completions, and/or workover operations
  • Experience managing multiple rigs or crews concurrently
  • Experience mentoring or developing early‑career staff into leadership roles
  • Experience working on first‑of‑a‑kind, non‑standard, or technically complex well designs
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