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Drilling Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Drilling Crew Foreman

Denver, CO · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Lead daily operations of in-house UG drilling crews; * Ensure all work meets safety, quality, and client specifications; * Manage jobsite documentation, restoration, and bore logs; * Coordinate with ...

Drilling Crew Foreman

Aurora, CO · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Lead daily operations of in-house UG drilling crews; * Ensure all work meets safety, quality, and client specifications; * Manage jobsite documentation, restoration, and bore logs; * Coordinate with ...

Drilling Crew Foreman

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Lead daily operations of in-house UG drilling crews; * Ensure all work meets safety, quality, and client specifications; * Manage jobsite documentation, restoration, and bore logs; * Coordinate with ...

Receives directions from the Driller and overall supervision from the Rig Manager. May also consult ... Observe and maintain preventative maintenance programs (and, with regard to Drilling operations ...

Drilling Crew Foreman

Salem, OR · On-site

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Lead daily operations of in-house UG drilling crews; * Ensure all work meets safety, quality, and client specifications; * Manage jobsite documentation, restoration, and bore logs; * Coordinate with ...

Lead daily operations of in-house UG drilling crews; * Ensure all work meets safety, quality, and client specifications; * Manage jobsite documentation, restoration, and bore logs; * Coordinate with ...

DRILLING LABOR

Mcfarland, WI · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

... operations, including the handling of drill pipes and other materials. * Monitor drilling performance and help troubleshoot equipment issues. * Assist in managing safety measures and ensure a safe ...

Use specialized equipment to detect and mark underground utilities prior to and during horizontal directional drilling operations. * Collaborate closely with drill operators and project managers to ...

Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$25.50 - $31.50/hr

Use specialized equipment to detect and mark underground utilities prior to and during horizontal directional drilling operations. * Collaborate closely with drill operators and project managers to ...

Horizontal Direction Drilling Locator

Stockton, CA · On-site

$25.50 - $31.50/hr

Use specialized equipment to detect and mark underground utilities prior to and during horizontal directional drilling operations. * Collaborate closely with drill operators and project managers to ...

... management, continuous improvement, and disciplined execution. * Maintain strong working ... Continually strive for operational improvements to cut costs, enhance safety and reduce cycle times.

Drilling Helper

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$20 - $22/hr

Operational Support: * Assist in site setup, material handling, and waste management. * Support drilling process and data collection. * Maintain site cleanliness and orderliness. * Client ...

Demonstrated record of building drilling organizations, engineering teams, and management and safety systems from the ground up, with the ability to scale them as the program grows. * Operational ...

Demonstrated record of building drilling organizations, engineering teams, and management and safety systems from the ground up, with the ability to scale them as the program grows. * Operational ...

Showing results 41-60

Drilling Operations Manager information

See salary details

$31K

$63.5K

$118.5K

How much do drilling operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 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?

Cities with the most Drilling Operations Manager 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 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:

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 Crew Foreman

Denver, CO • On-site

Utilities One
Utilities • 1 - 5K employees

$2.0K - $4.0K/wk

Contractor

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Drilling Crew Foreman
Department: Operations
Employment Type: Contract
Location: United States - Denver, CO
Reporting To: Denis Mezer
Compensation: $2,000 - $4,000 / week
Description
Utilities One is seeking an experienced Drilling Crew Foreman to lead underground drilling operations across our project regions. This role is ideal for highly motivated leaders with strong horizontal directional drilling (HDD) experience who are ready to operate with autonomy, manage their own crews, and deliver high-quality infrastructure projects in a fast-paced environment.
As a trusted national turnkey infrastructure contractor, Utilities One supports telecom, power, water, renewable energy, and data center projects. Foremen are empowered to run their crews as independent business units, with compensation tied to production performance, while benefiting from the operational, logistical, and administrative support of a growing national organization. This is an opportunity for driven professionals who take ownership of safety, quality, timelines, and profitability and want to make a meaningful impact by building critical infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
  • Lead daily operations of in-house UG drilling crews;
  • Ensure all work meets safety, quality, and client specifications;
  • Manage jobsite documentation, restoration, and bore logs;
  • Coordinate with regional managers and coordinators to meet project goals;
  • Read and interpret job prints, locate utilities, and ensure proper bore paths;
  • Train and mentor crew members for growth and consistency;
  • Drive production results while maintaining quality and compliance;
  • Oversee equipment use and maintenance, ensuring readiness for each project;
  • Grow crew capacity over time to take on more work and increase earning potential.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
  • 2+ years of experience in underground drilling operations (HDD);
  • Valid driver's license (CDL);
  • Strong knowledge of HDD equipment, safety practices, and restoration work;
  • Ability to read and interpret job prints and bore profiles;
  • Prior experience leading field crews strongly preferred;
  • Clear communication and leadership skills;
  • Business-minded with an interest in growing teams and earning from performance;
  • Willingness to travel as needed within the assigned region.

Benefits
  • Weekly Payment Range: $2,000-$4,000 (paid per foot);
  • Company-provided equipment, logistics, and full project support;
  • Back-office assistance (legal, licensing, compliance);
  • Leadership mentorship and growth opportunities;
  • Build your future with a rapidly expanding infrastructure company;
  • Partner with Utilities One under an MSA - operate your own crew with full support and no upfront investment.