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Drilling Rig Manager Jobs in Portland, TN (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member V

Nashville, TN

$22.25 - $30.25/hr

... management. Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance boreholes to all depths required in their region. oLead and focus on the training and development a 2 or 3 man drill crew in all tasks ...

All JobsDrilling Rig JobsDrilling Rig Manager JobsDrilling Rig Manager Jobs in Portland, TN

Drilling Rig Manager information

See Portland, TN salary details

$13

$22

$32

How much do drilling rig manager jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for drilling rig manager in Portland, TN is $22.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $30.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling rig manager?

A Drilling Rig Manager oversees the daily operations of a drilling rig, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulations. They manage personnel, coordinate drilling activities, and troubleshoot operational challenges. Additionally, they communicate with company representatives, monitor budgets, and ensure that drilling projects stay on schedule. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and technical expertise are essential for this role.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a drilling rig manager?

A Drilling Rig Manager oversees the entire drilling operation, ensuring all processes run safely, efficiently, and according to schedule. Daily tasks include coordinating with drilling crews, monitoring rig performance data, enforcing safety protocols, and troubleshooting operational issues as they arise. The role also involves regular communication with on-site supervisors, engineers, and company representatives to align operational goals. This hands-on management ensures that drilling targets are met while maintaining high standards of safety and productivity.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the drilling rig manager position?

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Manager, you need extensive knowledge of drilling operations, health and safety regulations, and proven experience in oil and gas field management, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and certifications like IWCF or IADC Well Control. Familiarity with drilling management software, rig instrumentation systems, and advanced safety compliance tools is typically required. Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and effective communication skills are essential for managing diverse teams and responding to unforeseen challenges. These competencies ensure operational efficiency, strict adherence to safety standards, and successful delivery of drilling projects.

How do you become a drilling rig manager?

To become a drilling rig manager, individuals typically need a combination of experience in drilling operations, often starting as a roughneck or driller, and relevant technical knowledge. Many employers require a high school diploma or equivalent, with some preferring post-secondary training or certifications in petroleum technology or related fields. Developing leadership skills and gaining experience with drilling equipment and safety protocols are essential for advancement to management roles.
Drilling Rig Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drilling Rig Manager job openings in Portland, TN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,981 per year, or $22.6 per hour.

HDD Operator

Nashville, TN

Klaasmeyer Construction Company Inc
Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Klaasmeyer Construction Company Incexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description

The south-central leader in construction services for telephone and fiber line installation for over 50 years, Klaasmeyer Construction Company is looking for our next HDD Operator to join the Field Operations team. We're hiring our next operator to run bores to lay and pull underground piping that keeps our communities connected. You'll be running bores for pulling and installing underground utilities  - the kind of work that keeps our communities connected. 

Requirements

 What You'll Be Doing

  • Operating the HDD rig to bore underground pathways for conduit and fiber optic cable installation
  • Planning bore paths from project drawings and utility locate sheets, then executing them in the field
  • Running pilot bores, pre-ream passes, and product pullback from start to finish
  • Managing drilling fluid mix and pressure to maintain bore integrity and control spoils
  • Tracking bore head location and depth using remote guidance systems 
  • Coordinating with your locator and bore crew to keep operations moving safely and on schedule
  • Performing daily rig inspections, routine maintenance, and keeping your equipment in top working condition
  • Documenting bore logs, footage, fluid usage, and daily production accurately

What We Need From You

  • 2-4 years of verifiable HDD rig operating experience - telecom, utility, or underground construction background preferred
  • Experience with pilot bore, reaming, and pullback operations
  • Proven air hammer drill experience
  • Proficient with remote bore tracking systems (DigiTrak, Subsite, or equivalent)
  • Comfortable operating mid-to-large class rigs (Vermeer, Ditch Witch, American Augers, or similar)
  • Working knowledge of drilling fluid management and soil conditions
  • Understanding of 811/one-call processes and underground utility protection
  • Valid driver's license required; CDL a plus
  • OSHA 10 preferred or willingness to obtain; OSHA 30 a plus
  • Willing to travel overnight or out-of-state when projects require it

The Physical Reality

This is heavy construction work. You'll be outside in all weather, operating a drill rig, handling pipe and tooling, and working around pressurized equipment and underground utilities every day. 

  • Regular lifting of drill pipe, tooling, and equipment - up to 50-75+ lbs.
  • Standing and walking on uneven terrain for full shift durations
  • Extended periods at the rig console during active bore operations
  • Outdoor work in heat, cold, rain, and mud - all year round
  • Exposure to pressurized systems, heavy equipment, and drilling fluids daily
  • Elevated noise levels from rig operation - hearing protection required

 This is a safety-sensitive position subject to pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing per company policy. 

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