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Drilling Rig Supervisor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

As a driller you will work with your project manager and field supervisor to install tieback ... Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain certification.

Rig Helper I

San Joaquin, CA · On-site

$17.90 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Helper will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Rig Helper I

San Joaquin, CA · On-site

$17.90 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Helper will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling equipment ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Geotechnical Driller

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$63.46 - $70/hr

As a driller you will work with your project manager and field supervisor to install tieback ... Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain certification.

As a driller you will work with your project manager and field supervisor to install tieback ... Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain certification.

Rig Team Lead

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Rig Team Lead

Stockton, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Rig Team Lead

Modesto, CA

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Rig Team Lead

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Rig Team Lead

Lodi, CA

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Rig Team Lead

Paso Robles, CA

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Rig Team Lead

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Rig Team Lead

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Rig Team Lead

Buellton, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Rig Team Lead

Turlock, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Rig Team Lead

Arroyo Grande, CA

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Rig Team Lead

Elk Grove, CA

$25 - $31/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... Supervisor, or Manager. • Inspect, examine, and test installed systems and pipelines, using ...

Electrician

Long Beach, CA · On-site

$26.50 - $36.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

... drilling rig and production rig moves * Provide troubleshooting support for rig operations * Repair electrical equipment as assigned by Electrical Maintenance Supervisor * Prepare electrical and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Drilling Rig Supervisor information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$68.1K

$100.2K

How much do drilling rig supervisor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for drilling rig supervisor in California is $68,137.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,300.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a drilling rig supervisor?

A Drilling Rig Supervisor is responsible for overseeing drilling operations on oil and gas rigs to ensure they are carried out safely, efficiently, and according to plan. They supervise the drilling crew, coordinate activities with engineers and geologists, and monitor equipment and drilling progress. The supervisor also enforces safety regulations, addresses technical challenges, and manages reporting and documentation. This role is crucial for maintaining productivity, preventing accidents, and achieving drilling objectives within budget and time constraints.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drilling rig supervisor?

To thrive as a Drilling Rig Supervisor, you need in-depth knowledge of drilling operations, safety regulations, and leadership skills, often supported by a degree in engineering or relevant field experience. Familiarity with drilling control systems, well site management software, and certifications such as IWCF or Well Control are typically required. Strong decision-making, communication, and problem-solving abilities help manage teams and respond to operational challenges. These skills are vital to ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and minimize downtime or hazards on site.

What are some common challenges faced by drilling rig supervisors during operations, and how are they addressed?

Drilling Rig Supervisors often encounter challenges such as unexpected equipment failures, fluctuating weather conditions, and maintaining safety standards amidst tight project deadlines. To address these, supervisors must proactively plan maintenance schedules, conduct regular safety briefings, and foster clear communication between crew members and engineers. Quick decision-making and adaptability are crucial, as is ensuring everyone on site follows established protocols to prevent accidents and minimize downtime.

What is the difference between Drilling Rig Supervisor vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectDrilling Rig SupervisorDrilling Engineer
CredentialsRelevant certifications, OSHA safety trainingEngineering degree, technical certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling rigs, overseeing operationsOffice-based, planning and designing drilling programs
Industry UsageSupervises daily rig activities, safety complianceDevelops drilling plans, technical analysis

The Drilling Rig Supervisor primarily manages daily operations and safety on the rig, ensuring smooth drilling activities. In contrast, the Drilling Engineer focuses on planning, designing, and technical aspects of drilling projects. Both roles are essential in the drilling industry but differ in responsibilities and work environment.

What are popular job titles related to Drilling Rig Supervisor jobs in California?

For Drilling Rig Supervisor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drilling Rig Supervisor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Drilling Rig Supervisor jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Drilling Rig Supervisor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $68,137 per year, or $32.8 per hour.

Surface Core Driller

Nasco Industrial Services & Supply

California City, CA • On-site

$32 - $35/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

NISS – Surface Core Driller

Location: Western USA
Position Type: Full-time, rotational (e.g. 14 days on / 7 days off or 20 days on / 10 days off or similar)
Reporting To: Toolpusher / Site Supervisor

About NISS

At NISS, we specialize in high-quality surface and helicopter supported core drilling for the mining, exploration, and geotechnical sectors. Safety, professionalism, and efficiency are at the heart of everything we do. We invest in our people, providing training, career paths, and competitive compensation.

Position Overview

We are seeking experienced Surface Core Drillers to join our field crew. The successful candidates will help operate core drilling rigs, supervise drilling assistants, maintain equipment, and ensure safe and efficient operations.

Drilling operations run 24/7 in many projects — shifts include both day and night work. You must be ready to work in remote or rugged locations and maintain a strong safety mindset.

Key Responsibilities
  • Operate and maintain core drilling rigs, downhole tooling, and associated support equipment
  • Lead and supervise drill assistants, train and mentor new crew members
  • Execute and document pre-shift inspections, toolbox talks, rig moves, and site set up
  • Handle drill rods, casing, core barrels, sample handling, and drill rig consumables
  • Monitor drilling parameters and make adjustments as needed to maintain production and safety
  • Maintain accurate field logs, sample records, production data, and daily reports
  • Perform equipment maintenance, basic repairs, and troubleshooting on the rig
  • Ensure housekeeping, site cleanliness, and compliance with safety protocols
  • Communicate transparently with Toolpusher, Supervisors, Project Managers and clients
  • Adhere to all company, client, and regulatory safety requirements
Qualifications & Requirements
  • Proven experience in surface core drilling or similar roles (geotechnical, exploration)
  • Ability to lead a small crew and supervise daily operations
  • Basic mechanical aptitude — understanding of diesel engines, hydraulics, drilling tools, etc.
  • Strong commitment to safety, with experience in safe work practices
  • Physical capability to lift up to 100+ lbs., work at heights, and perform strenuous tasks
  • Ability to work long hours (often 12-hour shifts), in remote or extreme weather conditions
  • Valid driver’s license, clean driving record
  • Pass pre-employment physical, drug & background screening
  • Willingness to adhere to rotational schedule (e.g. 14 on / 7 off or 20 on / 10 off)
  • Comfortable living on site and adapting to changing field conditions
  • Good communication skills and ability to work well in a team
Work Schedule & Conditions
  • Typical rotations: 14 days on / 7 days off (or per project schedule)
  • Other rotations: 20 days on / 10 days off or 28 days on / 14 days off
  • 12-hour shifts (day and night) — rigs operate 24/7
  • Remote, rugged locations with travel required
  • Camp-style living, with site accommodations and meals provided
  • Exposure to extreme weather, uneven terrain, and physically demanding tasks
Compensation & Benefits
  • Competitive hourly wage or salary (based on experience)
  • Overtime and shift premium pay
  • Travel per diem when required
  • Comprehensive benefits package (health, dental, vision, life, etc.)
  • Retirement plan / 401(k) or equivalent
  • Training and career development opportunities
  • Progressive advancement track (Driller → Lead Driller → Foreman / Toolpusher)