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Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Patterson-UTI

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Fruita, CO

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of ... Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary * Attend and ...

Patterson-UTI

Floorhand - Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO · On-site

$27/hr

General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning ... Use iron roughneck, slips, and tongs to properly handle and connect / break sections of drill pipe ...

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Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck, you need physical stamina, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, heavy machinery, and sometimes certifications like H2S Alive or first aid are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and a willingness to work long hours in challenging environments are valuable soft skills. These abilities ensure the safety, efficiency, and reliability needed for successful oil rig operations.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level oil rig roughnecks, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Entry level oil rig roughnecks often face challenges such as physically demanding work, long shifts (sometimes 12 hours or more), and adapting to a fast-paced, safety-focused environment. The work can be repetitive and is usually performed outdoors, regardless of weather conditions. New hires can prepare by building physical stamina, learning about safety protocols, and being ready to work collaboratively as part of a close-knit team. Demonstrating a strong work ethic and willingness to learn can help overcome these initial challenges and lead to advancement opportunities.

What are entry level oil rig roughnecks?

Entry level oil rig roughnecks are workers who perform basic, physically demanding tasks on oil and gas drilling rigs. Their responsibilities include handling drill pipes, cleaning equipment, assisting more experienced crew members, and maintaining safety standards on site. Roughnecks are essential to the drilling operation, often working long hours in challenging outdoor environments. This position is considered an entry point into the oil and gas industry, offering opportunities to gain experience and advance to higher roles over time.

What is the difference between Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck vs Entry Level Oil Rig Roustabout?

AspectEntry Level Oil Rig RoughneckEntry Level Oil Rig Roustabout
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety certificationsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOn drilling rigs, physically demanding, outdoorOn drilling rigs, physically demanding, outdoor
Job ResponsibilitiesAssisting with drilling operations, handling equipmentAssisting with general rig maintenance and support tasks
Industry UsageCommonly used in oil and gas drillingCommonly used in oil and gas drilling

Both roles are entry-level positions on oil rigs requiring similar certifications and work environments. The Roughneck typically focuses more on assisting with drilling operations and handling equipment, while the Roustabout performs general maintenance and support tasks. Both are essential for rig operations and often overlap in daily duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig Roughneck jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Oil Rig Roughneck jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs in Colorado? For Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs in Colorado are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck job openings:
Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Oil Rig Roughneck job openings in Colorado as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Field Maintenance Tech PDC

Patterson-UTI

Fruita, CO • On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Patterson-UTI rating

4.4

Company rating: 4.4 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 74 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Job Description
The Field Maintenance Technician 1 travels to drilling rig field locations to perform a variety of equipment service and maintenance activities. Activities include servicing, repairing, adjusting, inspecting and testing equipment, documenting equipment condition and maintenance activities. Additional duties include training and mentoring other technicians and rig crews on operational level maintenance, coordinating maintenance related projects on rigs, and providing appropriate feedback to the job site manager and maintenance management team.
Detailed Description:
  • Plan appropriately to drive extended distances to rig locations and perform maintenance duties

  • Basic diagnostic knowledge of mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical faults and plan coordination for the repair of the system(s)

  • Assist in training operational crews and assistant technicians in preventative maintenance checks and services, including how to properly implement and conduct basic and intermediate repairs

  • Assist in maintenance related projects on the rig with the rig crew or 3rd party support

  • Assist with repairs identified during the technical level inspections

  • Demonstrate basic knowledge in performing and accurately documenting the findings of technical level inspections on the Top Drive, MudPump, Iron Roughneck, Catwalk, Engines and/or electrical/VFD inspections

  • Ability to read and have a basic understanding of schematics (electrical, mechanical, and/or hydraulic)

  • Effectively utilize multimeter to detect voltages and current in basic electrical and electric over hydraulic circuits

  • Effectively wire circuitry and plugs ranging from 4 milliamps to 480 volts

  • Demonstrate knowledge in utilizing feeler gauges, dial indicators and other specific tools to perform inspections

  • Utilize Cat ET, Waukesha, and other programming platforms to perform engine diagnostics

  • Effectively install, test, and set hydraulic pressures utilizing a hydraulic pressure testing kit

  • Effectively identify and change filters in equipment

  • Demonstrate the ability to utilize a torque wrench and torque multiplier to appropriately torque connections

  • Perform trouble shooting and problem-solving on assigned equipment and assets

  • Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

Job Requirements:
  • Demonstrate ability to successfully complete all duties and required trainings of a Field Maintenance Assistant Technician

  • Ability to safely navigate drilling rig work sites with occasional walking, climbing, standing, stepping, etc. during normal rig operating conditions (day/night, outdoor hot/cold weather)

  • Ability to travel to visit drilling rig work sites and support business units in all areas as assigned; requiring extended travel to remote locations and/or overnight stay(s) outside normal office area

  • Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English

  • Knowledge of, ability and experience troubleshooting and repairing complex problems on multiple types of oilfield drilling equipment and systems

  • Possess mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and/or control system skills

  • Possess strong computer skills in Microsoft Office

  • Ability to demonstrate proficiency in using maintenance software, updating and properly closing work orders

  • Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces

  • Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl during visits to field and operational work areas

  • Frequently use a variety of hand and power tools to perform a range of mechanically oriented functions including independent use of heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools

  • Ability to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties

  • Ability to listen for unusual noises that signify equipment and machinery problems

  • Ability to accurately recall information over short and long-term memory

  • Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects

  • Stay alert and focused during occasional extended work periods

  • Ability to immediately respond to emergency situations

  • Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection

  • Ability to work a rotational schedule that can include days or nights as well as weekends, holidays, and be on call after hours

  • Demonstrate basic math skills

  • Possess strong interpersonal skills including ability to interact productively with coworkers and third parties; working closely with others under deadlines including time-sensitive response situations

  • Ability to operate oilfield equipment, and pass all certification exams as necessary

  • Attend and successfully complete all additional training courses, certification courses and related work, as assigned

  • Work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties

  • Ability to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Level 1

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Two (2) years stable related work history in field maintenance or one (1) year of troubleshooting and repair related experience and successful completion of related vocational training

  • Must have valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to drive Company vehicle including ability to meet requirements of Company's vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

  • Level 2

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Three (3) years stable related work history in field maintenance or two (2) years history in troubleshooting and repair of drilling rig equipment (drawworks, mud pumps, top drive systems, or related electrical systems) and successful completion of advanced education in a relevant vocational field

  • Must have valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to drive Company vehicle including ability to meet requirements of Company's Vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

  • Level 3

  • High School Diploma or GED

  • Four (4) years of field maintenance experience (additional years of experience may serve in lieu of advanced education) including a minimum two (2) years of experience working with: electrical control systems and/or repair and preventative equipment maintenance of oilfield equipment or related

  • Technical or vocational training or related experience on a variety of control and power systems and mechanical equipment

  • Must have valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to drive Company vehicle including ability to meet requirements of Company's vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 2 years of Patterson-UTI field-based experience

  • Related OEM training

  • Experience working with Omron, Amphion, or Current Power Control systems, or related electrical control systems

  • Experience with equipment maintenance to include: Caterpillar 3512 series engines, Waukesha L7044 Series engines, Alta DW, F-1600 mud pumps, Forum Catwalk, GD800 DW, ST-80, Rotary Table, Hydraulics, TDS 11 Top Drive, ADS-10 SD DW, DSDG 375 DW, or related

  • Experience with: Omron, Amphion, Current Power, Siemens, Function Block, Allen Bradley, ABB Drives, Woodward Easy Gen Controls, Yaskawa Drives, or other related electrical equipment

  • Previous experience in a supervisory or leadership role in the oil and natural gas industry or related field

Rate of Pay: Starting at $27.30/hr.
This role is classified as Hourly
The role is eligible to receive per diem
This role may be eligible for a cell phone allowance
At Patterson-UTI, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to you and your family. Employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits based on timely election and any associated premium payments: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with the appropriate Medical Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D and Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Assistance Program. In addition, this role may be eligible for Paid Time Off as per Company policy
The wage and benefits information provided herein are accurate as of the date of posting. All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change at any time, without notice, subject to applicable law.

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