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Foundation Drill Rig Operator Jobs in California

Maxsim Traffic Logistics

Bore Rig Operator

Acampo, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Pre-drilling duties * Site preparation : Before drilling, the operator is responsible for positioning the rig and associated equipment, such as mud pumps and generators, at the correct location. In ...

Dyno Nobel

Drill Operator

Victorville, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Job Brief Operate applicable drill equipment in a safe, reliable, timely and professional manner. Assist the operator in the safe operation of the drill rig and drill truck. The pay for this role is ...

Dyno Nobel

Driller / Drill Operator

Corona, CA · On-site

$19/hr

Job Brief Operate applicable drill equipment in a safe, reliable, timely and professional manner. Assist the operator in the safe operation of the drill rig and drill truck. The pay for this role is ...

Dyno Nobel

Drill Operator

Victorville, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

What You'll Do As the Drill Operator, you will operate applicable drill equipment in a safe, reliable, timely and professional manner. Assist the operator in the safe operation of the drill rig and ...

Dyno Nobel

Driller / Drill Operator

Corona, CA

$19/hr

What You'll Do As a Driller / Drill Operator, you will operate applicable drill equipment in a safe ... drill rig and drill truck including cleaning, maintenance, and repairs. Train with trainer to ...

Schnabel

Geotechnical Driller

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$63.46 - $70/hr

... operating drill rigs proficiently. * High level of focus in a construction environment that is very busy and noisy. * Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain ...

Schnabel

Geotechnical Driller

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$63.46 - $70/hr

... operating drill rigs proficiently. * High level of focus in a construction environment that is very busy and noisy. * Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain ...

Schnabel

Geotechnical Driller

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

... operating drill rigs proficiently. * High level of focus in a construction environment that is very busy and noisy. * Current certification for vertical and/or tieback drill rig or willing to obtain ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Modesto, CA

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain for Rent

Rig Team Lead

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Stockton, CA

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Guadalupe, CA

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Lodi, CA

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Paso Robles, CA

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain for Rent

Rig Team Lead

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

Rain For Rent

Rig Team Lead

Lompoc, CA

$25 - $31/hr

The Rig Team Lead will assist with the installation, maintenance, and operation of drilling ... vehicle prior to operating the vehicle on the road or in the yard. Perform basic equipment ...

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All JobsFoundation Drill Rig Operator JobsFoundation Drill Rig Operator Jobs in California

Foundation Drill Rig Operator information

See California salary details

$13

$27

$50

How much do foundation drill rig operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for foundation drill rig operator in California is $27.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foundation Drill Rig Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foundation Drill Rig Operator, you need hands-on experience with heavy equipment, knowledge of soil and drilling techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with drill rig controls, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications like OSHA or NCCCO are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities help operators manage site challenges and communicate effectively with crew members. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and precise drilling operations that are critical for successful foundation construction.

What are Foundation Drill Rig Operators?

Foundation Drill Rig Operators are skilled professionals who operate heavy drilling equipment to create holes or shafts in the ground for building foundations, such as those used in bridges, skyscrapers, and other large structures. Their work involves reading blueprints, setting up and maintaining drilling rigs, monitoring drill operations, and ensuring safety protocols are followed on construction sites. These operators play a crucial role in the early stages of construction projects, as the stability and safety of the entire structure often depend on the quality of the drilled foundations.

What is the difference between Foundation Drill Rig Operator vs Pile Driver?

AspectFoundation Drill Rig OperatorPile Driver
CertificationsOSHA safety training, equipment operation licensesOSHA safety training, equipment operation licenses
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, drilling locationsConstruction sites, pile driving areas
Job DutiesOperate drilling machinery for foundation installationDrive piles into the ground to support structures

Both roles require safety certifications and involve working on construction sites. The Foundation Drill Rig Operator specializes in operating drilling equipment for foundation work, while the Pile Driver focuses on driving piles into the ground. Although their tasks differ, they share similar skills and work environments, often overlapping in construction projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Foundation Drill Rig Operators on construction sites?

Foundation Drill Rig Operators often encounter challenges such as working in confined or uneven spaces, dealing with varying soil conditions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Adaptability is crucial, as unexpected obstacles like underground utilities or adverse weather can impact drilling progress. Operators regularly collaborate with site supervisors, engineers, and other trades to ensure that drilling meets project specifications and timelines while maintaining a safe work environment.
What are popular job titles related to Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs in California? For Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Foundation Drill Rig Operator job openings:
Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Drill Rig Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,158 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Bore Rig Operator

Maxsim Traffic Logistics

Acampo, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

A bore rig operator's duties include

safely operating and maintaining drilling equipment to create deep, narrow holes for various purposes, including utility installation, water wells, and resource extraction. They work as part of a crew and must follow detailed project plans and strict safety protocols.

Pre-drilling duties

  • Site preparation: Before drilling, the operator is responsible for positioning the rig and associated equipment, such as mud pumps and generators, at the correct location. In directional drilling, they must first verify the bore path and mark all existing underground utilities to avoid accidental damage.
  • Inspections and checks: The operator conducts pre-operation inspections to ensure all equipment is in working order. This includes verifying that all safety systems and support equipment are functioning properly.
  • Fluid mixing: Depending on the type of drilling, the operator may need to mix drilling fluids or "mud" by adding clay and chemicals to water to achieve the right consistency.

Operation duties

  • Equipment operation: The operator skillfully uses levers and controls to manage the drill's speed, pressure, and direction. They monitor gauges to ensure the machine operates within safe and optimal parameters.
  • Collaboration: They work with a crew and may direct their activities, such as connecting drill pipes and assembling rig components.
  • Sampling and analysis: In water well or geotechnical drilling, the operator may collect and log core samples to determine the nature of the rock and soil strata being drilled.
  • Problem-solving: The operator must troubleshoot issues during drilling, including addressing geological obstacles and retrieving lost or broken bits and pipes.
  • Directional steering: For directional boring projects, the operator uses specialized equipment to precisely guide the drill head along the planned underground path.

Post-drilling and maintenance duties

  • Data recording: The operator is responsible for maintaining accurate records of the drilling process, including footage drilled, materials used, and geological data.
  • Equipment maintenance: Regular and preventative maintenance is a key duty. This includes cleaning, greasing, and repairing equipment to ensure it performs correctly.
  • Well completion: For water wells, the operator installs the well casing, necessary hardware, and the pump to prepare the well for use.
  • Site cleanup: After the job is complete, the operator and crew clean and restore the site, which may include plugging observation wells.