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Foundation Drill Rig Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Operations Engineer

Covington, VA · On-site

$59K - $80K/yr

... drilling oil and gas wells from an engineering and administration standpoint. What you will do ... Serves as liaison with Operator and Company personnel * Provides H&P Rig Superintendents with ...

... foundation as we relate to customers and each other as we Make it Happen! BLASTER TRAINEE ... Assists Blaster with drill pattern layout and setup and reviews this with the drill operator

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

Every successful engineering career needs a solid foundation, and as an Engineering Aide in the ... Operating and maintaining various types of precision surveying and laboratory test instruments and ...

Showing results 41-60

Foundation Drill Rig Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$13

$27

$51

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

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for foundation drill rig operator in Virginia is $27.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.72 and $30.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foundation drill rig operator?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foundation drill rig operator?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs in Virginia?

For Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Foundation Drill Rig Operator jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Foundation Drill Rig Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Foundation Drill Rig Operator job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,420 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Operations Engineer

Covington, VA • On-site

$59K - $80K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

At H&P, our people are our strength.

At a Glance:

The Operations Engineer is primarily responsible for using independent judgment and discretion to support and coordinate activities of workers and equipment engaged in drilling oil and gas wells from an engineering and administration standpoint.

What you will do:
  • Demonstrates a workplace that is committed to the H&P Way
  • Serves as liaison with Operator and Company personnel
  • Provides H&P Rig Superintendents with technical support as needed
  • Defines project objectives; develops operating plan; including manpower requirements, in compliance with senior management decisions related with the rig platform
  • Prepares, reviews and participates in performance review meetings with the customer to show with data the value H&P is bringing to the operation or ways that we can improve
  • Analyzes drilling operations, including safety, and recommends changes in procedures to meet goals and objectives
  • Identifies, develops, and recommends revision of standards, operating procedures, and new programs to improve efficiency
  • Participate in the planning and be involved in the rig platform structural inspections/maintenance/critical equipment certification; analyze the inspection reports and ensure actions are taken to resolve issues raised during the inspections
  • Ability to create and read engineering drawings to communicate new ideas/products
  • Monitors the condition of drilling rigs and equipment to ensure preventative maintenance procedures are followed
  • Prepares reports for managerial review concerning drilling progress, operational problems, and equipment requirements
What you need:
  • Bachelor’s Degree required
  • Familiar with American Petroleum Institute (API) specification and recommended practices
  • Familiar with Federal OCS regulatory requirements (Title 30 CFR 250)
  • Knowledge of drilling operations and equipment
  • Ability to work with multiple engineering disciplines and operational groups
  • Understanding of H&P’s external customer base and their support demands, including technical specifications
  • Strong commitment to safety by design
  • Demonstrated commitment to safety leadership
  • Ethical, self-motivated individual with the ability to set and achieve goals
  • Solid documentation and organization skills
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Must be able to create and read engineering drawings to communicate new ideas/products
  • Must be able to analyze rig platform problems; support technical service & solutions of equipment/structural/operational related problems reported
  • Strong PC-based software application skills: Excel, Word, etc.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team! For more than 100 years, Helmerich & Payne (H&P) has expanded drilling operations to meet the increasing demands of a complex and globalized industry. But our industry is changing, with software, algorithms and automation playing a more important role than ever before. We are committed to being a partner to our customers in their operations by providing custom drilling solutions and technologies that don’t just meet, but exceed, their evolving goals and expectations. It’s this commitment that drives us to invest in the brightest people and the most advanced technologies, to support our customers’ operations every step of the way.

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