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Freelance Oil Rig Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Technician

Mountain Pass, CA · On-site

$35.70 - $47.18/hr

Boiler operating certification preferred. * Valid Driver's License to drive company vehicles on and ... Must be able to demonstrate the ability to properly rig a 1,000 lb. unbalanced load in a short ...

Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ... Experience sizing or integrating heat exchangers or a heat rejection path against real operating ...

Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ... Experience sizing or integrating heat exchangers or a heat rejection path against real operating ...

Senior Thermo-Mechanical Engineer

Torrance, CA · On-site

$107K - $141K/yr

Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ... Experience sizing or integrating heat exchangers or a heat rejection path against real operating ...

Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ... Experience sizing or integrating heat exchangers or a heat rejection path against real operating ...

Support test rig design and instrumentation placement. Utilize collected data to improve component ... Experience sizing or integrating heat exchangers or a heat rejection path against real operating ...

Ability to rig, operationally test, and/or troubleshoot systems; determine when they are operating ... Exposed to bodily fluids, dirt, grease, and aircraft fluids (oil, hydraulic, fuel, sealants ...

Showing results 41-60

Freelance Oil Rig Operator information

What is the difference between Freelance Oil Rig Operator vs Contract Oil Rig Worker?

AspectFreelance Oil Rig OperatorContract Oil Rig Worker
CredentialsCertifications in offshore safety, equipment operationSimilar certifications, often required for safety and operation
Work EnvironmentOn offshore oil rigs, variable locationsOn offshore oil rigs, temporary or project-based
Employer/Industry UsageSelf-employed or hired through agencies, flexible contractsHired by companies for specific projects, fixed-term contracts

Both Freelance Oil Rig Operators and Contract Oil Rig Workers operate in offshore environments with similar certifications. The key difference lies in employment type: freelancers work independently or through agencies with flexible arrangements, while contract workers are hired directly for specific projects with fixed durations.

How do I get a job on a freelance oil rig operator with no experience?

To become a freelance oil rig operator with no experience, you should obtain relevant certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) and gain basic technical skills. Starting with entry-level positions or apprenticeships can help you build experience and demonstrate your ability to work in the demanding offshore environment.

How much are freelance oil rig operators paid?

Freelance oil rig operators typically earn between $30 and $70 per hour, depending on experience, certifications, and the complexity of the rig. They may also receive additional compensation for overtime, hazardous conditions, or remote locations, with annual earnings often ranging from $60,000 to over $150,000 for experienced professionals.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs in California?

For Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Oil Rig Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Freelance Oil Rig Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Oil Rig Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 58% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Plug & Abandonment Technician - Intervention Services & Drilling Tools

Santa Paula, CA • On-site

Weatherford International
Clean Energy Services • 10K+ employees

$25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Weatherford rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description


Job Summary
The Plug & Abandonment Technician role undertakes hands-on tasks and utilizes Weatherford's equipment, machinery and systems. The role applies techniques and practices to complete assignments using technical manuals, procedures and work instructions. While this is a generic job description covering all levels of the Field Operator position, all aspects of the roles and responsibilities are relevant. More senior roles may have leadership responsibilities at the rig site of other Field Operators.
Hourly Rate: $25/hour + field bonus eligible
Responsibilities
Performs duties according to documented Weatherford policies and complies with all Standard Operating Procedures and Work Place Practices
Participates in all daily operations & safety meetings, toolbox, Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and reports any issues promptly using the appropriate tools
Maintains equipment, facilities and work area in a presentable and safe working condition
Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of all policies & procedures, related operational & non-operational documentation, support systems, complies with all Technical Work Instructions, carrying out work assignments to the highest quality level and within time constraints as required
Performs functional tests, inspection and monitoring of equipment with strict adherence to specific work instructions against their level of training & competence
Inspects used parts to determine changes in dimensional requirements, using rules, calipers, micrometers, or other measuring instruments
Follows maintenance processes & procedures to undertake the following; unloading, disassembly, cleaning, pressure testing, visual checking, assembly, loading, and storage of tools, completing all necessary documentation as required against their level of training & competence
Rigs up / down equipment with strict adherence to specific work instructions against their level of training & competence
Cleans, lubricates, repairs and operates equipment as per work instructions against their level of training & competence
Services and maintains mechanical, electronic and hydraulic components as per work instructions against their level of training & competence
Drives Vehicles such as Pickups, trucks and truck-mounted units to well sites
Maintains a satisfactory driving record In senior positions, the employee will often lead other field operators in undertaking all the assignments detailed above. This includes Planning and Coordination of jobs from beginning to end, operation of equipment, troubleshooting equipment issues, implementing corrective actions, and providing access to all related documented policies, procedures, work instructions, and technical manuals allowing the team to complete their work effectively and efficiently. They will provide leadership, act as a mentor and perform competency assessments for other co-workers.
Senior roles might lead the workshop, defining and distributing the work assignment schedules while evaluating the quality, proficiency, and efficiency of the work being carried out through performing regular inspections to ensure compliance with standard operating procedures
Performs other duties and activities safely as assigned by supervisor within physical constraints of the job
Skills/Education Required
1 - 2 ½ years of experience in the Oil & Gas industry.
High School Diploma
Basic Mathematics
Perform maintenance, repair, troubleshooting, and monitoring of equipment
Critical thinking, active learning & listening, complex problem solving
Good reading and writing skills, strong judgment and decision-making to be in line with policies & procedures
Time management
Quality Control Analysis to ensure the product meets required standards
Capable to meet the physical demands that the role requires
Information & task ordering & ability to identify when a problem may occur and, where possible, to understand the solution
Ability to react effectively and efficiently in operating tools and machinery
Ability to imagine how tools and products will look when preparing for assembly, repair, or modifications
Skills/Education Preferred
Basic Computer Skills
Travel Requirement
This role may require domestic and potentially international travel of up to 50-75%
About Us:
Weatherford is a leading global energy services company. Our world-class experts partner with customers to optimize their resources and realize the full potential of their assets. Across our operating locations, including manufacturing, research and development, service, and training facilities, operators choose us for strategic solutions that add efficiency, flexibility, and responsibility to any energy operation.
When you join Weatherford, you instantly feel connected to something bigger - a community that is grounded by our core values and driven to create innovative solutions for our customers. We celebrate each other's successes, grow together, and learn from each other constantly. Individually, we are impressive. Together, we are unstoppable. We are One Weatherford.
Weatherford is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
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