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Freelance Solids Control Operator Jobs in Denver, CO

Senior Drilling Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

Actively benchmark FourPoint projects as compared to other operators. Data Streams would include but not limited to: * Surface: EDR, Sample Analysis, Fluids and Solids Control, MPD, Energy ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

These systems will integrate instrumentation, controls, plumbing, fluid power, and solids handling ... control narratives, cause-and-effect matrices, test plans, operating procedures, and safety ...

Senior Controls Engineer

Boulder, CO · On-site

$100K - $132K/yr

These systems will integrate instrumentation, controls, plumbing, fluid power, and solids handling ... control narratives, cause-and-effect matrices, test plans, operating procedures, and safety ...

Freelance Solids Control Operator information

See Denver, CO salary details

$12

$25

$39

How much do freelance solids control operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance solids control operator in Denver, CO is $25.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $28.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance solids control operator?

Freelance Solids Control Operators are independent contractors who specialize in managing and maintaining solids control equipment on drilling sites. Their primary role is to remove solid particles from drilling fluids, ensuring the fluids can be reused and the drilling operation runs efficiently. They are hired on a project or temporary basis, often traveling to various drilling locations as needed. These professionals must have expertise in handling specialized equipment and a strong understanding of drilling processes to ensure safety and compliance on site.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance solids control operator?

To thrive as a Freelance Solids Control Operator, you need a solid understanding of drilling fluid systems, mechanical aptitude, and relevant experience in oilfield operations. Familiarity with solids control equipment such as centrifuges, shakers, desanders, and knowledge of safety protocols are crucial, and certifications like H2S Alive or OSHA may be required. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication are vital soft skills for working on diverse rigs and collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. These competencies ensure efficient solids removal, promote environmental compliance, and support safe, productive drilling operations.

What are the typical challenges a freelance solids control operator faces when working on different drilling sites?

Freelance Solids Control Operators often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying equipment brands and site-specific procedures, as each drilling project may use different systems and technologies. They must quickly assess site conditions, understand local safety protocols, and communicate effectively with new teams to ensure efficient solids control and waste management. Additionally, freelancers need to be highly self-reliant, as they are responsible for their own scheduling, travel, and maintaining up-to-date certifications. Building strong relationships with drilling crews and staying current on industry best practices can help overcome these challenges and lead to more consistent work opportunities.

What is the difference between Freelance Solids Control Operator vs Drilling Rig Floorhand?

AspectFreelance Solids Control Operator
  • Certifications: Usually requires solids control certifications and safety training
  • Work Environment: Operates equipment on drilling sites, often outdoors
  • Employer: Hired by drilling companies or as independent contractors
  • Industry Usage: Commonly searched for in oil and gas drilling contexts

While both roles work on drilling sites, a Freelance Solids Control Operator specializes in managing solids control equipment, whereas a Drilling Rig Floorhand assists with rig operations. The operator focuses on equipment maintenance and operation, requiring specific certifications, while the floorhand performs manual labor tasks. Understanding these differences helps job seekers target the right roles in the oil and gas industry.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Solids Control Operator jobs in Denver, CO?

For Freelance Solids Control Operator jobs in Denver, CO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Solids Control Operator jobs in Denver, CO look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Solids Control Operator jobs in Denver, CO are:

Infographic showing various Freelance Solids Control Operator job openings in Denver, CO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,745 per year, or $25.4 per hour.

Senior Drilling Engineer

Fourpoint Energy

Denver, CO • On-site

$150 - $190/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Denver, CO 80206

Salary Range: $150,000.00 - $190,000.00 per year

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Schedule, design and supervise the drilling and construction of modern horizontal oil and gas wells. Work closely with Drilling Manager, Operational Geologist(s), and Field Operations to ensure well costs and performance meet or exceed FourPoint objectives to maximize the value of oil and gas properties, prospects, and lands.

Compile and evaluate data regarding current drilling practices, technological advancements, and opportunities for improvement in areas of operation. Actively benchmark FourPoint projects as compared to other operators.

Data Streams would include but not limited to:

  • Surface: EDR, Sample Analysis, Fluids and Solids Control, MPD, Energy Consumption, HSE, etc.
  • Downhole: Drill-String Integrated Data Loggers, PWD, MWD
  • Regulatory and Government Relations: Federal, State and/or Tribal Regulation Compliance

Closely follow industry progress throughout the US to identify drilling techniques applicable to improving efficiency and productivity on FourPoint projects.

Write detailed drilling prognosis, compile and summarize well data, and supply same to field employees in a timely manner.

Evaluate appropriate rigs, rig contracts, and on-site drilling supervisors, directional drillers, fluid engineers and any other appropriate field positions.

  • Identify critical drilling rig capabilities to complement FourPoint’s current development program and acreage position.
  • Tailor the contract between operator and contractor to minimize operator risk and over the term maximize operational and economic consistency.
  • Drilling field team personnel management: have the experience and expertise to handle talent acquisition, team development and performance management.

Design wells to comply with all applicable state and federal laws, rules, and regulatory requirements. Work with the FourPoint Land division to ensure regulatory reports are filed in an accurate and timely manner.

Work with Management and Land colleagues to schedule, track, and execute tasks required to plan and execute drilling projects.

Estimate drilling costs for AFE preparation. Utilize all available information such as AFE vs Actual reports from both operated and non-operated projects.

Bid appropriate equipment and services and select appropriate vendors to optimize efficiency, balance cost with reliability, and maximize economic outcome. Outline justifications with supporting data for the Drilling Manager to review. Consider and detail alternatives and explain advantages/disadvantages.

Communicate daily with active rig lines, including morning calls with the field team and other FourPoint ops personnel. At all times closely monitor MWD/LWD surveys and information, EDR data to ensure wells are executed to plan, and address modifications as necessary in a timely manner.

Coordinate with on-site drilling supervisors on a daily basis to ensure safe and efficient operations. Ability to assess a remote situation on a drilling site and be able to self‑evaluate the situation independent of the FourPoint field personnel. Critically assess what options are presented by field personnel and do not let external validation solely drive key decision making. Keep the Drilling Manager informed as dictated by the situation.

Coordinate well designs with colleagues to ensure drilling plans will meet completion objectives. This includes designing a well that will be efficient, economical, achievable and a good product to hand off to completions.

Work closely with Geologists and Reservoir Engineers to perform post appraisals on all drilling projects and develop plans for continuous economic improvement.

Support input of field data into operations database and run queries for analysis from same.

Analyze drilling performance real time, on site and/or remotely, to optimize results. Develop a cadence with 3rd party service and/or equipment providers to promote efficient BHA design evolution and optimization of field procedures.

Evaluate, adjust, and approve invoices for assigned projects within the timeline dictated by the MSA. All drilling related cost on applicable rig lines will need to be verified for accuracy in field reporting software.

Coordinate with FourPoint AP to ensure vendor’s submission compliance. Handle all disputes timely while addressing any collateral risk.

Other Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide coverage for drilling projects as needed.
  • Present project results internally, industry events and/or technical conferences.
  • Organize and lead quarterly updates, pre‑spud meetings and other in‑field events.
  • Other duties as required.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a physical science related discipline.
  • Over 5 years of experience in Drilling and/or Oil & Gas Operations.
  • Over 3 years of experience in a Field Discipline under Drilling Operations.
  • Fully proficient with Data Analytics Software (Spotfire, Tableau, PowerBI).
  • Proficient with Torque and Drag, Hydraulics and Well Planning software.
Physical Requirements
  • Sitting, standing, walking, visual, and mental acuity, manual dexterity, hearing, speaking.
  • Ability to work at computer for long periods of time.
Environmental Conditions
  • Primary work is indoors in office environment.
  • Travel to field locations is encouraged. At field locations, may be exposed to and must be able to drive in adverse weather conditions (snow, rain, ice, wind, cold, heat, etc.) and may be exposed to constant noise, flammable fluids, and fluids under high pressure.
Compensation and Benefits

Annual compensation based on experience: $150,000 - $190,000. This position may be filled as a Drilling Engineer or Senior Drilling Engineer, at Management’s discretion.

Other benefits include:

  • Eligible for annual incentive compensation.
  • Paid Time Off.
  • Medical, dental and vision benefits.
  • 401(k) with company match.

FourPoint Energy, LLC reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in any way the company desires. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The employment relationship remains “at‑will.” The aforementioned job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified disabled individuals.

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