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Oil Rig Job Jobs in Norwalk, IA (NOW HIRING)

Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil. * Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations. * Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil. * Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations. * Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.

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... wastewater, oil & gas, food processing) - Welding or machining experience - Electrical troubleshooting experience - Previous service tech work experience Skills & Competencies - Strong ...

Potential low exposure to various conditions, including dirt, heat, fumes, smoke, water, noise, vibration, grease, oil, and dust. POWERX is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants ...

Potential low exposure to various conditions, including dirt, heat, fumes, smoke, water, noise, vibration, grease, oil, and dust. POWERX is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants ...

Potential low exposure to various conditions, including dirt, heat, fumes, smoke, water, noise, vibration, grease, oil, and dust. POWERX is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants ...

Inspects assigned truck equipment and supplies such as tires, lights, brakes gas, diesel, oil, water, and all other fluid levels using pre and post trip inspections, through coordination with ...

Must have experience in preventative maintenance and light equipment repair (i.e. oil changes, break jobs, etc.) * May be required to travel to job sites and for training up to 50% of the time.

Oil Rig Job information

See Norwalk, IA salary details

$13

$21

$36

How much do oil rig job jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for oil rig job in Norwalk, IA is $21.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $26.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by workers on oil rigs, and how are these typically managed by teams?

Oil rig jobs often involve working in remote locations, harsh weather conditions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Workers may face challenges such as long shifts, extended periods away from home, and physically demanding tasks. Teams manage these challenges through rigorous safety training, strong communication, and a rotational work schedule that allows for adequate rest. Collaboration and support among crew members are essential to maintain safety and productivity on the rig.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an oil rig job, and why are they important?

To thrive in an oil rig job, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, physical fitness, and knowledge of safety protocols and basic mechanical skills. Familiarity with drilling equipment, safety certification (such as H2S and Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training), and experience with rig-specific software are often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These qualifications are vital to ensure operational efficiency and safety in the challenging and hazardous environment of an oil rig.

What is an oil rig job?

Oil rig jobs refer to the various positions involved in the exploration, extraction, and production of oil and gas from beneath the earth's surface, often at offshore or remote locations. These jobs can include roles such as drillers, roughnecks, derrickhands, engineers, geologists, and support staff. Working on an oil rig typically involves long shifts, physically demanding tasks, and adhering to strict safety regulations. Oil rig jobs can be well-paying but often require workers to stay on-site for extended periods before rotating off for rest. The industry offers opportunities for career advancement, especially for those willing to gain experience and additional training.

How much does an oil rig job pay?

Oil rig jobs typically pay between $50,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Entry-level positions like roustabouts start around $40,000 to $60,000, while specialized roles such as drillers or engineers can earn significantly more, often exceeding $100,000 per year. Overtime, safety certifications, and working offshore shifts can also impact overall compensation.

How do I get hired on an oil rig?

To get hired on an oil rig, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant safety certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET), and experience in the oil and gas industry or related fields. Employers often require physical fitness, the ability to work in challenging environments, and sometimes prior offshore experience or specialized skills like welding or equipment operation.
What cities near Norwalk, IA are hiring for Oil Rig Job jobs? Cities near Norwalk, IA with the most Oil Rig Job job openings:
Infographic showing various Oil Rig Job job openings in Norwalk, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,182 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

TERRACON

Des Moines, IA

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Terracon rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 119 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional drilling or in-situ testing techniques. Drill methods may include auger drilling, mud rotary drilling, air rotary drilling, and diamond bit coring techniques. In-situ testing techniques may include cone penetration testing (CPT), pressure meter testing, and rock dilatometer testing. Work may also include the installation of instrumentation such as piezometers, monitor wells and inclinometers. Work as part of a multiple person team on projects. ETMs will perform daily tasks including survey and locate drilling points; conduct site reconnaissance; load/unload tooling, materials and samples; classify soil and rock samples; perform routine maintenance and basic repairs on drilling equipment, prepare internal (daily field forms) and external (DOT Logs) paperwork.
Terracon is a 100 percent employee-owned multidiscipline consulting firm comprised of more than 8,000 curious minds focused on solving engineering and technical challenges from more than 200 locations nationwide. Since 1965, Terracon has evolved into a successful multi-discipline firm specializing in environmental, facilities, geotechnical, and materials services. Terracon's growth is due to our talented employee-owners exceeding expectations in client service and growing their careers with new and exciting opportunities in the marketplace. Terracon was recognized as the #1 firm in Asbestos and Lead Abatement.

Terracon's vision of "Together, we are best at people" is demonstrated through our excellent compensation and benefits package. Based on eligibility, role and job status, we offer many programs including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) plan, paid time off and holidays, education reimbursement, and various bonus programs.
Innovation and hands-on practice come together in our geotechnical consulting services. We provide geotechnical services nationwide for a wide range of projects, drawing on six decades of historical geotechnical data, a fleet of more than 200 drill rigs, 140 accredited laboratories, and thousands of employees to quickly organize or capture site data wherever projects are located.From AI-supported solutions and predictive technologies to geophysics and traditional exploration, we deliver precision, value-added subsurface information and engineering and scientific expertise to solving our clients' challenges and achieve their goals for project sustainability, quality, and efficiency.
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Minimum 1-year experience.
  • A valid driver's license with acceptable violation history.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Many states require specific driller/well installation licensure. Where applicable, such licensure is required.

Required Qualifications:

  • Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card within first 30 days of employment.
  • The employee will be expected to perform the following tasks:
    • Operate a geotechnical drill rig to advance shallow boreholes in soil.
    • Oversee a 2-man drill crew in all tasks associated with drilling operations.
    • Install instrumentation and monitoring wells.
    • Perform routine repairs and maintenance. 
    • Perform basic surveying, site reconnaissance, and utility clearance tasks
    • Drive all forms of drilling equipment to and from project locations.
    • Work to independently inspect and complete routine maintenance of equipment.
    • Follow safety rules, guidelines and standards for all projects. Participate in pre-task planning. Report any safety issues or concerns to management.
    • Be responsible for maintaining quality standards on all projects.

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