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Trainee Drill Rig Operator Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Work with drillers, rig managers, directional drillers, and/or operator real-time centers to maximize drilling performance on Patterson rigs. * Visit rig sites and work directly with drillers and/or ...

Work with drillers, rig managers, directional drillers, and/or operator real-time centers to maximize drilling performance on Patterson rigs. * Visit rig sites and work directly with drillers and/or ...

Load drill pipe, mud, and equipment. * Assist driller/CPT operator in the operations of the rig by handling drill pipe, mixing drill mud, and handling casing and other equipment. * Drive equipment to ...

Load drill pipe, mud, and equipment. * Assist driller/CPT operator in the operations of the rig by handling drill pipe, mixing drill mud, and handling casing and other equipment. * Drive equipment to ...

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Trainee Drill Rig Operator information

See Houston, TX salary details

$12

$26

$49

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

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for trainee drill rig operator in Houston, TX is $26.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $29.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Trainee Drill Rig Operator vs Drilling Technician?

AspectTrainee Drill Rig OperatorDrilling Technician
CertificationsBasic safety and operation certificationsAdvanced certifications in drilling technology
Work EnvironmentOn-site at drilling locations, learning on the jobOn-site and maintenance roles, supporting drilling operations
Job FocusLearning to operate drilling equipmentMaintaining and troubleshooting drilling machinery

The main difference is that a Trainee Drill Rig Operator is in training to operate drilling equipment, focusing on learning and gaining experience. A Drilling Technician has more technical responsibilities, including maintenance and troubleshooting, often requiring additional certifications. Both roles are essential in drilling operations but differ in experience level and job focus.

What are the most commonly searched types of Drill Rig Operator jobs in Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Drill Rig Operator jobs in Houston, TX are:

What are popular job titles related to Trainee Drill Rig Operator jobs in Houston, TX?

For Trainee Drill Rig Operator jobs in Houston, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Trainee Drill Rig Operator jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Trainee Drill Rig Operator jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Trainee Drill Rig Operator jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Trainee Drill Rig Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Trainee Drill Rig Operator job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, 51% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,309 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Webber - Drill Rig Operator - Heavy Civil Geotechnical

Houston, TX • On-site

Ferrovial
Construction • 1 - 5K employees

$79K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Join Ferrovial: Where Innovation Meets Opportunity

Are you ready to elevate your career with a global leader in infrastructure solving complex problems and generating a positive outcome on people's lives? At Ferrovial, we are not just a company; we are a community of innovators and trailblazers. Listed on two major stock markets: Nasdaq - 100 Index (US) and IBEX 35 (Spain), we are also member of the Dow Jones Sustainability Index and FTSE4Good. We operate in more than 15 countries and have a workforce of over 22,000 professionals worldwide. Ferrovial's activity is carried out through our business units, including Highways, Airports, Construction, and Energy.


Founded in 1963, Webber, part of Ferrovial Construction, is a leading construction company that specializes in heavy civil, waterworks, energy and infrastructure management and is dedicated to safely providing intelligent solutions to its clients and community. Webber is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with offices and projects in the United States and Canada. Webber supports a wide range of project models to meet client needs, including traditional design bid build, design build, alternative delivery models and public private partnership (P3) solutions. Webber also has an in-house engineering services department to help optimize building efficiency and quality while solving complex project challenges using field experience, innovative construction methods and BIM technology. As a subsidiary of Ferrovial, Webber has access to a global network of skilled engineers, best-in-class technology and vast resources.


Why Ferrovial?

  • Global presence, local impact: Be part of a company that is shaping the future of infrastructure worldwide, with challenging roles and projects that make a real difference.
  • Collaborative excellence:Work alongside talented professionals in a collaborative environment where your ideas and contributions are valued.
  • Inclusive Culture: Thrive in an innovative and respectful workplace that values every voice, celebrates what makes us unique and turns differences into innovation.
  • Career growth: Benefit from global and cross-business unit mobility, with development processes designed to ensure your professional growth.
  • Compelling benefits and employee wellbeing: Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that rewards your hard work and dedication and take advantage of initiatives designed to support your physical and psychological health.
  • Productivity tools: Utilize cutting-edge tools like Microsoft Copilot to enhance your productivity and efficiency.

Job Description:

Supervisor: Geotechnical Construction Manager

Must be willing and able to travel out-of-town and -state as needed for work.

Job Description: A drill operator's day-to-day responsibilities include performing daily checklists to ensure all well control equipment is fully functional and up to date. They set up and operate gun drilling equipment, making necessary corrections to keep production running in spec. They also load reels of fiber optic cable on flex track 150 plow cable six feet deep. Drill operators use hand tools and power tools to drill holes into materials depending on their types. They cross-train in other departments to broaden their skills, like PCB engineering. They read diagrams and drill holes into wood at specific locations and depths. They also regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled. They perform equipment maintenance in shop/yard locations and install inclinometers for ground movement and take soil samples. They monitor customer specifications to ensure all requirements are met. They also replace spindles and run accuracy checks.

Licenses and Certifications: Texas Driver's License with proper endorsements, depending on assignment.

Essential functions and responsibilities:

  • Observe all OSHA regulations.

  • Work in shop and run hot shots as needed.

  • Operate numerous types of drilling equipment including truck, track and ATV mount drills.

  • Operate heavy equipment, including motor graders, heavy loaders, carryalls, bulldozers, backhoes.

  • Perform geotechnical and environmental drilling with HSA, air and mud rotary, and direct push equipment.

  • Operate excavator and backhoe to expose and excavate (bell-hole) high pressure lines for tie-ins, crossings and boring.

  • Operate a backhoe for foundations, curb and gutter, sidewalks, entrances and other projects pertaining to the job layout.

  • Signal and verbally direct workers engage in hoisting and moving loads to ensure safety of workers and materials.

Requirements:

  • Must be willing and able to travel out-of-town and -state as needed for work.

  • Ability to communicate in English via verbal and written communications.

  • Mathematical proficiency as it relates to basic geometry, algebra, and mathematics.

  • Move throughout a construction jobsite which includes minor obstacles including climbing ladders and inclines, operating heavy equipment, and lifting up to 50 pounds.

  • Heavy physical activity performing strenuous day activities of a primarily productive/technical nature.

Safety Policies and Practices: The employee in this job must be knowledgeable about and follow the company's safety policies and procedures as described in the company's safety manual.

Education: High School Diploma or GED is preferred but not required.

Experience: five (5) or more years heavy highway and civil construction as a Drill Operator.

Physical Activity Level: Heavy physical activity performing strenuous day activities of a primarily productive/technical nature.

Manual Dexterity: Manual dexterity sufficient to reach/handle items and work with the fingers. Ability to perceive attributes of objects and materials.

Working Conditions: Outdoor exposure to changing weather conditions (rain, sun, snow, wind, etc.)

Work Environment: The work environment/physical demands characteristics described here are representative of those the employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat. The employee is frequently exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; and high and/ or precarious places. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pre-Employment Screening:

  • ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT IN THE UNITED STATES: Webber participates in E-Verify. Candidates must be legally eligible to work in the United States of America to qualify for employment with the Company.

  • APPLICATION REVIEW AND INTERVIEWS: Candidates whose applications are identified will be contacted by the hiring manager to participate in the interview process.

  • DRUG TEST: Candidates who are identified and selected for a position are required to complete and pass a drug screen to be considered for employment with Webber.

  • PHYSICAL: Candidates who are identified and selected for a field position are required to complete and pass a medical exam to ensure physical and/or mental capacity to complete the tasks required by the job.

  • BACKGROUND CHECK: Some positions require completion of a background check, which may include Employment History Verification, County and Federal Searches for felonies and misdemeanors, SSN Address Trace, and/or National Criminal/Sex and Violent Offender Search.

  • CONFIDENTIALITY: All information gathered from the candidate for the purpose of pre-employment screening and other Company-related documents are confidential. Webber does not provide copies or access to this information unless required by law.

Webber and its companies(e.g. Webber, LLC, Webber Waterworks, LLC, Webber Infrastructure Management, Inc., Ferrovial Webber Energy, LLC) areequal opportunity employers. We treat all jobs applications equally, regardless of gender, color, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, covered veteran status or protected genetic information (each, a"Protected Class"), or any other protected class in accordance with applicable laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment including but not limited to: hiring, placement, promotion, termination, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Seize the challenge. Move the world together! Innovative, creative, respectful, and diverse are some of the ways we describe ourselves. We are motivated by challenges, and we collaborate across our business units to move the world together. Your journey to a fulfilling career starts here!

Webber, a Ferrovial company, and its group of companies, are equal opportunity employers. We treat all job applications equally, regardless of gender, color, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, covered veteran status or protected genetic information (each, a "Protected Class"), or any other protected class in accordance with applicable laws.

#WeAreFerrovial