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Trainee Oil Rig Worker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Two years or more of recent, workover rig operating or oil well servicing experience. Knowledge ... all workers at the work site, the environment, and the equipment; and to complete the tasks ...

Crew Worker

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or completion of CJWS Trainee program ... Basic knowledge of Rig Service Procedures and Processes e.g. RU/RD, POOH Rods/Tubing, RIH Rod ...

One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or completion of CJWS Trainee program ... Basic knowledge of Rig Service Procedures and Processes e.g. RU/RD, POOH Rods/Tubing, RIH Rod ...

Crew Worker

Bakersfield, CA

$17.75 - $23.75/hr

One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or completion of CJWS Trainee program ... Basic knowledge of Rig Service Procedures and Processes e.g. RU/RD, POOH Rods/Tubing, RIH Rod ...

Crew Worker-Ventura, CA

Ventura, CA

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and ... One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or with/around heavy industrial machinery ...

Crew Worker-Ventura, CA

Ventura, CA · On-site

$12.75 - $16.75/hr

Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and ... One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or with/around heavy industrial machinery ...

Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and ... One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or with/around heavy industrial machinery ...

Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and ... One-year prior work in an oilfield services environment or with/around heavy industrial machinery ...

Crane Mechanic

Oxnard, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

... of oil well rigs as needed  Work as directed by Crane Supervisor, Lead Operators, Rig ... working environment  Work at elevated heights, in enclosed spaces and on uneven walk surfaces ...

Equipment Operator

Rio Vista, CA · On-site

$21.63 - $32.38/hr

This position is also responsible for the job rig-up and rig-down and for operating the bulk truck ... Oilfield Truck Driving experience a plus. * Forklift certified preferred. * Haz Mat CDL endorsement ...

This position is also responsible for the job rig-up and rig-down and for operating the bulk truck ... Oilfield Truck Driving experience a plus. * Forklift certified preferred. * Haz Mat CDL endorsement ...

This position is also responsible for the job rig-up and rig-down and for operating the bulk truck ... Oilfield Truck Driving experience a plus. * Forklift certified preferred. * Haz Mat CDL endorsement ...

This position is also responsible for the job rig-up and rig-down and for operating the bulk truck ... Oilfield Truck Driving experience a plus. * Forklift certified preferred. * Haz Mat CDL endorsement ...

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Trainee Oil Rig Worker information

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Trainee oil rig workers can earn around $4,000 per week once they gain experience and certifications such as H2S and safety training. These roles often require physical fitness and on-the-job training, with higher pay for specialized positions like roustabouts or roughnecks in the oil and gas industry. Advancement and skill development can lead to higher wages without a college degree.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Trainee Oil Rig Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Trainee Oil Rig Worker, you generally need physical fitness, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety protocols, personal protective equipment (PPE), and sometimes certifications like Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are typically required. Strong teamwork, communication, and a commitment to following safety procedures are essential soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are critical to ensure personal safety, efficient operations, and effective collaboration in the demanding and hazardous oil rig environment.

How much do beginner oil rig workers make?

Beginner oil rig workers typically earn between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on location, company, and shift schedules. Entry-level positions often require safety certifications and physical fitness, with wages increasing with experience and additional skills.

What are trainee oil rig workers?

Trainee oil rig workers are entry-level employees who assist with the extraction of oil and gas on offshore or onshore rigs. They receive hands-on training in tasks such as maintaining equipment, following safety protocols, and supporting more experienced crew members. This role is physically demanding and requires a willingness to work in challenging environments, often on a rotational schedule. Trainees gain valuable skills and experience that can lead to more advanced positions in the oil and gas industry.

How easy is it to get hired at an oil rig?

Getting hired as a trainee oil rig worker can be competitive, often requiring relevant certifications such as safety training and physical fitness. Employers typically look for candidates with a strong work ethic, basic technical skills, and the ability to work in challenging environments, with opportunities increasing for those with prior experience or specialized training.

How do I get offshore with no experience?

To become a trainee oil rig worker with no experience, you should look for entry-level positions that provide on-the-job training, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Obtaining relevant certifications such as Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) can improve your chances, and physical fitness is essential for working in offshore environments.

What can a new Trainee Oil Rig Worker expect during their initial weeks on the rig?

During the first few weeks, a Trainee Oil Rig Worker typically undergoes safety training, orientation, and hands-on learning under the supervision of experienced crew members. You’ll become familiar with essential safety protocols, equipment handling, and the daily routines required for smooth rig operations. Expect to work long shifts in a physically demanding environment, where teamwork and clear communication are crucial. New trainees often start with basic tasks and gradually take on more responsibility as they demonstrate competence and reliability.

What is the difference between Trainee Oil Rig Worker vs Oil Rig Roustabout?

AspectTrainee Oil Rig WorkerOil Rig Roustabout
CredentialsBasic safety certifications, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, safety certifications often required
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, active oil rigs, supervised settingsOil rigs, outdoor, physically demanding
Job RoleLearning rig operations, assisting crewManual labor, equipment maintenance, cleaning
Industry UsageEntry-level, training phaseSkilled labor, experienced workers

The main difference is that a Trainee Oil Rig Worker is in a learning phase, focusing on gaining skills and certifications, while an Oil Rig Roustabout is an experienced worker performing manual tasks on the rig. Trainees are supervised and developing their expertise, whereas roustabouts handle hands-on work essential to rig operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig Worker jobs in California? The most popular types of Oil Rig Worker jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Trainee Oil Rig Worker jobs in California? For Trainee Oil Rig Worker jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Oil Rig Worker jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Oil Rig Worker jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Trainee Oil Rig Worker jobs? Cities in California with the most Trainee Oil Rig Worker job openings:
Infographic showing various Trainee Oil Rig Worker job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, and 22% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Key Accountabilities
  • Directs other crew members in rigging up guy-lines, various equipment, and tools; lifts, removes, installs, and operates wellhead, pumping units, matting boards, tubing, rods, casing, rod strippers, polish rods, stripper heads, and other production equipment in a manner consistent with safe operating procedures to perform the contracted services.
  • Positions the rig, raises and lowers the mast.
  • Directs the crew members in performing routine maintenance and repair activities of the rig and rig tools.
  • Conducts Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Mitigation.
  • Conducts safety meetings and performs pre-job briefs with his crew members and other service providers on site.
  • Completes the Field Service Reports, documenting services performed, equipment used, billable consumables, and compensable crew time.
  • Interacts positively with customer representatives on location to ensure proper job execution and customer satisfaction.
  • Conducts route planning.
  • Conducts safety observations.
  • Develops and reviews Job Safety Plans (JSP).
  • Completes equipment inspections and audits.
  • May be required to drive a company, light, or DOT-regulated commercial vehicle.
  • Performs all duties in compliance with Customer and Company policies and procedures and applicable regulations.
  • Participates in company-provided training in rig operations, Standard Operating Procedures, and safe work procedures.
  • Complies with all the Company's Safety and Environmental policies, practices, and programs. Takes corrective action within training limitations. Escalates as necessary.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education, Certificates, Licenses
  • Motor Vehicle Record qualifies the individual to be an approved company driver required.
  • Commercial driver's license preferred.
  • Well Control training required within 30 days.

Experience
  • Two years or more of recent, workover rig operating or oil well servicing experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Critical:
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment and/or safety equipment including safety glasses, face shields, goggles, earmuffs/plugs, steel toe boots, hard hat, full body harness with applicable fall protection devices, SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus), H2S detectors, slicker or TYVEK suits and gloves.
  • Knowledge of company and client policies, DOT and HSE standards and guidelines.
  • Ability to comply with the client's and the company's safe operating procedures. All activities are to be performed consistent with the company's Safe Operating Procedures, to provide the maximum protection for all workers at the work site, the environment, and the equipment; and to complete the tasks efficiently.

Required:
  • Basic knowledge of downhole conditions and desired outcome from an intervention.
  • Ability to perform the primary thinking called for and encompassed by the overall job description.
  • Ability to make quick decision-making and problem-solving skills to address unexpected challenges.
  • Skilled in driving rig and other heavy equipment.
  • Ability to perform and plan rig operations and services.
  • Ability to read and follow job plans.
  • Ability to direct crew members in their daily activities.
  • Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with team members, supervisors, and other personnel on the job site to ensure the efficient and safe completion of tasks.
  • Ability to participate in and contribute to the collaborative resolution of challenges and issues within a team setting.
  • Ability to work at heights up to or greater than 50 feet.
  • Demonstrated dependability i.e. reporting for work at the prescribed location and on time.
  • Ability to work beyond the traditional 8-hour work day; available to work Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays, to meet operational needs.

Desired:
  • Awareness of and familiarity with oilfield operations, including understanding the layout of well sites, pipelines, and other infrastructure.

  • Certification in First Aid, CPR, H2S, confined space entry, and defensive driver.
  • Commercial driver's license.

Work Environment
This role works primarily in a non-office environment. In this capacity, incumbents are regularly:
  • Exposed to outdoor elements such as extreme heat or cold, heavy winds, rain, or snow.
  • Exposed to loud noise level elements.
  • Required to drive to and access job sites, in light of day as well as in darkness, to perform work assignments. Some job site locations may be remote from the office requiring long drives to locations isolated from interaction with others and towns.
  • Required to balance, bend, squat, crouch, climb, reach, grasp, stoop, kneel, push/pull and lift objects, and use apparatus to push/pull and lift heavy objects weighing 50 lbs or more.
  • Subject to exposure to hazards such as but not limited to slippery or uneven surfaces; environmental/industry hazards such as chemicals, high-decibel noise from production equipment, fumes, or poor ventilation; proximity to moving objects and vehicles; potentially combustible components; hazardous off- road conditions such as dust, ice, and snow.
  • May be requested to work long hours to complete job assignments.
  • May work a rotating schedule, shift, and/or be on call.
  • Follow all company safety policies and protocols.
  • Required to perform active, physical tasks including but not limited to operating equipment and/or machinery and making adjustments and repairs.
  • Required to have visual acuity to work with parts, equipment, apparatus, etc.
  • Required to possess audible acuity to hear alarms in the event of emergency. field locations.

This job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties nor account for all abilities required to perform the job. It is a general description of the nature of the position.
The pay range for this position in California is between $29.32 per hour and $30.43 per hour. Please note that the hourly rate information is a general guideline, and that the hourly rate will vary depending on your location. C&J Well Services, LLC ("CJWS") will consider factors such as (but not limited to) scope of responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer. excellent benefits including full health benefits, 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting, and generous paid time off.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
C&J Well Services, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
LINK to Equal Employment Opportunity Posters:
https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/ofccpost.htm
Reasonable Accommodation Notice
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact Human Resources at 661-589-5220 or CJWSHR@cjws.com.
Pay Transparency Notice
C&J Well Services, LLC ("CJWS") will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against an applicant or employee because they have inquired about or discussed compensation.
Notice to Third Party Agencies
Please note that C&J Well Services, LLC ("CJWS") does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Recruitment Agreement, CJWS will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement, CJWS explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, will not be reviewed or considered in part of the application process.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.