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Trainee Oil Rig Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KLX Energy Services

$138K - $138K/yr

Train, coach, and mentor trainees. * Develop expertise on advanced fishing techniques. * Plan and ... Maintain communication with client well site representative, rig crew, and field support staff.

Scientific Drilling Inc.

MWD Operator - Midland, TX

Odessa, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

... Trainees. Scientific Drilling is an independent directional drilling and wellbore navigation ... Becomes familiar with the oilfield in general and company specific tools and services. * Works ...

Scientific Drilling

MWD Operator - Midland, TX

Odessa, TX

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

... Trainees. Scientific Drilling is an independent directional drilling and wellbore navigation ... Becomes familiar with the oilfield in general and company specific tools and services. * Works ...

Scientific Drilling Inc.

MWD Operator - Midland, TX

Odessa, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $23.25/hr

... Trainees. Scientific Drilling is an independent directional drilling and wellbore navigation ... Becomes familiar with the oilfield in general and company specific tools and services. * Works ...

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Total Safety Us

Offshore H2S Technician Trainee

Broussard, LA

$20 - $27.50/hr

... rig or production platform where there is a potential for or an anticipated release. About Total ... Ensures that proper maintenance including air purification cartridge changes, oil changes and other ...

Weatherford

Fishing Tool Supervisor III

Odessa, TX · On-site

Coordinate Weatherford personnel, customer representatives, rig crews, and third-party providers to ... Provide direction and technical support to junior field specialists, operators, and trainees.

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsTrainee Oil Rig Jobs

Trainee Oil Rig information

See salary details

$25.5K

$43.5K

$63.5K

How much do trainee oil rig jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for trainee oil rig in the United States is $43,530.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,000.00 and $51,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectTrainee Oil RigOil Rig Worker
CredentialsBasic safety certifications, on-the-job trainingAdvanced safety certifications, technical skills
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, supervised environmentOperational oil rigs, hands-on work
Employer & Industry UsageEntry-level trainees in oil & gas industryExperienced personnel on oil rigs

The main difference is that a Trainee Oil Rig is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience, often requiring basic safety certifications. An Oil Rig Worker is a more experienced role involving direct operational tasks on the rig. Trainees are supervised and in training, while oil rig workers perform hands-on work essential to rig operations.

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 need physical fitness, basic mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with safety equipment, personal protective gear, and basic rig operations is important, and certifications like Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) are often required. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication help individuals excel in the challenging and often remote environment. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability in demanding oil rig operations.

What are trainee oil rig workers?

Trainee oil rig workers are entry-level employees who are learning the basics of working on an oil rig, often under the supervision of experienced crew members. Their responsibilities may include assisting with drilling operations, maintaining equipment, and ensuring safety procedures are followed. Trainees receive hands-on training to develop technical skills and gain experience in the demanding environment of offshore or onshore oil extraction. This position is a starting point for a career in the oil and gas industry, providing opportunities for advancement as skills and experience grow.

What are some common challenges faced by trainee oil rig workers during their initial months on the job?

Trainee oil rig workers often face challenges such as adapting to physically demanding work, long shifts, and extended periods away from home, sometimes working offshore for weeks at a time. Adjusting to the rigorous safety protocols and learning to operate specialized equipment can also be demanding. Teamwork is crucial, and new trainees must quickly learn to communicate and collaborate effectively with experienced crew members. Overcoming these challenges requires resilience, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning.
More about Trainee Oil Rig jobs
What cities are hiring for Trainee Oil Rig jobs? Cities with the most Trainee Oil Rig job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Oil Rig jobs? The most popular types of Oil Rig jobs are:
What states have the most Trainee Oil Rig jobs? States with the most job openings for Trainee Oil Rig jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Trainee Oil Rig jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Trainee Oil Rig jobs are:
Trainee Oil Rig jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trainee Oil Rig job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,530 per year, or $20.9 per hour.
Field Leader - Solids Control - Bakken Basin

Field Leader - Solids Control - Bakken Basin

Stage 3 Separation

Mandan, ND • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Stage 3 specializes in high quality solids control equipment designed for mud systems to effectively manage solids, reducing costs for the customer and providing limited or zero discharge solutions as necessary. But we don't stop there. Additionally, Stage 3 uses a team of Solids Control Field Technicians, field supervisors, engineers and scientists to make intelligent and informed recommendations on how to best manage your job for efficiency and cost savings.
While our business has expanded, our mission remains to provide superior service and performance through:
  • Emphasis on Safety
  • Teamwork
  • Technology innovation
  • Operational integrity

As a Solids Control Field Leader - BAKKEN BASIN, you are the on-site expert in all aspects of solids control field operations - leading by example to ensure safe, efficient, and high-performing operations for both Stage 3 and the Operator. You'll oversee and mentor a team of Solids Control Technicians and contractors, driving operational excellence while maintaining strict adherence to HSE standards, company policies, and rig site protocols.
In this pivotal role, you will:
  • Lead and develop Solids Control field teams through hands-on supervision, training, and performance management.
  • Oversee daily field operations - day and night - ensuring safety, productivity, and equipment reliability.
  • Collaborate closely with fellow Field Leaders, Technicians, and Trainees to deliver seamless, high-quality service.
  • Maintain accountability for all solids control activities in the "backyard" of assigned rig sites, ensuring full operational readiness.
  • Report directly to the Basin Area Manager, providing critical insight and leadership that extend beyond the rig site.

Ideal candidates bring proven technical expertise, professionalism, and patience, with the leadership skills to inspire teams and uphold Stage 3's reputation for safety and operational excellence.
Essential Functions:
  • Able to work 20 days on and 10 days off - BAKKEN BASIN. (Rotation will vary by Basin).
  • Able to work a 12-hour shift, including overtime.
  • Able to oversee a team of up to 20 technicians, on a rotational schedule that will consist of day, night and possibly a swing shift.
  • Must be able to travel domestically to remote rig locations, in company vehicle, throughout the United States.
  • Will be assigned to one rig, or multiple rigs, based on business needs.
  • Maybe required to sit a tower on an active rig.
  • Ability to perform standard rig up and rig out procedures, while coaching and mentoring technicians at every level.
  • Will oversee a crew of technicians who operate and maintain a variety of solids control equipment including shaker tanks, centrifuge, drying equipment, and pumps.
  • Will have an expert level understanding of oil and gas drilling processes.
  • Will have expert knowledge of Environmental Services (construction, utilities).
  • Will be responsible for knowing how to troubleshoot electrical issues by having basic knowledge of electrical principles including currents, volts, circuits, and power.
  • Will oversee various solids control services such as, air drilling, barite recovery, de-watering, floc water, fluid transfers, target lo gravity solids, cuttings drying/invert recovery, etc.
  • Will have comprehensive understanding of drilling fluid properties including drilling fluid weight, funnel viscosity, retort analysis and will perform drilling fluid analysis.
  • Will oversee, and when necessary, perform routine maintenance services, and routine electrical services on various equipment.
  • Will oversee and mentor and coach technicians on standard operating procedure for moving cuttings from pits to trailers, by operating heavy machinery, safely and efficiently.
  • Must complete mentor certification program aiding in the ability to handle a variety of personality issues appropriately.
  • Will perform rig audits.
  • Will pick up and deliver necessary equipment to rig site(s), as required.
  • Will make grocery runs with/for your technicians, as required.
  • Must maintain a clean and orderly "backyard" and employee housing.
  • Will audit daily PJRA/JSA, inspection reports, observation reports, and checklists, daily and as required.
  • Will oversee PPE/FR's protocols for staff working in the backyard.
  • Will lead by example, all safety protocols.
  • Will be required to work in the shop on crossover days or as otherwise directed.
  • Will send weekly updates to Area Leaders, summarizing staff activity (concerns).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Will lead by example, demonstrating leadership skills by coaching, mentoring, and training field technicians.
  • Must have the ability to build professional, constructive, and effective relationships with everyone working on the rig site including customers.
  • Have the ability to problem solve, troubleshoot, and use logic.
  • Have the ability to motivate, encourage, and empower others.
  • Must be able to meet deadlines.
  • Must be professional, patient, and calm while building appropriate rapport with clients and employees.
  • Must be customer service oriented, tactful, and diplomatic.
  • Must be mechanically inclined with comprehension for electronics.
  • Will input routine data into various systems including company Portal.
  • Must have the ability to problem solve, multi-task, troubleshoot, and make use of time efficiently.
  • Will operate and oversee heavy machinery including an excavator, forklift, or Wheel Loader.
  • Will carry valid safety certifications for various Rig Safety programs including PEC Safe Land, H2S, and CPR/First Aid, or required customer specific certifications, ensuring all assigned technicians have proper certifications for assigned rig location.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (cold, wet, and hot).
  • Must have the ability to be away from home for 17 days or longer, to complete scheduled rotation.
  • May be required to transport technicians to different locations or job sites.
  • Field Leaders are expected to move from one rig site to another, overseeing rig operations and staff.
  • Must be able to share living accommodations with peers and coexist professionally.
  • Must keep living quarters clean, and orderly.
  • Must be able to read, write and comprehend English.
  • To become a Field Leader, you must have the ability to pass a performance evaluation and have worked a minimum of 36 months of verifiable Solids Control experience.

Minimum Required Education, Credentials, Licenses and Experience:
  • High School diploma, or GED equivalent, preferred.
  • 2-year Associate's degree or technical diploma, in Technology, Electronics, or Mechanics, or similar field, is preferred.
  • Prior Forklift, Excavator, or Wheel Loader experience, or Certifications, is required. Re-Certification training will be provided prior to working.
  • Microsoft Office proficiency including Outlook, required.
  • Must have a valid State driver's license, valid insurance, and acceptable driving record.
  • Must maintain company vehicle in a professional manner and follow the rules of the Company Vehicle Policy.
  • Must be able to pass a Pre-employment; Fit for duty test, drug test (urine and hair follicle), background evaluation and have an acceptable driving record.

Requirements
  • 3+ years Solids Control Field operations experience.
  • Working in North Dakota, preferred.
  • More than one year of experience supervising and directing field staff.
  • Provide hands-on supervision during rig-up and rig-down operations, leading by example to ensure all activities are conducted safely.
  • Proven ability to cultivate and sustain a culture of safety and productivity within field operations.
  • Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships with employees at all levels and with customers.
  • Conduct reviews of field technicians' performance and safety records.

Benefits
    • Employee Health Insurance (100% Employer-paid)
    • Family Health Insurance (After 18 months, 100% Employer-paid)
    • Life Insurance
    • Dental Insurance
    • Vision Insurance
    • Additional Life Insurance
    • Short Term Disability
    • Long Term Disability
    • EAP
    • 401(K)
    • Bonus Potential
    • Company Vehicle

Apply