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Underground Drill Rig Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MasTec

Drill Rig Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

MasTec

Drill Rig Operator

San Diego, CA

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

MasTec

Drill Rig Operator

San Diego, CA

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

MasTec

Drill Rig Operator

Yuma, AZ

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

MasTec

Drill Rig Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

MasTec

Drill Rig Operator

San Diego, CA

Overview FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on ...

MasTec

Drill Rig Operator

San Diego, CA · On-site

Overview FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on ...

MasTec

Drill Rig Operator

Yuma, AZ

Overview FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on ...

MasTec

Drill Rig Operator

Yuma, AZ · On-site

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects ...

MasTec

Drill Rig Operator

Yuma, AZ · On-site

Overview FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on ...

Advatix, Inc.

FOUNDATION DRILL RIG OPERATOR

Elk River, MN · On-site

$50K - $90K/yr

FOUNDATION DRILL RIG OPERATOR Client : Confidential Client (Construction) | Location : Elk River, Minnesota (Onsite) Compensation : $50,000 - $90,000 Qualifications: ​Actual drill rig operation ...

Apply Early

Advatix, Inc.

FOUNDATION DRILL RIG OPERATOR

Elk River, MN · On-site

$50K - $90K/yr

FOUNDATION DRILL RIG OPERATOR Client : Confidential Client (Construction) | Location : Elk River, Minnesota (Onsite) Compensation : $50,000 - $90,000 Qualifications: Actual drill rig operation ...

Appalachian Drilling Company LLC

Be Seen First

Vertical Drill Rig Operator

China Grove, NC · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Appalachian Drilling Company is seeking a highly skilled and safety-focused Drill Rig Operator to join our deep foundations team. In this role, you will be responsible for operating heavy rotary ...

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All JobsUnderground Drill Rig Operator Jobs

Underground Drill Rig Operator information

See salary details

$13

$27

$51

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

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for underground drill rig operator in the United States is $27.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $31.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Underground Drill Rig Operator?

An Underground Drill Rig Operator is a skilled worker responsible for operating drilling machines in underground mines or construction sites. Their main tasks include setting up, maintaining, and controlling drill rigs to bore holes for blasting, exploration, or extraction purposes. Operators must follow strict safety procedures and often work in challenging conditions, such as confined spaces and variable underground environments. They play a crucial role in mining operations, ensuring that drilling is performed accurately and efficiently.

What are some typical challenges faced by underground drill rig operators, and how are they managed on the job?

Underground drill rig operators often work in confined and challenging environments where maintaining safety and equipment efficiency is critical. Common challenges include navigating limited visibility, managing equipment malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety protocols due to potential hazards like rockfalls or gas leaks. Operators typically address these issues by participating in regular safety briefings, following detailed operational procedures, and maintaining constant communication with their team and supervisors. Adaptability and quick problem-solving skills are essential for successfully overcoming these challenges while keeping production on track.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Underground Drill Rig Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Underground Drill Rig Operator, you need a solid understanding of drilling techniques, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with relevant industry certifications. Familiarity with drilling machinery, computerized drilling controls, and safety management systems is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure safe, efficient, and precise drilling operations in challenging underground environments.

What is the difference between Underground Drill Rig Operator vs Surface Drill Rig Operator?

AspectUnderground Drill Rig OperatorSurface Drill Rig Operator
Work EnvironmentUnderground mining sites, confined spacesOpen-pit or surface mining locations
CertificationsMine safety and operation certifications, underground safety trainingSurface mining safety certifications, equipment operation licenses
Job ResponsibilitiesDrilling in underground tunnels, maintaining underground equipmentDrilling on surface sites, setting up surface drilling rigs
Industry UsageCommon in underground mining operationsCommon in open-pit and surface mining industries

Underground Drill Rig Operators and Surface Drill Rig Operators both operate drilling equipment but differ mainly in work environment and specific safety certifications. Underground operators work in confined underground spaces, requiring specialized underground safety training, while surface operators work outdoors on open sites. Both roles are essential in mining but serve different operational needs.

More about Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs
What states have the most Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs are:
Underground Drill Rig Operator jobs near you
Drill Rig Operator

Drill Rig Operator

MasTec

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

MasTec rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

31st of 79 rated construction

Job description

FNF Construction, Inc., a leading heavy civil general contractor serving the Southwestern United States, is seeking an experienced Drill Rig Operator to support multiple paving operations on projects throughout the Southwest. Successful candidates must pass an ATF background check and be willing to travel. This is a safety sensitive position.

Company Overview

FNF Construction, Inc., a MasTec Clean Energy & Infrastructure (CE&I) company, has delivered high-quality construction services since 1984. Specializing in heavy highway construction and general engineering, we operate primarily throughout the Southwest as a general contractor, subcontractor, and producer of aggregate and asphaltic concrete. Our collaborative, partnership-driven approach has built long-standing relationships with both public and private clients across projects of varying size and complexity.

• Operate heavy drilling machinery ensuring safe and effective drilling operations.
• Perform routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs on drilling equipment.
• Monitor drilling parameters, adjust operations as needed, and record accurate data for reporting.
• Ensure compliance with safety, environmental, and regulatory standards at all times.
• Communicate effectively with team members and supervisors to coordinate operations.

• Minimum 3 years experience operating drill rigs.
• Experience operating Sandvik 700-800 top hammer drill rigs.
• Must be able to work out of town/state.
• Able to pass an ATF background check.
• Able to operate company pickup.
• Able to lift 50+ pounds for length of work shift.
• Operators are expected to operate and maintain the drill rig.
• Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills.
• Drill rig operator will operate drill rigs and required to assist blast crew with loading blast holes.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 3 years experience operating drill rigs.
• Experience operating Sandvik 700-800 top hammer drill rigs.
• Must be able to work out of town/state.
• Able to pass an ATF background check.
• Able to operate company pickup.
• Able to lift 50+ pounds for length of work shift.
• Operators are expected to operate and maintain the drill rig.
• Some mechanical experience repairing Sandvik drills.
• Drill rig operator will operate drill rigs and required to assist blast crew with loading blast holes.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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