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Underground Drill Rig Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

TD&I Cable

Underground Drill Operator

Cold Spring, MN

$24 - $30/hr

Description Job Overview The Underground Utility Drill Operator is responsible for operating directional drill rigs, locating equipment, and product support equipment. This role is crucial in the ...

TD&I Cable

Underground Drill Operator

Hudson, WI

$23 - $30/hr

Description Job Overview The Underground Utility Drill Operator is responsible for operating directional drill rigs, locating equipment, and product support equipment. This role is crucial in the ...

Tetra Tech, Inc.

LFG Drilling Rig Operator

Richfield, OH · On-site

$75/day

Required Qualifications: • Drill rig operating experience and good working knowledge of the drill rig and the drilling process. Preferably Soilmec. • Good working knowledge of heavy construction ...

Tetra Tech

LFG Drilling Rig Operator

Richfield, OH · On-site

$75/day

Operate a Soilmec drill rig. Supervise a crew of 2-4 employees. Train and mentor new employees ... Drill rig operating experience and good working knowledge of the drill rig and the drilling process.

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Underground Drill Rig Operator information

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$13

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$51

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

As of Jun 13, 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

Service Rig Operator

Coastal Well Service LLC

Morgantown, WV • On-site

Other

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Service Rig Operator - Job Description
Coastal Well Service LLC

Company:

  • Coastal Well Service

Position:

  • Service Rig Operator

Department:

  • Operations

Location:

  • Project/Field-Based

Direct Report: 

  • Service Rig Superintendent

Status: 

  • At Will - Full Time (Executive)

Purpose: 

  • The Service Rig Operator is responsible for the mechanical integrity of the rig and ensuring that the drilling project is executed in a safe and efficient manner.  This position is responsible for ensuring that all personnel are properly trained to operate rig equipment in accordance with established policies and procedures.

Responsibilities:

  • Ensures all functions of site preparation, site setup, and site tear down are executed properly including: the operation and monitoring of the drilling rig hoisting mechanisms, well control system, mud system, and the power systems
  • Sets up/Tears Down and operates portable drilling rig to drill wells: including stabilization of rig and tear down procedures
  • Assembles drilling tools, using hand tools or power tools
  • Moves levers to adjust stroke and impact of cable tool drilling machine or changes drill bits of rotary drilling machine according to nature of strata encountered
  • Provides critical component information (hours since installed/changed) for all equipment failures requiring component replacement or major repair
  • Supervises servicing and testing of all rig equipment
  • Conducts frequent inspections of the rig and rig location, identifying issues regarding safe and efficient operations of the rig, and makes timely recommendations to rectify any noted problems
  • Plans and supervises all rig moves
  • May operate heavy machinery at times
  • Works in conjunction with tool pusher, driller, and rig hands to ensure safe and efficient operations

Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED, preferred

Experience:

  • 5+ years of experience in an oil/gas drilling with previous rig experience
  • Previous experience as a rig hand, as a derrickhand, or as a driller preferred
  • Previous experience in a high paced safety sensitive work environment preferred
  • Working knowledge of oil/gas operations preferred

Skills & Abilities:

  • Must be organized and attentive to details in a fast paced working environment
  • Ability to interrupt rig/drilling conditions and operate rig accordingly
  • Ability to manage a rig/drilling team of 2+ employees
  • Ability to communicate and comprehend the efforts of others
  • Ability to think and act quickly
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Able to communicate and comprehend the efforts of others
  • Ability to think and act quickly
  • Ability to work in a team environment
  • Ability to multi-task, stay organized and close out assigned tasks
  • Ability to operate independently and make safe decisions regarding personal conduct
  • Ability to work for extended periods of time in harsh weather conditions
  • Ability to think and act independently to ensure personal and team success and safety
  • Ability to work flexible hours and travel

Certifications:

  • PEC SafeLand certification or an OSHA 10 certification, preferred
  • MSHA Part 48, preferred

Travel:

  • Must be willing to travel

Physical Requirements:

  • The individual must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work or visit within areas where it is required.  This includes hard hat, safety glasses, life vest, respirators, ear plugs, steel toed shoes, or other protective equipment as required by the work performed and location the work is being done
  • Walking, stepping, climbing or otherwise moving from one location on the job site to another, and normally involves physically getting into and out of equipment through the use of vertical mounted ladders up to and including 10' or more in height
  • Visually seeing driving operations well (either naturally or with corrective lenses)
  • Standing, stooping kneeling, squatting, climbing and sitting
  • Repetitive movements by feet, shoulders, arms, wrists, hands and back in performance of work
  • Working at elevated heights
  • Lifting 50 lb. objects occasionally
  • Carrying 50 lb. objects occasionally
  • Adapting to outdoor conditions and prolonged exposure to sometimes adverse weather conditions
  • Remaining calm during emergencies and respond appropriately as dictated by the circumstance of the incident
  • Exposure to working outdoors in all-weather conditions
  • Ability to work more than 40 hours in any given week including weekend assignments and holidays as required

EEO:

  • Coastal Well Service LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabilities and protected veteran status

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