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Vertical Drill Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blast Hole Drill Operator

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$25.30 - $31.70/hr

Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal earth drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within the drilling ...

Blast Hole Drill Operator

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$25.30 - $31.70/hr

Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal earth drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within the drilling ...

Blast Hole Drill Operator

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$25.30 - $31.70/hr

Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal earth drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within the drilling ...

Blast Hole Drill Operator

Douglasville, GA · On-site

$25.30 - $31.70/hr

Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal earth drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within the drilling ...

Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal earth drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within the drilling ...

Blast Hole Drill Operator-Quarry

Reading, PA · On-site

$25.30 - $31.70/hr

Are you an experienced heavy equipment operator with experience with vertical and/or horizontal earth drilling? Do you have a high mechanical aptitude and the desire to advance within the drilling ...

Geotechnical Driller

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$63.46 - $70/hr

Minimum of 2 years of documented experience operating drill rigs proficiently. * High level of focus in a construction environment that is very busy and noisy. * Current certification for vertical ...

Minimum of 2 years of documented experience operating drill rigs proficiently. * High level of focus in a construction environment that is very busy and noisy. * Current certification for vertical ...

... vertical seals, utilizing the most up to date equipment and installation techniques. BAUER ... Operating BAUER drill rigs as required for site * Assisting in setting up the rig and equipment to ...

... vertical seals, utilizing the most up to date equipment and installation techniques. BAUER ... Operating BAUER drill rigs as required for site * Assisting in setting up the rig and equipment to ...

Showing results 41-60

Vertical Drill Operator information

See salary details

$13

$27

$51

How much do vertical drill operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for vertical drill 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 a vertical drill operator?

A Vertical Drill Operator is a skilled worker who operates and maintains drilling machines that create vertical holes in various materials, such as soil, rock, or concrete. These professionals are commonly employed in construction, mining, and oil and gas industries to facilitate projects like foundation work, exploration, or extraction. They are responsible for setting up the drilling equipment, monitoring the drilling process, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and performing routine maintenance on the machinery. Vertical Drill Operators often work as part of a larger team and must follow strict safety guidelines to prevent accidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vertical drill operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Vertical Drill Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, knowledge of drilling techniques, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant safety training. Familiarity with operating drilling rigs, computerized drilling controls, and maintenance tools is commonly required, and certifications such as OSHA or MSHA may be necessary for certain worksites. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are valuable soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and the prevention of costly mistakes or accidents.

What are some common challenges vertical drill operators face on the job, and how can they be managed?

Vertical Drill Operators often encounter challenges such as varying ground conditions, equipment malfunctions, and maintaining safety standards in changing environments. Navigating unexpected geological formations requires adaptability and problem-solving skills, while regular maintenance checks help prevent downtime due to mechanical issues. Proactive communication with site supervisors and adhering to safety protocols are essential for managing these challenges effectively. Operators who stay current with training and industry best practices tend to succeed in overcoming on-site obstacles.

What is the difference between Vertical Drill Operator vs Horizontal Drill Operator?

AspectVertical Drill OperatorHorizontal Drill Operator
CertificationsOSHA safety training, CDL often preferredOSHA safety training, CDL often preferred
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, oil and gas fields, miningConstruction sites, oil and gas fields, mining
Job DutiesDrills vertical holes for foundations, blasting, or explorationDrills horizontal or angled holes for pipelines, utilities, or underground work

Both Vertical Drill Operators and Horizontal Drill Operators work in similar environments and require comparable certifications. The main difference lies in the drilling orientation: vertical versus horizontal. Vertical Drill Operators focus on vertical holes for foundational or exploration purposes, while Horizontal Drill Operators specialize in horizontal or angled drilling for utilities or pipeline installation. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

How to become a vertical drill operator?

To become a vertical drill operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training or an apprenticeship to learn operating procedures and safety protocols. Certification or licensing may be required depending on the industry and location, and familiarity with drilling equipment and safety standards is essential.

What are popular job titles related to Vertical Drill Operator jobs?

For Vertical Drill Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Vertical Drill Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $57,917 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

Utility Scale Vertical Drilling Superintendent

Omaha, NE • On-site

R-2 Contractors
Construction • 51 - 200 employees

$140K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Join Our Team at R-2 Contractors!
R-2 Contractors is seeking an experienced and motivated Utility-Scale Vertical Drilling Superintendent to lead field operations performing drilled pier foundation construction on utility-scale power, renewable energy, transmission, and substation projects throughout the United States. This field leadership role is responsible for safely planning, coordinating, and overseeing all aspects of drilled foundation construction while delivering exceptional quality, developing field leaders, and ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
Working closely with Project Managers and Operations Leadership, the Vertical Drilling Superintendent oversees day-to-day drilling operations, including production planning, crew leadership, drilling equipment utilization, auguring, casing installation, spoil management, reinforcement placement, concrete coordination, quality control, scheduling, and customer coordination. Success in this role is measured by the ability to build high-performing teams, consistently deliver quality work, maintain a safe jobsite, and exemplify the R-2 standard of excellence.
Position: Utility-Scale Vertical Drilling Superintendent
Location: Nationwide Project sites
Travel Requirements:
• This is a field-based position requiring 100% travel to active project sites throughout the United States
• Candidates must be willing to travel extensively and work extended schedules as required to support project demands
Salary: $140-200k
Key Responsibilities:
• Lead all field operations for utility-scale drilled pier foundation construction projects
• Plan and coordinate manpower, drilling equipment, tooling, materials, subcontractors, and production schedules
• Supervise Superintendents, Foremen, Drill Operators, and field personnel to ensure safe and productive project execution
• Oversee auguring, casing installation, spoil management, reinforcement placement, concrete placement, and drilled foundation construction
• Ensure drilled foundations are installed safely, accurately, and in accordance with project specifications and quality standards
• Read and interpret project drawings, specifications, drilling logs, foundation schedules, and construction documents
• Coordinate daily activities with Project Managers, customers, inspectors, survey crews, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Monitor production, equipment utilization, manpower, budgets, schedules, and overall project performance
• Identify field challenges early and proactively implement solutions to minimize impacts to safety, quality, and production
• Develop Foremen and future Superintendents through coaching, mentorship, accountability, and leadership by example
• Maintain complete project documentation, daily reports, production tracking, and quality records
• Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Lead by example while living and reinforcing the R-2 Core Values every day
Requirements:
• Minimum 10 years of drilled foundation, heavy civil, or utility-scale construction experience
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading drilled pier foundation operations as a Superintendent or Senior Superintendent
• Extensive knowledge of drilled pier construction, auguring methods, casing installation, spoil management, reinforcement placement, concrete placement, and foundation quality control
• Experience managing large drilling rigs, support equipment, tooling, and utility-scale drilling operations
• Strong understanding of production planning, scheduling, equipment utilization, quality control, surveying, and project execution
• Proven ability to lead multiple crews while maintaining productivity, quality, and safety
• Excellent leadership, organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to build strong working relationships with Project Managers, customers, inspectors, subcontractors, and field personnel
• Demonstrated commitment to safety, accountability, quality workmanship, and operational excellence
• Willingness to travel nationwide and work extended hours as project schedules require
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment drug screening and background check
What Success Looks Like:
The successful Utility-Scale Vertical Drilling Superintendent:
• Builds high-performing field teams that consistently work safely and efficiently
• Delivers drilled pier foundation projects that meet or exceed project specifications, production goals, and quality expectations
• Develops strong Foremen, Drill Operators, and future Superintendents
• Earns the trust and confidence of customers, inspectors, and project leadership through reliable execution
• Anticipates challenges, communicates proactively, and resolves issues before they impact production
• Strengthens R-2 through continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and leadership development
Our Leadership Philosophy:
At R-2 Contractors, technical expertise may open the door-but leadership is defined by how you develop people, build teams, and live our Core Values.
Our leaders are expected to:
• Lead with integrity, humility, professionalism, and accountability
• Put the safety and success of their people first
• Coach, mentor, and develop future leaders
• Build trust through consistent execution and open communication
• Foster teamwork while empowering others to grow
• Hold themselves and others accountable to the highest standards
• Protect and strengthen the culture that makes R-2 different
• Leave their team stronger than they found it
The R-2 Core Values
PRIDE - We take ownership of our work, our people, our equipment, and our reputation. Every project reflects the pride we have in our craft.
• Do What's Right
• Put Your Name On It
• Never Accept Mediocrity
• I Am R-2
• Grow or Die
GRIT - We embrace challenges, solve problems, overcome adversity, and never allow obstacles to define our success.
• Dig Deep and Grind It Out
• Give It Your All
• Do What It Takes
• Dedication
OWN IT! - We don't make excuses or point fingers. We own the outcome, communicate early, solve problems, and continually improve ourselves and our teams.
• Do What You Say
• Be Accountable
• If You Ain't First, You're Last
• Accept Criticism
• Own Your Position
Benefits:
• Paid Time Off (PTO)/Paid Holidays
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (company funded plans available for the entire family)
• 401(k) with 3% company match
• 5-Year Employment Appreciation Bonus
Ready to Join Our Team?
If you're ready to lead utility-scale concrete crews, develop exceptional field personnel, and help build some of the nation's most critical power infrastructure projects, we'd love to hear from you.
At R-2 Contractors, we don't simply place concrete-we build infrastructure, develop leaders, strengthen teams, and create a culture that refuses to settle for anything less than excellence.
Apply today and help us build what's next.
R-2 Contractors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
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