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Water Rig Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Bore Rig Operator

Acampo, CA · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

A bore rig operator's duties include safely operating and maintaining drilling equipment to create deep, narrow holes for various purposes, including utility installation, water wells, and resource ...

Rig Helper

San Joaquin, CA · On-site

$24/hr

Rig Helper -To assist Pump Installer with all aspects of pump work What we do ... At Rain for Rent, we move water-every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ...

Rig Helper

San Joaquin, CA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

Rig Helper -To assist Pump Installer with all aspects of pump work What we do ... At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ...

At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

Rig Team Lead

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

Rig Team Lead

Woodland, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

Rig Team Lead

Stockton, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

Rig Team Lead

Woodland, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water-every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

Rig Team Lead

Paso Robles, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

Rig Team Lead

Guadalupe, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water-every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

Rig Team Lead

Lodi, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

Rig Team Lead

Lompoc, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

Rig Team Lead

Buellton, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

Rig Team Lead

Arroyo Grande, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

Rig Team Lead

Elk Grove, CA · On-site

$25 - $31/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... Rig Helpers per project. Complete projects independently as required by management. • Enforce ...

Rig Helper II

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water-every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... rig truck, tools, supplies and equipment to support a clean, organized, and safe worksite. • ...

Rig Helper II

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$21 - $26/hr

At Rain for Rent, we move water--every day. As the leading provider of temporary liquid handling ... rig truck, tools, supplies and equipment to support a clean, organized, and safe worksite. • ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Rig information

What is the difference between Water Rig vs Drilling Rig?

AspectWater RigDrilling Rig
Primary UseDrills water wells and boreholesDrills for oil, gas, or mineral extraction
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, rural areas, water resource projectsOil fields, mineral exploration sites
CredentialsWater well drilling licenses, safety certificationsOil & gas drilling certifications, safety training
Industry UsageWater resource management, environmental projectsEnergy, mining, and resource extraction industries

Water rigs are specialized for drilling water wells and boreholes, focusing on water resource projects. Drilling rigs have a broader application, including oil and gas extraction. While both require safety certifications, water rigs typically need water well drilling licenses, whereas drilling rigs for oil and gas require specific industry certifications. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right equipment and expertise for your project.

How much do water oil rig workers make?

Water rig workers on oil rigs typically earn between $50,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, role, and location. Skilled positions such as roustabouts, roughnecks, and drillers often have higher pay, and workers may receive additional compensation for overtime and hazardous conditions.

How to get a job on a water oil rig?

To get a job on a water oil rig, candidates typically need relevant technical skills, such as welding, drilling, or maintenance, and often require certifications like H2S, BOSIET, or offshore safety training. Prior experience in the oil and gas industry and physical fitness are also important, and jobs are usually obtained through industry-specific recruitment agencies or direct company applications.

Is it hard to get hired on an offshore oil rig?

Getting hired as a water rig worker on an offshore oil rig can be competitive and typically requires relevant experience, certifications such as H2S and BOSIET, and physical fitness. Employers often look for candidates with technical skills, safety training, and the ability to work long shifts in challenging environments.

Can you make 200k in the oil field?

Water rig operators in the oil field can potentially earn $200,000 or more annually with experience, overtime, and specialized skills. High-paying roles often require certifications, physical stamina, and working long shifts in challenging environments.
What are popular job titles related to Water Rig jobs in California? For Water Rig jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Water Rig job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Internship, and 80% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Hybrid job distribution.

Bore Rig Operator

Maxsim Traffic Logistics

Acampo, CA • On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

A bore rig operator's duties include

safely operating and maintaining drilling equipment to create deep, narrow holes for various purposes, including utility installation, water wells, and resource extraction. They work as part of a crew and must follow detailed project plans and strict safety protocols.

Pre-drilling duties

  • Site preparation: Before drilling, the operator is responsible for positioning the rig and associated equipment, such as mud pumps and generators, at the correct location. In directional drilling, they must first verify the bore path and mark all existing underground utilities to avoid accidental damage.
  • Inspections and checks: The operator conducts pre-operation inspections to ensure all equipment is in working order. This includes verifying that all safety systems and support equipment are functioning properly.
  • Fluid mixing: Depending on the type of drilling, the operator may need to mix drilling fluids or "mud" by adding clay and chemicals to water to achieve the right consistency.

Operation duties

  • Equipment operation: The operator skillfully uses levers and controls to manage the drill's speed, pressure, and direction. They monitor gauges to ensure the machine operates within safe and optimal parameters.
  • Collaboration: They work with a crew and may direct their activities, such as connecting drill pipes and assembling rig components.
  • Sampling and analysis: In water well or geotechnical drilling, the operator may collect and log core samples to determine the nature of the rock and soil strata being drilled.
  • Problem-solving: The operator must troubleshoot issues during drilling, including addressing geological obstacles and retrieving lost or broken bits and pipes.
  • Directional steering: For directional boring projects, the operator uses specialized equipment to precisely guide the drill head along the planned underground path.

Post-drilling and maintenance duties

  • Data recording: The operator is responsible for maintaining accurate records of the drilling process, including footage drilled, materials used, and geological data.
  • Equipment maintenance: Regular and preventative maintenance is a key duty. This includes cleaning, greasing, and repairing equipment to ensure it performs correctly.
  • Well completion: For water wells, the operator installs the well casing, necessary hardware, and the pump to prepare the well for use.
  • Site cleanup: After the job is complete, the operator and crew clean and restore the site, which may include plugging observation wells.