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Water Rig Jobs in North Carolina (NOW HIRING)

Pipefitter

Robbinsville, NC

$22.50 - $28.75/hr

... water infrastructure, mining, etc.) throughout the Southeast. We pride ourselves on performing ... Safely rig, position, and set pipe, valves, fittings, and related materials. * Understand weld ...

New

... and water customers, specializing in overhead and underground electric distribution for power ... Operate the drill rig efficiently. Prepare job and drill so that the shot can be performed safely.

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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 to get a job on a water rig?

To get a job on a water rig, candidates typically need relevant experience in offshore or maritime work, safety certifications such as BOSIET or HUET, and physical fitness. Applying through offshore staffing agencies, networking within the industry, and demonstrating skills in equipment operation and safety procedures can improve chances of employment.

What cities in North Carolina are hiring for Water Rig jobs?

Cities in North Carolina with the most Water Rig job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Rig job openings in North Carolina as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution.

Vertical Drill Rig Operator

China Grove, NC • On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

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 drilling rigs to excavate large diameter drilled shafts (caissons) for commercial, industrial, and infrastructure projects.


Key Responsibilities

  • Rig Operation: Safely and efficiently operate large rotary drilling rigs to excavate large-diameter drilled shafts according to engineering blueprints and project specifications. From 2' to 10' diameters
  • Casing & Slurry: Manage the installation and extraction of temporary or permanent steel casings. Work effectively with wet-hole construction methods, including polymer slurry systems, when required.
  • Equipment Maintenance: Perform daily pre-shift and post-shift equipment inspections. Conduct routine preventative maintenance, grease moving parts, and promptly report any mechanical issues to the maintenance team.
  • Concrete Placement: Coordinate and assist with concrete pouring operations, including the setup of tremie pipes & pump lines.
  • Rebar & Anchor Bolt Setting: Assist in rigging and lowering heavy rebar cages. Accurately set, align, and secure anchor bolts and anchor templates to exact engineering tolerances prior to and during the concrete pour.

Qualifications & Skills

  • Experience: Minimum of [3–5] years of proven experience operating large foundation drilling rigs specifically for drilled shafts/caissons.
  • Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of drilling techniques through various subsurface conditions (soil, cobble, hard rock, ground water).
  • Certifications: Current OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification preferred. NCCCO Drill Rig Operator certification is a major plus.
  • Driver’s License: Valid driver’s license required. A Class A CDL is highly preferred for moving equipment and materials.
  • Problem-Solving: Ability to read project plans, adapt to changing soil conditions, and troubleshoot minor equipment issues on the fly.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

  • Ability to work safely outdoors in all weather conditions (extreme heat, cold, rain, etc.).
  • Physical stamina to climb on and off heavy machinery, lift up to [50 lbs], and stand or sit for extended periods.
  • Willingness to work long hours, overtime, and occasional weekends as project schedules demand.
  • Willingness to travel to various job sites within the Southeastern US

What We Offer

  • Competitive hourly wage
  • Daily Per Diem
  • Comprehensive benefits package (Health, Dental, Vision).
  • Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays.
  • Opportunities for ongoing training and career advancement.