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Wellhead Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Clean Harbors

Well Abandonment Technician

San Ardo, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

Perform wellhead excavation, exposure, and site clearing in preparation for abandonment * Assist with or support wellhead cut and cap operations, including working around Ultra High Pressure (UHP ...

Clean Harbors

IS Foreman

San Ardo, CA · On-site

This position is responsible for overseeing daily activities including excavation, wellhead severing (cut & cap), site restoration, and coordination of crews and equipment across multiple job sites.

Clean Harbors

Well Abandonment Technician

San Ardo, CA · On-site

$16.59 - $33.17/hr

Support cut & cap operations, wellhead removal, and site cleanup * Operate and assist with heavy equipment such as backhoes, excavators, skid steers, and support equipment (as qualified) * Perform ...

CleanHarbors

IS Equipment Operator

Bakersfield, CA

This role is responsible for executing field operations related to well abandonment, including excavation, wellhead cut and cap, site demolition, and restoration activities. The Equipment Operator ...

Clean Harbors

IS Foreman

San Ardo, CA · On-site

$17.14 - $39.81/hr

This position is responsible for overseeing daily activities including excavation, wellhead severing (cut & cap), site restoration, and coordination of crews and equipment across multiple job sites.

Clean Harbors

IS Equipment Operator

Bakersfield, CA

This role is responsible for executing field operations related to well abandonment, including excavation, wellhead cut and cap, site demolition, and restoration activities. The Equipment Operator ...

Clean Harbors

Well Abandonment Technician

San Ardo, CA · On-site

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

Perform wellhead excavation, exposure, and site clearing in preparation for abandonment * Assist with or support wellhead cut and cap operations, including working around Ultra High Pressure (UHP ...

Clean Harbors

IS Equipment Operator

Bakersfield, CA

This role is responsible for executing field operations related to well abandonment, including excavation, wellhead cut and cap, site demolition, and restoration activities. The Equipment Operator ...

Clean Harbors

IS Foreman

San Ardo, CA · On-site

This position is responsible for overseeing daily activities including excavation, wellhead severing (cut & cap), site restoration, and coordination of crews and equipment across multiple job sites.

CleanHarbors

Well Abandonment Technician

San Ardo, CA

$21.50 - $29.50/hr

Perform wellhead excavation, exposure, and site clearing in preparation for abandonment * Assist with or support wellhead cut and cap operations, including working around Ultra High Pressure (UHP ...

CleanHarbors

IS Foreman

San Ardo, CA

This position is responsible for overseeing daily activities including excavation, wellhead severing (cut & cap), site restoration, and coordination of crews and equipment across multiple job sites.

Clean Harbors

IS Equipment Operator

Bakersfield, CA · On-site

$14.90 - $34.62/hr

Perform wellhead excavation, exposure, and site clearing in preparation for abandonment * Assist with or support wellhead cut and cap operations, including working around Ultra High Pressure (UHP ...

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All JobsWellhead JobsWellhead Jobs in California

Wellhead information

See California salary details

$19

$24

$28

How much do wellhead jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for wellhead in California is $24.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.27 and $26.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Wellhead vs Well Control Technician?

AspectWellheadWell Control Technician
Primary RoleInstall, maintain, and operate wellhead equipment on oil and gas wellsMonitor and control pressure to prevent blowouts during drilling and production
CertificationsWell control certifications, safety trainingWell control certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOffshore/onshore drilling sites, production facilitiesOffshore/onshore drilling sites, emergency response situations
Industry UsageOil & gas exploration, productionOil & gas exploration, drilling operations

While both roles are essential in oil and gas operations, a Wellhead focuses on installing and maintaining wellhead equipment, whereas a Well Control Technician specializes in managing pressure and preventing blowouts during drilling. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the industry.

What are common challenges faced by wellhead operators when working on remote oil and gas sites?

Wellhead Operators often work in remote or challenging environments, which can present unique obstacles such as harsh weather conditions, limited access to immediate technical support, and the need for strict adherence to safety protocols. Operators must be vigilant in monitoring equipment performance, quickly troubleshooting issues, and effectively communicating with both onsite and offsite teams. The ability to adapt to changing field conditions and maintain a high level of safety awareness is crucial for success in this role.

What does a wellhead operator do?

Wellhead operators are professionals responsible for managing and maintaining the equipment at the surface of oil or gas wells, known as wellheads. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of valves, pressure control systems, and other components that regulate the extraction of oil or gas from underground reservoirs. Their duties often include routine inspections, troubleshooting issues, performing minor repairs, and coordinating with drilling or production teams to optimize well performance. Wellhead operators play a crucial role in maintaining safety standards and preventing leaks or accidents at drilling sites.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a wellhead technician?

To thrive as a Wellhead Technician, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, hydraulics, and oilfield operations, typically supported by a technical diploma or relevant certification. Familiarity with wellhead equipment, pressure control systems, and maintenance tools is essential, along with safety certifications like H2S and OSHA. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are critical soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, efficient operation and maintenance of wellhead systems in demanding oil and gas environments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Wellhead jobs in California? The most popular types of Wellhead jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Wellhead jobs in California? For Wellhead jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Wellhead jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Wellhead jobs in California are:
Wellhead jobs near you
Infographic showing various Wellhead job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,757 per year, or $24.9 per hour.

Well Safety & Compliance Manager

DCOR, LLC - BW.

Oxnard, CA • On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

PURPOSE: The Well Safety & Compliance Manager supports safe and compliant well operations across company assets, with a focus on well control, BOP systems, wellhead equipment, hazard identification, and rig safety. This role helps ensure operations are planned and executed safely, run efficiently, and meet API, BSEE, and company requirements, while driving improvements in safety performance, equipment reliability, and workforce competency. Works closely with field teams, contractors, and leadership to provide guidance and oversight across drilling, completions, workover, and intervention operations.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Well Control and Barrier Management

  • Develop and maintain well control practices
  • Serve as a resource for well control practices and field execution
  • Support planning and operations involving well barriers, pressure control, and well integrity
  • Lead and support well control training, coaching, and competency verification
  • Participate in hazard identification, risk assessments, and JSA reviews

BOP Operations and Compliance

  • Ensure BOP systems are maintained, tested, certified, and ready for use
  • Ensure compliance with API, BSEE, and company standards
  • Support equipment planning, lifecycle tracking, and inventory needs

Wellhead and Pressure Control Systems

  • Support wellhead installation, maintenance, and readiness
  • Help ensure reliability of pressure control equipment and related systems

Safety Improvement and Risk Reduction

  • Support continuous improvement of safety performance across well operations
  • Identify and reduce operational risk through improved procedures and field engagement
  • Strengthen hazard awareness, barrier management, and safe execution practices
  • Support development and updates to wells safety standards and procedures

Audits, Inspections, and Hazard Reviews

  • Conduct and support rig audits, inspections, and field reviews
  • Participate in hazard reviews and JSAs
  • Verify compliance with company and regulatory requirements
  • Track findings and drive corrective actions to closure

Competency and Training

  • Support development of competency expectations for well operations personnel
  • Assist with training, drills, and field coaching
  • Mentor field personnel to improve operational discipline and execution
  • Ensure readiness for critical operations and emergency response

Incident Investigation and Compliance

  • Support investigation of incidents, near misses, and equipment issues
  • Assist with root cause analysis and corrective actions
  • Support audits, inspections, and regulatory reviews
  • Ensure lessons learned are captured and applied

Cross Functional Support

  • Work with contractors, service providers, engineering, and operations teams
  • Support job planning, readiness reviews, and risk assessments
  • Help align field execution with compliance and company expectations

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Must be qualified under applicable regulations and required fit testing
  • Required to wear personal protective equipment which may include self-contained breathing apparatus
  • Prolonged periods of standing, bending, sitting, kneeling, and crawling
  • Climb ladders, stairs, and ramps
  • Operate power, pneumatic hand tools
  • Ability to work varying hours
  • Obtain and maintain Swing Rope Certification

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Safety, or related field preferred or equivalent experience
  • Experience in drilling, completions, workover, or well intervention operations
  • Well control certification (IADC, IWCF, or similar)
  • Offshore experience
  • Knowledge of well control, BOP systems, wellhead equipment, and pressure control
  • Familiarity with API standards and BSEE requirements
  • Experience with audits, inspections, and incident investigations
  • Strong communication and problem-solving skills
  • Willing to travel to field and offshore locations as needed