Job description template
Rotary Drill Operator Job Description Template
A copy-ready rotary drill operator job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.
Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows rotary drill operators earn a median of $67,890 ($32.64/hour); the middle 50% earn $53,810–$81,360.
Job title
Rotary Drill Operator
Job summary
[Company name] is seeking a dependable rotary drill operator to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will operate drilling controls, control weight on bit and rotation and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.
Responsibilities
- Operate drilling controls
- Control weight on bit and rotation
- Monitor well control indicators
- Supervise the floor crew
- Coordinate trips and pipe handling
- Maintain drilling records
- Lead safety meetings
- Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations
Required qualifications
- No formal educational credential
- Working knowledge of rig operation and well control
- Leadership and calm under pressure
- [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]
Preferred qualifications
- IADC WellSharp Driller
- IADC RigPass
- H2S Clear
- Experience with driller’s cabin controls
Skills
- Drilling parameters
- Crew supervision
- Equipment knowledge
- Drilling reports
- Communication
- Decision making
Work environment and schedule
Drillers work on rigs from a control cabin and the rig floor, often in remote areas. Rigs run nonstop, with 12-hour tours on long rotations.
Pay and benefits
$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]
Equal opportunity
[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
Tips for a rotary drill operator job posting that attracts applicants
- Use the title candidates search for. “Rotary Drill Operator” is the clearest; alternates include Driller, Oil and Gas Driller, Rig Driller.
- Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
- Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
- Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a rotary drill operator so applicants self-select accurately.
- Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Rotary Drill Operator training: widens your applicant pool.
Next steps
Screen and interview with our Rotary Drill Operator hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.