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Drilling Operator Job Description

What does a Drilling Operator do?

A drilling operator is responsible for drilling wells for oil, gas, or water extraction. They use specialised equipment and machinery to drill into the earth and remove core samples for analysis. They work with geologists and other professionals to determine the best drilling location and depth. The drilling operator must also maintain and repair equipment, ensure safety regulations are followed, and keep accurate records of drilling operations. They typically work in harsh outdoor environments and must be physically fit and able to operate heavy machinery.

Our Drilling Operator job description includes the Drilling Operator responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Drilling Operator Example


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If you need an example job description for a Drilling Operator download the one below, alternatively we have many other Manufacturing job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Drilling Operator do?

The Drilling Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of drilling equipment and related machinery. They must ensure that the drilling operations are conducted in accordance with all safety regulations, and that the drilling process is conducted in a timely and cost effective manner.

The Drilling Operator must be able to identify and troubleshoot any problems with the drilling equipment. They must be able to maintain accurate records of all drilling activities, and be able to respond to emergency situations as they arise. They must also be able to communicate effectively with management, colleagues and customers.

The Drilling Operator must be knowledgeable in the use of a variety of drilling machines, as well as in the use of measuring and gauging devices. They must be able to interpret drilling data and make decisions based on the gathered information. The Drilling Operator must also be able to read and interpret technical drawings and diagrams, and understand and adhere to standard operating procedures.

Drilling Operator Role Purpose

The purpose of a Drilling Operator is to safely and efficiently operate and control drilling machinery in order to extract minerals, oil, gas and other substances from the Earth. This includes setting up, operating and monitoring the drilling machinery, preparing and monitoring the drilling site, and ensuring safety and environmental regulations are adhered to. The Drilling Operator is also responsible for the safe and efficient delivery of the drilling process, while ensuring that production and other operational targets are met.

Drilling Operator Role

A Drilling Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining drilling equipment and machinery, and carrying out drilling operations in line with safety regulations. They are also involved in assembling, dismantling and setting up drilling equipment, monitoring the drilling process and making sure that the drilling operation is carried out in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Drilling Operator Duties

  • Set up and operate drilling machines to bore holes in metal blocks and other materials
  • Calculate dimensions and tolerances using measuring instruments
  • Select the appropriate drill bits and other attachments according to the task
  • Ensure the machines are set up correctly and operate within specified parameters
  • Monitor the drilling process and make adjustments as necessary
  • Maintain records of each operation and prepare regular maintenance reports
  • Inspect finished products and ensure they meet the required standards

Drilling Operator Requirements

  • Previous experience in a similar role
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent understanding of safety procedures
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work with a team

Drilling Operator Skills

  • Knowledge of drilling operations
  • Manual dexterity
  • Ability to follow safety procedures
  • Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings

Drilling Operator Personal Traits

  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Knowledge of safety regulations
  • Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve

How to write a Drilling Operator Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Drilling Operator Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Drilling Operator Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Drilling Operator Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Drilling Operator

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