A drilling operation in the UAE is hiring a Drill Rig Operator responsible for operating, maintaining, and managing drilling rigs and associated equipment to install boreholes and perform geotechnical or exploration drilling, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality operations across every project site.
About the Role — Precision Drilling Operations
Core Equipment: Klemm (KR 702, KR 806, or similar) and Kubota drill rigs
Drilling Types: Rotary, percussion, auger, diamond core, sonic, or directional rigs
Project Scope: Geotechnical, mineral exploration, or water well drilling
Standards Compliance: BS 5930, ASTM, AS 1726, and other sampling standards
Work Environment: Remote or challenging environments requiring long hours and stamina
Career Impact & Drilling Operations Opportunity
Strategic Location: UAE — a growing hub for geotechnical and exploration drilling projects
Technical Ownership: Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot drilling rigs and support equipment
Mentorship Role: Train and mentor junior staff in drilling operations and safety procedures
Career Growth: Build specialized, in-demand skills across multiple drilling methods and rig types
Position Overview
The Drill Rig Operator is responsible for operating, maintaining, and managing drilling rigs and associated equipment, to install boreholes, or perform geotechnical, exploration drilling. This role involves ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality drilling operations in accordance with project specifications, safety regulations, and environmental standards.
Why This Role Matters:Â As Drill Rig Operator, you operate and control a range of drilling rigs including Klemm and Kubota equipment to bore holes to precise specifications, monitor drilling parameters such as penetration rate, torque, and pressure for optimal performance, conduct daily pre-start checks, maintenance, and safety inspections on rigs and support vehicles, collect core, soil, or rock samples and record drilling logs with precision, train and mentor junior staff in drilling operations and safety procedures, and build specialized technical skills across geotechnical, mineral exploration, and water well drilling projects.
Key Responsibilities
Rig Operation & Drilling
- Operate and control various drilling rigs, including Klemm and Kubota rigs, to bore holes to required depths and specifications
- Monitor drilling parameters such as penetration rate, torque, and pressure to ensure optimal performance
- Set up, position, and secure the rig and related equipment before drilling operations begin
- Install and retrieve casing, drill rods, and core barrels as required
Equipment Maintenance & Safety
- Conduct daily pre-start checks, inspections, and routine maintenance on drill rigs, compressors, and support vehicles
- Diagnose and report equipment faults, breakdowns, or safety concerns promptly
- Adhere strictly to site safety procedures, including lock-out/tag-out and confined-space entry protocols
Sampling & Data Collection
- Collect core, soil, or rock samples in accordance with technical and quality standards
- Record drilling logs, depths, lithology, and water strikes with precision and completeness
Site Preparation & Support
- Assist with rig mobilization, demobilization, and transportation to and from project sites
- Operate auxiliary machinery such as forklifts, water trucks, or excavators when required
- Manage drill cuttings and fluids in compliance with environmental and waste management procedures
Teamwork & Communication
- Work collaboratively with drillers’ assistants, offsiders, mechanics, and field supervisors
- Train and mentor junior staff in drilling operations and safety procedures
Qualifications & Requirements
Educational Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent; technical or trade certification preferred
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 2-5 years of drilling experience, depending on project type (geotechnical, mineral exploration, or water well drilling)
- Valid Drill Rig Operator’s License or certification (where applicable)
Essential Skills
- Strong understanding of Klemm and Kubota rig controls and hydraulics
- Knowledge of drilling fluids, downhole tools, and rig hydraulics
- Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills
- Current First Aid/CPR or equivalent safety certifications
- Valid driver’s license (heavy vehicle endorsement preferred)
- Knowledge of ground conditions, drilling methods, and sampling standards (BS 5930, ASTM, AS 1726)
- High attention to detail and accuracy in data logging
- Ability to work long hours in remote or challenging environments
About the Opportunity
This role sits within a drilling operation delivering geotechnical, exploration, and borehole drilling services across the UAE, offering a Drill Rig Operator the chance to work with Klemm and Kubota rigs on diverse project types. The position combines hands-on technical operation with mentorship responsibilities, offering a genuine path toward specialized drilling expertise and leadership within the field.
Career Excellence: Build specialized geotechnical and exploration drilling expertise operating industry-standard Klemm and Kubota rigs across diverse UAE project sites.
Who Should Apply?
- Licensed Drill Rig Operators:Â With 2-5 years of geotechnical or exploration drilling experience
- Klemm/Kubota Rig Specialists:Â Familiar with rig controls, hydraulics, and drilling techniques
- Mineral Exploration & Water Well Drillers:Â Experienced in borehole installation and sampling
- Mechanically-Minded Technicians:Â Comfortable with minor repairs and equipment diagnostics
- Field-Ready Professionals:Â Physically fit and willing to work in remote environments
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