Pacific Drilling Co. is seeking a dependable, hardworking, and safety-minded individual to join our team as a Geotechnical Drill Rig Helper.
We are a long-established, licensed, bonded, and insured geotechnical and environmental drilling contractor serving Southern California and beyond. At Pacific Drilling, we believe in developing our people and providing a pathway to success for employees who are willing to learn, work hard, and demonstrate our core values.
This is more than an entry-level field position—it is an opportunity to learn the drilling trade and build a long-term career. We provide hands-on training alongside experienced Drill Rig Operators and promote from within whenever possible.
Our Core Values
Everything we do at Pacific Drilling is guided by four core values:
1. Dedicated to the Process
We follow established procedures, prioritize safety, take care of our equipment, document our work accurately, and do the job correctly from start to finish.
2. Dedicated to the Client
We understand that our work represents both Pacific Drilling and our clients. We communicate clearly, remain professional on every jobsite, and work to provide dependable, high-quality service.
3. Dedicated to the Team
Drilling is a team effort. We support one another, communicate effectively, take responsibility for our role, and work together to get the job done safely and efficiently.
4. Extra Effort Every Time
We believe the details matter. Whether it’s preparing equipment, maintaining a clean jobsite, helping a teammate, or taking care of a client, we expect our team to go the extra mile.
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate is someone who:
- Is reliable, punctual, and ready to work
- Is safety-conscious and attentive to detail
- Has a strong work ethic and positive attitude
- Is mechanically inclined with good hand-eye coordination
- Is comfortable working with equipment, tools, and technology
- Is organized and capable of completing daily field logs and project documentation
- Works well as part of a team and communicates effectively
- Is willing to learn and take direction from experienced Drill Rig Operators
- Takes pride in maintaining equipment and keeping jobsites clean and organized
- Is interested in developing a long-term career in geotechnical and environmental drilling
- Is comfortable working outdoors in physically demanding and sometimes dirty conditions
Qualifications & Requirements
- Previous geotechnical, environmental, construction, drilling, mechanical, or other field experience is preferred, but not required
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required; CDL is a plus
- Reliable transportation
- Ability to lift up to 70 lbs.
- Ability to safely perform physically demanding work in a variety of outdoor conditions
- Ability to work independently and as part of a field crew
- Willingness to travel and work out of town, nights, weekends, and overtime as project schedules require
- Ability to pass required pre-employment screenings
- Ability to meet background and security requirements for work performed at certain government and secured facilities
- Commitment to safe work practices and following company and project-specific procedures
Schedule & Travel
Our typical operating schedule is Monday through Friday; however, drilling is project-driven and work hours will vary depending on project requirements.
Candidates must be willing and able to work extended hours, overtime, occasional nights and weekends, and overnight or out-of-town assignments when required. Overtime and other applicable compensation are paid in accordance with state and federal wage requirements.
What Pacific Drilling Offers
- Competitive compensation
- Medical benefits
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Supplemental accident insurance
- Paid vacation
- Consistent work with an established geotechnical and environmental drilling contractor
- A defined pathway for career growth and advancement
- Hands-on training alongside experienced Drill Rig Operators
- Exposure to a variety of drilling equipment, methods, and project types
- Continued training and professional development
- Opportunities for increased responsibility and leadership
- Opportunity to advance from Drill Rig Helper to Geotechnical Drill Rig Operator and beyond
Your Pathway to Success
At Pacific Drilling, we want our employees to see a future with the company.
The Geotechnical Drill Rig Helper position is the starting point for learning the technical skills, safety practices, equipment knowledge, field procedures, and client service standards needed to advance within our organization.
As employees gain experience, demonstrate proficiency, take on greater responsibility, and consistently live our core values, opportunities for advancement may include:
Geotechnical Drill Rig Helper → Geotechnical Drill Rig Operator → Senior/Managing Operator → Field & Operations Leadership
Advancement is based on demonstrated skills, safety performance, reliability, leadership, continued learning, and overall contribution to the team.
We invest in people who invest in themselves and their teams. Our goal is to provide motivated employees with the training, experience, and opportunity to build a successful career at Pacific Drilling.
How to Apply
Please email your application to info@pacdrill.com with the subject line:
Geotechnical Drill Rig Helper
Please include:
- A brief cover letter in the body of your email that includes your desired hourly rate and confirmation that you have reliable transportation.
- Your current resume as an attachment.
- A short paragraph introducing yourself, describing your work ethic and experience, and explaining why you believe you would be a good fit for Pacific Drilling Co.
We’re looking for someone who takes pride in their work, shows up ready to contribute, is willing to learn, and wants to build a career in the drilling industry.
If you’re willing to be dedicated to the process, the client, and the team, and committed to extra effort every time, we’d like to hear from you.