Join one of the most advanced drilling rig teams in California. At Ensign, we’re looking for dependable, safety-focused individuals to fill roles from floorhand, derrickhand, driller, and rig manager. Whether you are new to the oilfield or have years of experience, we’ll give you the technical knowledge, tools, and support to grow.
Drilling at Ensign in California means hands-on work with advanced rigs. You will be given the opportunity to set up, operate, and maintain multimillion-dollar systems and equipment, with one of the highest safety standards in industry. With structured shifts, strong support from highly experienced professionals, along with ample growth opportunities, this is an excellent opportunity to build a long-term career for those who thrive where others fail, and for those who love to work hard.
As part of Ensign’s drilling crews, you will be directly involved in keeping rigs safe, productive, and efficient. From rig-up to rig-down, your work will have a direct impact on your teammates, our clients, and the overall success of each well.
In this role, you will gain hands-on experience with advanced drilling rigs and develop the skills you need to advance your career in California’s oil and gas industry. The rig can be in remote locations, will require you to work in extreme weather conditions and have access to reliable transportation.
At Ensign, a drilling rig job is more than just work—it’s the start of a long-term career in California’s energy sector.
No prior experience is required for entry-level roles like floorhand. We provide training for reliable, safety-focused individuals ready to learn.
Pay is competitive and depends on your role and experience. Most positions also include per diem, rotation bonuses, and oil-based mud premiums where applicable.
Drilling operations run 24/7, so you’ll likely work rotating shifts, including nights and weekends. Some jobs require staying in remote locations or man camps.
Eligible team members receive health, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage. We also offer a 401(k) plan with a company match after six months.
Absolutely. Many employees who start as floorhands advance to roles like motorhand, derrickhand, and even rig manager with time, training, and dedication.
Be a part of our team, learn from industry veterans, skilled engineers, and cultivate your skills and career with Ensign.
At Ensign, we value quality training. In the race to drill deeper, faster and safer, we aim to build an adaptable, capable and safe workforce and develop strong, strategic, and accountable leaders. We focus our training and development across four complementary areas: Behavioural, Health, Safety & Environment, Technical and Systems.
Our Global Training Matrix is a detailed breakdown by region and job position for all courses you are required to take as you develop and growth your skills with Ensign.
As an entry level position, our Floorhands work on the rig floor handling the difficult and physically strenuous operations.
Our worksites showcase our best in class safety standards and our Floorhands embrace our safety culture. They are our all-around workers, responsible for assisting and learning from all other crew members in their duties, including the maintenance and repair of rig equipment.
Our Floorhands show a willingness to get involved, take on the hard tasks and learn from their crews.
Our Lead Floorhands/Motorhands ensure our rigs and equipment are operating as they should. They maintain our engines, perform routine preventative maintenance and minor rig repairs. They keep our equipment clean and ready to go. Our Lead Floorhands/Motorhands are planners, embrace our safety culture and are always ready to learn more.
Our Derrickhands work above the rig floor and ensuring our operations are running smoothly from the bottom to the top of the derrick.
Derrickhands lift and sink casing, drill pipe and drill collars. They guide the stands of the drill pipe into the fingers at the top of the derrick. Derrickhands also ensure our mud pumps and mud processing equipment are running well.
Our Derrickhands are agile, adapt quickly and tackle the work with tenacity.
Our Drillers supervise ours crews and oversee the safe running of the rig. They drill our wells accordingly to plan, leveraging our Edge technology.
Our Drillers know the tools and the technology. Our Drillers work as team players, mentor our safety culture and share their knowledge to advance the skills of their crews.
Our Rig Managers know the drill. They oversee the rig’s operations, keeping our rigs working through the harshest conditions and meeting our customer’s goals. They are the leaders who bring the crews.
Together, pass along their knowledge and experience and every day build our safety culture. Our Rig Managers are tough, seasoned and industry professionals.
