Rig Drillers and Assistant Drillers
BH-345531
Posted: 28/08/2026
- To Be Advised
- New Zealand Taranaki Taranaki
- Contract
-
Alternative & Renewable Energy
-
Geothermal
Driller and Assistant Drillers (Experienced)
Geothermal and Oil & Gas Projects
Location: Taupo and Taranaki Regions
This is a unique opportunity to work on New Zealand's most exciting energy projects within the rapidly growing geothermal industry in the Taupo region (including New Zealand's pioneering Superhot geothermal exploration project) as well as other renewable geothermal projects and conventional oil and gas energy work.
The Opportunity:
In this even time roster role with projects expected to continue for at least the next two years, we are seeking an experienced Driller / Lead Operator to support a range of high-profile energy projects across Taupo and Taranaki. Candidates will contribute to drilling and exploration operations while working with leading energy operators. A particular highlight will be involvement in the Superhot geothermal exploration project, a groundbreaking first-of-its-kind initiative in New Zealand.
Driller:
The role will involve the operation, monitoring and control of drilling equipment and associated drilling systems. You will be an Experienced Driller and will supervise drilling, tripping, casing running, cementing and completion activities, maintain drilling performance and well control, coordinate with engineers, geologists and service companies, complete drilling reports and handovers, and ensure all work is carried out safely and in compliance with applicable New Zealand health, safety, environmental and workplace requirements.
You must have:
• Previous experience as a Driller or Assistant Driller on land-based drilling rigs.
• Strong well control and drilling operations knowledge.
• Leadership experience supervising drilling crews.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.
• Commitment to health, safety and environmental compliance.
Highly Desirable:
Geothermal drilling experience; IWCF or IADC well control certification; experience working in oil and gas drilling operations; previous rotational or remote site experience; mechanical troubleshooting capability.
Assistant Driller:
The Assistant Driller / Senior Operator's (must be experienced) duties include, but are not limited to, assisting with the operation, monitoring, and control of Company Equipment, tools, machinery, and associated operational systems. The Assistant Driller / Senior Operator shall support operational requirements, assist with coordination of work activities, maintain accurate operational records, and ensure all work is carried out safely and in compliance with applicable New Zealand health, safety, environmental, and workplace requirements.
The Assistant Driller / Senior Operator may also undertake any other duties reasonably associated with the role and required to support Company Equipment operations.
We can only look at those with the current legal right to live and work in NZ.
To apply for this position please send a copy of your CV with a covering letter in full confidentiality or phone Bruce on 0212477311 for further information.
With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.
Geothermal and Oil & Gas Projects
Location: Taupo and Taranaki Regions
This is a unique opportunity to work on New Zealand's most exciting energy projects within the rapidly growing geothermal industry in the Taupo region (including New Zealand's pioneering Superhot geothermal exploration project) as well as other renewable geothermal projects and conventional oil and gas energy work.
The Opportunity:
In this even time roster role with projects expected to continue for at least the next two years, we are seeking an experienced Driller / Lead Operator to support a range of high-profile energy projects across Taupo and Taranaki. Candidates will contribute to drilling and exploration operations while working with leading energy operators. A particular highlight will be involvement in the Superhot geothermal exploration project, a groundbreaking first-of-its-kind initiative in New Zealand.
Driller:
The role will involve the operation, monitoring and control of drilling equipment and associated drilling systems. You will be an Experienced Driller and will supervise drilling, tripping, casing running, cementing and completion activities, maintain drilling performance and well control, coordinate with engineers, geologists and service companies, complete drilling reports and handovers, and ensure all work is carried out safely and in compliance with applicable New Zealand health, safety, environmental and workplace requirements.
You must have:
• Previous experience as a Driller or Assistant Driller on land-based drilling rigs.
• Strong well control and drilling operations knowledge.
• Leadership experience supervising drilling crews.
• Excellent communication and reporting skills.
• Commitment to health, safety and environmental compliance.
Highly Desirable:
Geothermal drilling experience; IWCF or IADC well control certification; experience working in oil and gas drilling operations; previous rotational or remote site experience; mechanical troubleshooting capability.
Assistant Driller:
The Assistant Driller / Senior Operator's (must be experienced) duties include, but are not limited to, assisting with the operation, monitoring, and control of Company Equipment, tools, machinery, and associated operational systems. The Assistant Driller / Senior Operator shall support operational requirements, assist with coordination of work activities, maintain accurate operational records, and ensure all work is carried out safely and in compliance with applicable New Zealand health, safety, environmental, and workplace requirements.
The Assistant Driller / Senior Operator may also undertake any other duties reasonably associated with the role and required to support Company Equipment operations.
We can only look at those with the current legal right to live and work in NZ.
To apply for this position please send a copy of your CV with a covering letter in full confidentiality or phone Bruce on 0212477311 for further information.
With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.