Onshore Drilling Jobs in Australia 2026 – Apply Online

Introduction to Onshore Drilling Jobs in Australia

Are you interested in building a career in the oil and gas industry? Onshore drilling jobs in Australia may offer opportunities for experienced drilling professionals, mechanical technicians, electricians, safety specialists, and workers interested in starting a career in the drilling sector.

Australia has an established oil and gas industry, with exploration, well development, drilling, maintenance, and production activities across several regions. Companies operating in this sector employ workers with different technical qualifications and levels of experience.

Onshore drilling work takes place on land rather than on offshore platforms. Depending on the employer and project, employees may work at remote drilling locations, travel between sites, and follow rotating work schedules.

One company worth exploring is Ensign Energy Services, which provides land-based drilling services and publishes information about its Australian oilfield careers. Its official careers page lists a range of drilling and support occupations. Applicants should check the current vacancies before applying.

Official careers page: https://www.ensignenergy.com/careers/australia/

Important: The occupations discussed in this article are genuine types of work found in the drilling industry. They are not a guarantee that every position is currently vacant. Check the employer’s official recruitment page for confirmed openings.

Available Types of Onshore Drilling Jobs in Australia

Onshore drilling operations require trained crews, equipment specialists, maintenance workers, supervisors, and safety personnel. The positions available depend on the employer, the drilling project, and the applicant’s qualifications.

1. Driller

Drillers operate and supervise drilling equipment used to drill wells according to approved procedures. They monitor drilling operations, coordinate with the rig crew, and help maintain safe working conditions.

Employers generally seek candidates with relevant drilling experience, operational knowledge, and appropriate well-control qualifications where required.

2. Assistant Driller

Assistant drillers support the driller in supervising daily rig operations. Their duties can include coordinating crew activities, monitoring equipment, supporting safety procedures, and helping ensure that drilling work follows the operational plan.

Previous drilling experience and relevant training are commonly important for this position.

3. Floorhand or Roughneck

Floorhands, also known as roughnecks in many drilling operations, assist with physical work around the rig floor. Duties may include handling equipment, preparing tools, maintaining an orderly work area, and assisting experienced crew members.

Some employers consider candidates with transferable heavy-labour experience for entry-level opportunities, subject to their recruitment requirements.

4. Derrickhand

Derrickhands perform specialised duties involving drilling equipment and tubulars around the derrick. Depending on the rig, responsibilities may include handling drill pipe, monitoring mud-processing equipment, and supporting safe drilling operations.

This position usually requires appropriate training and relevant operational experience.

5. Leasehand or Entry-Level Rig Hand

Leasehands support drilling crews with general site duties, equipment preparation, cleaning, and other tasks assigned by supervisors.

This may be a useful position to investigate if you are interested in starting a drilling career. However, entry-level does not automatically mean that no experience, licences, medical assessments, or safety training are required.

6. Motorhand

Motorhands help maintain and monitor rig engines and associated mechanical equipment. They may perform routine inspections, basic repairs, and preventative maintenance according to their training and responsibilities.

Mechanical knowledge and relevant practical experience can be valuable for this role.

7. Rig Manager or Toolpusher

Rig managers and toolpushers oversee important aspects of drilling operations. They coordinate personnel, equipment, work schedules, operational performance, and safety requirements.

These are senior positions that generally require substantial industry experience and a strong understanding of drilling operations.

8. Rig Mechanic or Heavy-Duty Mechanic

Mechanical personnel help keep drilling equipment, engines, pumps, and other machinery in working condition. Responsibilities may include fault diagnosis, scheduled servicing, repairs, and equipment inspections.

Relevant trade qualifications and experience with heavy equipment can be important.

9. Electrician

Electrical workers maintain and repair electrical systems and equipment used at drilling sites. Their duties depend on the equipment, project, and level of authorisation required.

Applicants should check whether the role requires Australian electrical licensing, recognised overseas qualifications, or additional technical assessments.

10. Welder

Welders may undertake approved fabrication, repair, and maintenance work on suitable equipment and structures. Employers may require trade qualifications, welding certifications, and experience with specific materials or welding procedures.

Only appropriately qualified workers should perform safety-critical welding tasks.

11. HSE Advisor

Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) advisors help support workplace safety, environmental procedures, risk assessments, incident reporting, and compliance with site requirements.

Relevant safety qualifications, oilfield experience, and knowledge of Australian workplace safety requirements may be required.

12. Truck Driver and Equipment Operator

Some drilling operations require qualified drivers and equipment operators to transport materials, move equipment, and support site logistics.

Applicants should review the exact licence class, operating tickets, driving experience, and site requirements listed by the employer.

13. Drilling Engineer

Drilling engineers help plan and optimise well construction activities. Their work may involve technical calculations, drilling programmes, equipment selection, cost monitoring, and risk management.

This is a professional technical role that generally requires an appropriate engineering degree and relevant industry knowledge.

14. Maintenance Technician

Maintenance technicians inspect, service, troubleshoot, and repair machinery or technical systems used in drilling operations.

Requirements vary by specialisation. Employers may seek mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, or other relevant technical qualifications.

Qualifications and Requirements

Requirements differ between companies and individual vacancies. Before submitting an application, read the official job advertisement carefully.

Common requirements for onshore drilling work may include:

Being at least 18 years old, where required by the employer.
Having the legal right to work in Australia.
Holding relevant trade qualifications, licences, or certificates for the position.
Demonstrating suitable physical capability for the duties.
Following workplace health and safety procedures.
Communicating effectively and working as part of a team.
Completing required medical, functional, and pre-employment assessments.
Being available for remote work or rotating shifts when required.
Holding a suitable driver’s licence for positions that require driving.

For some entry-level roles, previous experience in heavy manual labour, mining, construction, or another physically demanding industry may be useful.

Experienced applicants may need drilling certificates, well-control training, trade licences, or documented experience relevant to the role.

Can Foreigners Apply for Onshore Drilling Jobs in Australia?

Foreign applicants may investigate Australian drilling opportunities, but eligibility depends on the employer, vacancy, and immigration requirements.

For example, Ensign’s official Australian oilfield careers page states that applicants must have Australian working rights and either live in Australia or hold the appropriate working rights to be eligible.

Therefore, overseas applicants should not assume that every advertised position offers visa sponsorship.

Before applying, check:

Whether the advertisement accepts applicants currently living overseas.
Whether the employer explicitly offers visa sponsorship for the specific position.
Whether your qualifications and experience meet the requirements.
Whether any Australian registration, trade recognition, or licensing is necessary.
Whether you can legally work under your current visa or immigration status.

For official immigration information, visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website:

https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/

Never pay an unofficial recruiter who guarantees a job, work visa, or employment offer without a legitimate recruitment process.

Salary and Benefits

Pay for onshore drilling jobs in Australia varies according to the occupation, employer, qualifications, work location, roster, experience, and employment agreement.

Senior drillers, experienced supervisors, engineers, and specialised technicians may have different remuneration arrangements from entry-level rig workers.

Some employers may also provide benefits such as training, personal protective equipment, travel support, or roster arrangements. These benefits must be confirmed in the relevant job advertisement or employment offer.

Job category	What affects pay
Entry-level rig hand	Training, experience, roster, and employer
Floorhand or roughneck	Experience, duties, and working hours
Derrickhand or motorhand	Skills, certifications, and operational responsibilities
Driller or assistant driller	Experience, qualifications, and role requirements
Mechanic or electrician	Trade qualifications and technical specialisation
HSE advisor	Safety qualifications and industry experience
Rig manager or toolpusher	Leadership experience and operational responsibilities
Drilling engineer	Education, technical expertise, and project responsibilities

This table describes pay factors rather than verified salary figures. Applicants should use the employer’s current advertisement or written offer to confirm wages, overtime, allowances, superannuation, and other benefits.

How to Apply for Onshore Drilling Jobs in Australia

Follow these steps to search for genuine vacancies and submit an application.

Step 1: Visit an official employer website

Start with the Ensign Energy Services Australia careers page:

Australia

You can also investigate other established employers, including Santos and Beach Energy, through their official recruitment pages.

Step 2: Search for a suitable position

Look for job titles such as Floorhand, Derrickhand, Driller, Assistant Driller, Rig Mechanic, Electrician, HSE Advisor, or Drilling Engineer.

Only treat a position as available when it appears in a current official advertisement or verified recruitment listing.

Step 3: Prepare your CV

Include your contact information, relevant employment history, qualifications, safety training, technical skills, and appropriate licences.

Describe your actual experience accurately. Do not include certificates, qualifications, or work history that you do not possess.

Step 4: Check eligibility

Read the job requirements, location, roster, work rights, and experience criteria. Confirm that your qualifications are suitable for the advertised position.

Step 5: Submit your application

Use the application instructions on the official recruitment page. Complete the required information and upload your CV and supporting documents where requested.

Step 6: Monitor your application

Check your email and recruitment account for interview invitations or requests for further information. Genuine employers may conduct interviews, reference checks, and pre-employment assessments before making an offer.

Official Company Career Links

Use these official websites to explore drilling, oil and gas, engineering, and related career opportunities.

Ensign Energy Services – Australia oilfield careers: https://www.ensignenergy.com/careers/australia/
Santos – Careers: https://www.santos.com/careers/
Beach Energy – Careers: https://careers.beachenergy.com.au/job/

These companies operate in different parts of the energy industry, so not every vacancy will involve onshore drilling. Review the job description, location, and employment conditions before applying.

Tips for Getting a Drilling Job

To improve your chances of finding a suitable position:

Apply for roles that match your actual qualifications and experience.
Consider entry-level opportunities if you have limited drilling experience.
Keep your CV clear, accurate, and up to date.
Obtain relevant training and licences where appropriate.
Highlight transferable experience from construction, mining, heavy equipment, or mechanical maintenance.
Prepare to discuss safety, teamwork, shift work, and remote-site conditions during an interview.
Use official company websites rather than relying only on social media job posts.

Remember that employers select candidates according to their operational needs and recruitment criteria. No article or application guide can guarantee employment.

Beware of Fake Job Offers

Oil and gas recruitment scams can involve fake offer letters, unofficial email addresses, requests for advance payments, and false promises of guaranteed visa sponsorship.

Protect yourself by applying through official company websites and verifying unexpected recruitment messages directly with the employer.

Do not send money for a guaranteed job. Be cautious if someone requests payment for an interview, recruitment approval, or a visa through an unofficial channel. Legitimate immigration and employment processes should be checked through the relevant Australian authorities and employer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are onshore drilling jobs available in Australia?

Onshore drilling is an established industry in Australia. Actual vacancies change over time, so check official employer recruitment pages for current openings.

2. Which companies can I check for drilling jobs?

Ensign Energy Services is a relevant starting point for land-based drilling careers. Santos and Beach Energy also publish opportunities across the broader oil and gas sector.

3. Can beginners apply for drilling jobs?

Some employers recruit entry-level rig workers. Applicants must still meet the particular vacancy’s eligibility, training, safety, and physical requirements.

4. Can foreigners apply for these jobs?

Some applicants from overseas may qualify, depending on the position and immigration rules. However, employers may require existing Australian working rights and may not sponsor visas.

5. What qualifications do drillers need?

Requirements depend on the position and employer. Experienced drilling roles may require industry experience and relevant drilling or well-control qualifications.

6. Are accommodation and travel provided?

Some employers may offer travel assistance or other benefits for particular positions. Check the official advertisement and employment agreement rather than assuming these benefits are included.

7. What should I include in my CV?

Include your work history, qualifications, licences, relevant technical skills, safety training, and accurate contact information.

8. Where can I apply online?

Begin with the official Ensign Australia oilfield careers page: https://www.ensignenergy.com/careers/australia/

You can also review the official careers pages of Santos and Beach Energy.

9. Are all listed positions currently vacant?

No. The positions described in this article are examples of occupations in the drilling industry. Confirm each current vacancy directly with the employer.

10. Is visa sponsorship guaranteed?

No. Sponsorship depends on the employer, position, and applicable immigration requirements. Confirm the details before accepting an offer.

Conclusion

Onshore drilling jobs in Australia may interest candidates with experience in drilling operations, mechanical maintenance, electrical work, welding, safety, engineering, and heavy equipment operation. Entry-level rig positions may also provide a pathway for suitable applicants who meet the employer’s requirements.

For reliable information, check official recruitment websites, prepare an accurate CV, and verify work-rights requirements before applying.

Apply Online: https://www.ensignenergy.com/careers/australia/

Visit the official careers page to review current opportunities and submit your application if a suitable vacancy is available.