How to hire a field operator

How to hire a field operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step field operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a field operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new field operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the field operator you need to hire. Certain field operator roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   Hiring the perfect field operator also involves considering the ideal background you'd like them to have. Depending on what industry or field they have experience in, they'll bring different skills to the job. It's also important to consider what levels of seniority and education the job requires and what kind of salary such a candidate would likely demand.

   This list presents field operator salaries for various positions.

   Type of Field Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Field Operator		$13-28
   Heavy Equipment Operator	Heavy equipment operators are skilled workers who are trained to handle heavy equipment. They are usually in the construction industry... Show more	$12-27
   Equipment Operator	Equipment operators are employees who are assigned to work on specific company equipment. They are skilled workers trained to handle all aspects of the particular equipment, from basic operating to repairing... Show more	$11-19

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Hand Tools
   • End Loaders
   • Hazmat
   • Preventive Maintenance
   • Safety Standards
   • Work Ethic
   • Log Book
   • OSHA
   • Loaders
   • Compressor Stations
   • Safety Rules
   • Routine Maintenance
   • Field Training

   Check all skills

   Responsibilities:

   • Coordinate logistics for chemical supply, supervise personnel and manage shift changes.
   • Check through equipment such as contact weight bars, quick changes, cdl.
   • Train in FRAC and cement work.
   • Position require CDL and handling of radioactive sources.
   • Wear all personal protective equipment (PPE) as required.
   • rebuild and repack pumps re-dress bop stacks pump fluids and nitrogen

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your field operator job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A field operator salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, field operators' average salary in florida is 47% less than in minnesota.
   • Seniority. Entry-level field operators earn 52% less than senior-level field operators.
   • Certifications. A field operator with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a field operator's salary.

   Average field operator salary

   $42,202yearly

   $20.29 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level field operator salary

   $29,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 14, 2025

4. Writing a field operator job description

   A field operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a field operator job description:

   Field operator job description example

   To provide installation, repairs and routine servicing of production equipment in the shop and in the field. Help generate business to increase revenues through sales of Weatherford products and services. This is the fully qualified level job for Field Specialist, who have a demanding, hands-on job that makes use of the latest technologies to deliver solutions for our clients. Acts to manage field crews whenever necessary (similar to engineers) but also with a great deal of autonomy and responsibility. They are trained and certified to maintain and run Special Services operations, among others. Provides expert judgment and analysis for the design, development and implementation of technical products and systems. Resolves highly complex technical issues and conducts advanced research. Recommends alterations to development and design to improve quality of products and/or procedures. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks.
   Perform oversight of installation services in the field
   
   Must be proficient in calculating basic oil industry volumes, pressures and forces
   
   Have a keen understanding of different facets of field operations including but not limited to completions, remedial work-overs, cementation and fracturing
   
   Able to work effectively on pulling units as well as drilling rigs
   
   Perform maintenance & repairs on company owned rental equipment in the field as needed.
   
   Accurate & thorough completion of job reports on a timely basis.
   
   Assist in the shop and make deliveries when available
   
   Available on a 24 hours call basis to respond to customer needs.
   
   Know and understand Weatherford Quality Policy and comply with all requirements of the Quality Systems Manual, Operating and Technical Procedures and Workplace Instructions.
   
   Must understand and comply with all safety rules and company policies of Weatherford.
   
   Work assignments carried out to the highest quality level.
   
   Perform various other duties and activities as assigned by supervisor within the physical constraints of the job.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find field operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your field operator job on Zippia to find and attract quality field operator candidates.
   • Use niche websites such as constructionjobs.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit field operators, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new field operator

   Once you've decided on a perfect field operator candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new field operator. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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