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How to hire a well services operator

Well services operator hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring well services operators in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a well services operator is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new well services operator to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a well services operator, step by step

To hire a well services operator, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a well services operator, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step well services 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 well services operator job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new well services operator
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you start hiring a well services operator, identify what type of worker you actually need. Certain positions might call for a full-time employee, while others can be done by a part-time worker or contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A well services operator's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, well services operators from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    Here's a comparison of well services operator salaries for various roles:

    Type of Well Services OperatorDescriptionHourly rate
    Well Services Operator$12-25
    OperatorOperators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more$12-25
    Rig OperatorA drill rig operator drills holes on the ground for different purposes. There are different types of rig operators depending on what they drill... Show more$13-25
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Rig
    • CDL
    • Hand Tools
    • Well Control
    • Tongs
    • BOP
    • Frac
    • Post-Trip Inspections
    • Liquid Nitrogen
    • Troubleshoot
    • Pressure Equipment
    • Oil Flow
    Responsibilities:
    • Manage and maintain GPS and other equipment.
    • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
    • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your well services operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A well services operator can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, well services operators' average salary in pennsylvania is 46% less than in new jersey.
    • Seniority. Entry-level well services operators 48% less than senior-level well services operators.
    • Certifications. A well services operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a well services operator's salary.

    Average well services operator salary

    $38,338yearly

    $18.43 hourly rate

    Entry-level well services operator salary
    $27,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 16, 2025
  4. Writing a well services operator job description

    A well services 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. To help get you started, here's an example of a well services operator job description:

    Well services operator job description example

    Well Chemical Services Operator in Evans, CO at Rockwater Energy Solutions Inc.

    Date Posted:10/9/2022

    APPLY ({{ apply Url }}) Not Ready To Apply?

    Job Snapshot

    + Employee Type:

    Full-Time

    + Location:

    Evans, CO

    + Job Type:

    Well Chemical Services

    + Date Posted:

    10/9/2022

    About Us

    At Rockwater, we recognize the power of teamwork. We are an organization where dedication, safe work, good judgement and results are recognized and rewarded. Through the efforts of our 3000 employees located across Canada and the United States we have been able to achieve great success and continue to grow. Our mission is to provide customized fluids and environmental solutions that maximize oil and gas production and reduce cost while minimizing environmental footprint. Our company culture is centered on our core values, Respect, Integrity, Safety and Excellence. Rockwater is looking to grow our team! We strive to be a "Great Place to Work" where challenge and opportunity are part of our daily experience. If you're looking for a career opportunity where you can use your talents, be challenged, and advance your career path, Rockwater is the place for you!

    At Rockwater Energy Solutions, we are taking a fresher, smarter approach to the water, stimulation, fracturing, fluids, and production needs of our customers. With our comprehensive offering of services and technologies and our team of specialized experts, our goal is to increase your productivity while decreasing operation costs and minimizing your environmental footprint. Flowback & Well Testing Field Fluids Logistics Water Transfer

    Job DescriptionRockwater Energy Solutions is an affiliate of Select Energy Services.

    Well Chemical Services Operator

    Job Details

    Entity: Rockwater

    Full Time / Part Time: Full Time

    Pay Range: $80,000 - $90,000*

    FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

    Business Unit: Well Chemical Services

    Reports to: Operations Manager

    Travel Requirement: Yes

    •Based on overtime, availability, and customer demands

    JOB DESCRIPTION

    Rockwater's Well Chemical Operator will operate equipment for water treatment, chemical injection and inventory management during frac jobs for clients. Well Chemical Services is a combination of capabilities for water treatment, specialty chemicals, and stimulation fluids application. The position will ensure the compatibility of recycled water with all liquid and solid stimulation chemicals applied during stimulation.

    The essential job functions include, but are not limited to

    + Reports to the district office to meet with his/her crew and then travel together or independently to the rig site to perform the required services

    + Takes direction from their crew services supervisor and will work independently or in a team environment to accomplish the required services.

    + Operates Chlorine Dioxide units, liquid chemadd units, and dry chemadd units.

    + Performs duties that required bending, lifting and manipulation of equipment that is 50 or more pounds on a consistent basis, every day

    + Operates a company vehicle on a daily basis between the district and off-site locations to deliver products, service tools, and equipment

    + Loads and unloads vehicles as required to maintain service schedule

    + Participates in rigging up equipment

    + Work is performed on location at well sites in various, sometimes harsh weather conditions

    Other duties

    Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

    Requirements

    To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

    + Must be over 21 years of age

    + Possession of Class A CDL license preferred

    + 7 days per week basis, with required 24-hour on-call coverage on weekends and holidays.

    + Energy service experience helpful

    + Exhibit ability to be a strong team player

    + Possess excellent written and verbal skills, as well as excellent interpersonal skills

    + Ability to manage multiple projects in an environment of constantly changing priorities

    + Ability to work independently and carry out work assignments to highest quality level

    + Must possess knowledge and understanding of highway and safety risks in oilfield

    + Proven safety record and stable work history

    + Chemical experience is a plus

    + Utilize safety and environmental measures at all times

    + Ability to obtain a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) required

    + Experience with DOT regulations and Medical card requirements

    + Possess reliable source of transportation available required

    + Safely operate, maintain and perform minor repairs on equipment required

    + Understand and carry out routine oral and written instructions required

    + Ability to work efficiently in teams and independently required

    + Communicate effectively in a courteous manner required

    + Capacity to operate company vehicle and maintain a clean driving record

    Attributes

    + A - Accountability: Take ownership of actions and outcomes.

    + C - Continuous Improvement: Embrace the necessity for change and commitment to continual growth and progress.

    + T - Teamwork: Encourage and support a collaborative, safe, and engaged work environment.

    Compensation Information

    Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

    Top Tier Benefits

    + Medical, dental, vision, coverage in addition to life and disability insurance plans

    + Paid Vacation Days and Paid Holidays

    + Retirement and Savings (401K) Plan

    + Employee Stock Purchase Program

    Physical Demands and Exposures

    + Work is regularly performed in outside weather conditions, including rain and extreme cold and heat, near moving mechanical parts; exposure to high wind, ice, snow, wet and/or humid conditions, vibration, and dust is expected.

    + Exposure to noise levels requiring the use of hearing protection

    + Prolonged sitting, standing, walking

    + Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

    + Ability to individually lift: Maximum 100 lbs

    Affirmative Action/EEO statement

    Rockwater is an equal opportunity employer. It is Rockwater's policy to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to any protected class, status, characteristic, or activity. All employment decisions, including decisions regarding recruitment, selection, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, advancement, discipline, discharge, and other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment are made without regard to any lawfully protected class, status, characteristic, or activity.

    Clean Air Act

    Rockwater requires all employees whose jobs may involve environmental compliance to understand and comply with the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency's Clean Air Act that regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources. A copy of the Clean Air Act can be provided to you upon request from Human Resources.

    #SelectFamily

    Rockwater Energy Solutions participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Select is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Select only uses E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right well services operator for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your well services operator job on Zippia to find and recruit well services operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit well services 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.

    It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match your ideal candidate profile. If you think a candidate is good enough for the next step, you 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 well services operator

    Once you've selected the best well services operator candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new well services 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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How much does it cost to hire a well services operator?

Recruiting well services operators involves both the one-time costs of hiring and the ongoing costs of adding a new employee to your team. Your spending during the hiring process will mostly be on things like promoting the job on job boards, reviewing and interviewing candidates, and onboarding the new hire. Ongoing costs will obviously involve the employee's salary, but also may include things like benefits.

You can expect to pay around $38,338 per year for a well services operator, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for well services operators in the US typically range between $12 and $25 an hour.

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