Derrickhand - Permian Basin

Patterson-UTI•Midland, TX

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Derrickhand is responsible for the mud systems. This includes measuring mud weight and viscosity, mixing chemicals, and maintaining mud pumps, shakers, and tanks. Other responsibilities include steadying pipe during connections/disconnections and guiding pipe into and out of elevators. The Derrickhand works closely with and oversees the Floorhands and Motorhand and works under the supervision of the Driller and assists in day-to-day operations. This position requires the person to work outdoors for an entire tour work shift in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located. Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80° to low 100° with high humidity; winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20°. Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as -40°.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to successfully complete all duties of a Floorhand and Motorhand
Comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
Able to repetitively climb steep stairs
Able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
Ability to frequently climb ladders and work while wearing a harness on an elevated platform
Clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English
Understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English
Ability to provide clear and understandable verbal, non-verbal and written direction to others in English
Bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the tour work shift
Clear vision to judge near and far distances
Accurate recall over short and long-term memory
Able to stay alert and focused up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
Maintain spatial orientation and awareness
Willing to travel to and work in remote locations on a rotational schedule (14 days on / 14 days off)
Willing to work 12.5 hour shifts (days or nights)
Willing to work weekends and holidays
Willing to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside of assigned schedule with little or no advanced notice
Willing and able to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing
Able to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements (drug and alcohol test, background checks)
Willingness to complete Forklift Certification training within 14 days of hire
Six (6) months of experience as a Derrickhand on a drilling rig
Twelve (12) months of stable related work history
Must be comfortable working at heights (50ft. or greater)

Nice To Haves

High School Diploma or GED
Valid Well Control Certification, IADC WellSHARP
Previous experience as a Motorhand on a drilling rig
1 – 2 years of experience working in a rig-based position for a drilling contractor
Forklift Certification

Responsibilities

Measuring mud weight and viscosity
Mixing chemicals
Maintaining mud pumps, shakers, and tanks
Steadying pipe during connections/disconnections
Guiding pipe into and out of elevators
Overseeing Floorhands and Motorhand
Assisting the Driller in day-to-day operations
Climbing steep stairs and ladders
Working on an elevated platform while wearing a harness
Using heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
Using proper hand signals when working on the board
Working independently during downtime
Maintaining and inspecting mud systems
Checking rig and equipment for problems and safety issues
Performing preventative maintenance on equipment above the rig floor and associated with the drilling fluid system
General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor (sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing equipment, housekeeping)
Wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Inspecting items in the derrick every tour (sheaves, lights, boom, derrick climbing device, derrick ladder, stand pipe, Kelly hose)
Working in a heavy industrial environment with moving machinery, loud equipment, and hazardous chemicals
Performing daily inspections of the crown block, shale shaker, mud agitators, mud mixing equipment, and mud pumps
Handling and mixing hazardous chemicals into the mud
Preparing stands and steadying/guiding pipe
Ensuring correct mud pit valves are open/closed
Monitoring Floorhands assisting in pits or with chemical sacks
General upkeep and housekeeping of the mud pit area
Assisting with rig up/down procedures
Supporting other crew members
Ensuring compliance with safety procedures
Other duties as assigned