Derrickhand-Oklahoma

Patterson-UTI•El Reno, OK

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Derrickhand is responsible for maintaining the drilling-fluid (mud) systems, including measuring mud weight and viscosity, mixing chemicals, and maintaining mud pumps, shakers, and tanks. The role also steadies pipe during connections and disconnections and guides pipe into and out of elevators. The Derrickhand works closely with and oversees Floorhands and the Motorhand, works under the supervision of the Driller, and assists with day-to-day rig operations. The position involves inspecting and maintaining derrick and mud-system equipment, performing preventive maintenance, checking for problems and safety issues, and keeping the rig, drilling floor, and mud-pit area clean. The Derrickhand handles hazardous chemicals as directed by the Mud Engineer and uses required personal protective equipment. The role also includes assisting with rig-up and rig-down procedures and supporting other crew members as needed. This is outdoor work at remote rig locations, performed across varied weather conditions. The rotational schedule is 14 days on and 14 days off, with 12.5-hour shifts that may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Mandatory or unscheduled hours may also be required with little or no advance notice.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to successfully complete all duties of a Floorhand and Motorhand.
Internal applicants must have at least 3 months of experience as a Motorhand; external applicants must have at least 3 months of Derrickhand experience.
Comfort working at heights of 50 feet or greater for extended periods.
Ability to repeatedly climb steep stairs and ladders and work with a harness on an elevated platform.
Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces.
Ability to stand or walk for 3.5 to 12 hours without sitting, while wearing steel-toed boots.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl throughout the work shift.
Clear English communication skills, including reading, writing, speaking, understanding instructions, and providing clear verbal, non-verbal, and written direction.
Ability to work independently, stay on task during the tour, and take initiative during downtime.
Ability to remain alert and focused for up to 12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities.
Clear vision to judge near and far distances, remain aware of surroundings, work with moving pipe, and observe and report work activities.
Accurate short- and long-term recall and spatial orientation to move safely around a work environment with many moving objects.
Willingness to travel to and work at remote locations on a 14-days-on/14-days-off rotational schedule.
Willingness to work 12.5-hour shifts that may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays, and to work mandatory or unscheduled hours with little or no advance notice.
Willingness and ability to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment.
Ability to meet pre-employment testing requirements, which may include drug and alcohol testing and background checks, as well as periodic drug and/or alcohol testing during employment, subject to applicable laws.
Ability to work outdoors for an entire tour in varied weather, including precipitation, cold, heat, high winds, and turbulent conditions.

Nice To Haves

6 months of experience as a Derrickhand.
High school diploma or GED.

Responsibilities

Measure mud weight and viscosity and mix chemicals into the mud as directed by the Mud Engineer.
Maintain and inspect mud systems, including mud levels, pumps, shakers, tanks, agitators, and mixing equipment.
Perform preventive maintenance on equipment above the rig floor and equipment associated with the drilling-fluid system.
Inspect derrick equipment each tour, including hanging sheaves, lights, boom and boom lines, the climbing device and ladder, standpipe, and Kelly hose.
Perform daily inspections of the crown block, shale shaker, mud agitators, mud-mixing equipment, and mud pumps.
Check the rig and equipment for problems and safety issues on an ongoing basis.
Prepare stands and steady and guide pipe into and out of elevators during drilling activities.
Ensure the correct mud-pit valves are open or closed.
Monitor Floorhands assisting in the pits or handling chemical sacks.
Maintain housekeeping around the rig, drilling floor, and mud-pit area, including sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, and washing equipment.
Use proper hand signals when working on the board and communicate with others.
Follow instructions from the Mud Engineer and Driller to maintain operational mud systems.
Wear required personal protective equipment and follow safety procedures, including when handling hazardous chemicals.
Assist with rig-up and rig-down procedures and support other crew members as needed.
Perform other assigned duties, including tasks that may be outside the job description.