Derrickhand - Permian Basin

Patterson-UTI•Warfield, TX

2h•Remote

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 and be 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; along with the 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 to maintain awareness of surroundings, work with moving pipe, watch and report ongoing work activities to coworkers and third parties
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 to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
Willing to travel to and work in remote locations on a rotational schedule which consists of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5 hour shifts that can include days or nights and as well as weekends and holidays
Willing to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside of your assigned schedule with little or no advanced notice
Willing and able to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment
Able to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws)

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

Responsibilities

Measuring mud weight and viscosity using a scale and timer
Maintaining and inspecting mud systems (mud levels, pumps, shakers, and tanks)
Checking rig and equipment for problems and safety issues on an ongoing basis
Performing preventative maintenance on all equipment above the rig floor and all equipment associated with the drilling fluid system
General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
Wearing required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection
Inspecting the following items in the derrick every tour: all hanging sheaves for wear and grease; all lights on derrick; boom and boom lines; derrick climbing device and derrick ladder; and the stand pipe and Kelly hose
Working in a heavy industrial environment which includes working around constantly moving overhead machinery, being in close proximity to loud equipment and handling potentially hazardous chemicals
Performing daily inspections of the following: crown block (sheaves and cables); proper working order of the shale shaker (grease bearings, check or loose bolts and replace screens as required); mud agitators; mud mixing equipment; and mud pumps
Following instructions from Mud Engineer and Driller to ensure operational mud systems
Handling and mixing hazardous chemicals into the mud as directed by Mud Engineer, while properly using required Personal Protective Equipment
Preparing stands and steadying and guiding pipe into and out of elevators during drilling activities
Ensuring correct mud pit valves are open / closed
Monitoring Floorhands who are assisting in the pits or with chemical sacks
General upkeep and housekeeping of mud pit area
Assisting with rig up / down procedures
Supporting other crew members as needed, ensuring compliance with safety procedures, and other additional tasks as assigned
Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description