Derrickhand - Permian Basin

Patterson-UTI•Midland, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Derrickhand is responsible for a variety of tasks related to the drilling fluid system and the overall upkeep of the rig. This role involves working at heights, handling tools, measuring and maintaining mud systems, performing inspections, and ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the work environment. The position requires physical stamina, clear communication, and the ability to work independently and as part of a team in a demanding industrial setting, often in challenging weather conditions and remote locations.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to successfully complete all duties of a Floorhand and Motorhand
Must be 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
Demonstrate 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
Must be 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)
Internal applicants will have at least 3 months of experience as a Motorhand
External applicants will have at least 3 months of Derrickhand experience

Nice To Haves

6 months of experience as a Derrickhand
High School Diploma or GED equivalent

Responsibilities

Stand or stand and walk for a minimum of 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without being able to sit and while wearing steel-toed boots
Frequently climb steep stairs and ladders, and work while wearing a harness on an elevated platform
Independently use heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools
Utilize proper hand signals when working on the board to communicate with others
Work independently while staying on task for the majority of the tour work shift
Demonstrate clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English
Take initiative and work independently during downtime
Frequently measure mud weight and viscosity using a scale and timer
Regularly maintain and inspect mud systems (mud levels, pumps, shakers, and tanks)
Regularly check rig and equipment for problems and safety issues on an ongoing basis
Perform 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
Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times
Inspect derrick items 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
Work 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
Perform daily inspections of the 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
Quickly follow instructions from Mud Engineer and Driller to ensure operational mud systems
Handle and mix hazardous chemicals into the mud as directed by Mud Engineer, while properly using required Personal Protective Equipment
Prepare stands and steady and guide pipe into and out of elevators during drilling activities
Ensure correct mud pit valves are open / closed
Monitor Floorhands who are assisting in the pits or with chemical sacks
General upkeep and housekeeping of mud pit area
Assist with rig up / down procedures
Support other crew members as needed
Ensure compliance with safety procedures
Perform other additional tasks as assigned
Perform other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description