Motorhand - Permian Basin

Patterson-UTI•Warfield, TX

About The Position

The Motorhand ensures that rig equipment is operating properly and performs minor repairs. The role is responsible for generators and the equipment and systems that power the rig and drilling activities. Other duties include off-loading materials, maintaining equipment, and assisting with rig-up and rig-down procedures. The Motorhand works closely with and oversees Floorhands on the rig floor, assists the Derrickhand as needed, and supports the Driller in daily operations. The position involves inspecting, maintaining, and repairing generators, engines, electrical and hydraulic systems, and other rig equipment. The Motorhand performs preventative maintenance, completes maintenance records, conducts equipment inspections, handles lock-out/tag-out of breakers, and keeps a daily maintenance and repair log. The role also includes training and overseeing Floorhands, assisting with mud maintenance, rig upkeep and housekeeping, and supporting other crew members as needed. The work is performed outdoors for entire tour shifts in varied weather and in a heavy industrial environment with moving machinery, loud equipment, and potentially hazardous chemicals. The position requires working at heights, using heavy-duty tools and a forklift, wearing required PPE, and maintaining alertness during long shifts. The schedule is rotational: 14 days on and 14 days off, with 12.5-hour shifts that may be days or nights and include weekends and holidays. Mandatory or unscheduled hours may also be required with little or no advance notice. Travel to remote locations is required.

Requirements

Demonstrated ability to successfully complete all duties of a Floorhand.
Ability or aptitude to maintain and repair various types of equipment, engines, and machinery.
At least three months of experience as a Motorhand on a drilling rig.
At least six months of experience in a rig-based position for a drilling contractor.
Twelve months of stable related work history.
Ability to lift and place slips weighing approximately 150 pounds with another person occasionally during the tour shift.
Ability to stand or walk for at least 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without sitting while wearing steel-toed boots.
Ability to repetitively climb steep stairs and independently lift and carry 50 pounds while walking on uneven surfaces.
Comfort working at heights of 50 feet or greater for extended periods.
Ability to bend, stoop, kneel, twist, and crawl during the tour shift.
Clear near and far vision to judge distances, remain aware of work activities, and report them to coworkers and third parties.
Accurate short- and long-term recall, and ability to stay alert and focused for up to 12.5 hours while performing routine and repetitive activities.
Clear English communication skills, including reading, writing, speaking, and promptly following verbal and written instructions.
Willingness to travel to remote locations and work a 14-days-on/14-days-off rotation with 12.5-hour shifts, including days or nights, weekends, and holidays.
Willingness to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside the assigned schedule 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 or alcohol testing during employment, subject to applicable laws.
Forklift certification or willingness to complete forklift certification training within 14 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED.
Six months of experience as a Motorhand on a drilling rig.
One to two years of experience in a rig-based position for a drilling contractor.

Responsibilities

Ensure equipment is operating and functioning properly and perform minor repairs.
Maintain and repair generators, engines, hydraulic and electrical systems, and other rig equipment, including the SCR or VFD house.
Perform preventative maintenance and keep required log sheets and maintenance records accurate and up to date.
Conduct daily equipment inspections, including main engines, air compressors and air systems, electrical equipment, the BOP and accumulator, radiators, pumps, and boiler.
Inspect main engines each tour, checking oil, coolant, gauges, leaks, noise, and vibrations, and change oil as needed.
Provide instructions to, train, and oversee Floorhands during drilling activities.
Regularly check the rig and equipment for problems and safety issues.
Use a forklift to off-load and move materials.
Handle lock-out/tag-out of breakers.
Keep a daily log of maintenance and repair activities.
Assist the Derrickhand with chemical mixing and mud maintenance as needed.
Assist with rig-up and rig-down procedures.
Maintain the rig and drilling floor, including sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing equipment, and related housekeeping.
Support other crew members, comply with safety procedures, and perform other assigned duties.