Rig Manager - North Dakota and Wyoming

Patterson-UTI•Dickinson, ND

About The Position

The Rig Manager is responsible for daily rig operations, drilling activities, equipment, and supervision of all rig employees. The role ensures compliance with Company policies and safety requirements, plans maintenance to minimize downtime, and provides leadership and direction in resolving operational and personnel issues. The Rig Manager plans and directs drilling operations and rig moves and communicates regularly with Company personnel, third parties, and Customer representatives. The position reports to the Drilling Superintendent. The Rig Manager oversees rig operations, production, maintenance, costs, and personnel; trains and directs crew members; and promotes safe, inclusive, and effective teamwork. The role includes inspecting and maintaining equipment, planning preventive maintenance, troubleshooting issues, conducting meetings and crew fitness-for-duty evaluations, preparing rig paperwork and reports, and filling in for other rig-based employees as needed. The work also includes housekeeping, rig moves, and other assigned duties. This position involves work indoors and outdoors in varied weather, remote locations, and a heavy industrial environment with moving machinery, loud equipment, potentially hazardous chemicals, and work at heights. The schedule is rotational: 14 days on and 14 days off, with 12.5-hour shifts that may include days or nights, weekends, and holidays. Mandatory or unscheduled work outside the assigned schedule may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Valid state-issued driver’s license and eligibility under the Company’s Vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy.
Certifications in Well Control, CPR/First Aid, and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Safety Training.
Ability to complete a Supervisory Well Control course within 14 days of the start date.
Demonstrated ability to successfully complete duties of all rig crew positions: Floorhand, Motorhand, Derrickhand, and Driller.
Strong computer skills, including reports, email, spreadsheets, and graphs.
Ability to use standard formulas and basic mathematical equations to compute and report rig-operation metrics.
Ability to communicate directions and expectations effectively to crew members and third parties, and sufficient English reading, writing, and speaking skills to understand and give instructions and communicate with Customer representatives.
Ability to work on a rotational schedule of 14 days on and 14 days off, with 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 to travel to and work in remote locations and attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment.
Ability to meet pre-employment testing requirements, potentially including drug and alcohol testing and background checks, and periodic testing during employment, subject to applicable laws.
Ability to work an irregular sleep pattern and remain available for specified drilling procedures and unanticipated operational, equipment, or maintenance issues.
Ability to perform physical work including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and climbing ladders or stairs.
Ability to exert 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently and/or 10 to 20 pounds constantly to move objects; repeatedly 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 maintain spatial orientation and awareness around moving objects and judge near and far distances to monitor and direct work activities.
Ability to wear required PPE, which may include a hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection.
Demonstrated leadership competencies in building and maintaining effective relationships, developing self and others, building effective teams, courageous leadership, managing vision and purpose, business acumen, drive for results, customer focus, and decision quality.

Nice To Haves

Advanced education, such as college or trade school.
Experience as a Rig Manager on an AC/VFD-style rig.
Experience working in environments with extreme weather conditions.

Responsibilities

Lead rig operations and promote the safety of all onsite personnel with the goal of incident-free work.
Supervise, direct, and train drilling rig crew members, ensuring compliance with safety and operational procedures.
Manage rig operations, production, maintenance, costs, and personnel to meet Company business objectives.
Inspect and maintain the rig and equipment, using Comprehensive Rig Inspection criteria and seeking continual improvement.
Build productive partnerships with Customer representatives and communicate with Company personnel and third parties.
Apply management practices including delegation, motivation, discipline, goal setting, and performance evaluation.
Plan preventive maintenance and replacement supplies; troubleshoot and resolve operational, equipment, and maintenance issues to minimize downtime.
Plan daily rig operations with the Driller and Customer representative.
Lead pre- and post-tour meetings, including crew fit-for-duty evaluations.
Fill in for the Driller or other rig-based employees as needed.
Prioritize tasks and work independently while managing distractions; take responsibility for Company resources, equipment, and personnel.
Read and write emails and prepare daily rig paperwork, status reports, and other business-related documents.
Perform rig and drilling-floor housekeeping, including sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, and washing equipment.
Plan and supervise rig moves, including rig-up and rig-down procedures.
Address and resolve concerns and disputes among team members and customers, fostering a cohesive work group.
Promote an inclusive work environment where employees of all backgrounds feel valued.
Complete other assigned duties, which may be outside the job description.