Derrickhand - Permian Basin

Brief Description

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 Floor hands and Motorhand and works under the supervision of the Driller and assists in day-to-day operations.

Job Title:

Derrickhand

Location:

Regional

• 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
• Frequently climb 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 which could include but is not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection
• Inspect 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
• 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 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
• 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 Floor hands 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, and complete additional tasks as assigned
• Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description

• 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 and 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; provide clear and understandable verbal, non‑verbal, and written direction to others
• 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…