Derrickhand - Appalachia

Derrickhand

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.

The Derrickhand stands or stands and walks for a minimum of 3.5 hours and up to 12 hours without being able to sit and while wearing steel-toed boots. Frequently climbs steep stairs. Frequently climbs ladders and works while wearing a harness on an elevated platform. Independently uses heavy-duty handheld and long-handled tools. Utilizes proper hand signals when working on the board to communicate with others.

Works independently while staying on task for the majority of the tour work shift. Demonstrates clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English as well as understand and promptly follow verbal and written instructions in English. Takes initiative and works independently during downtime. Frequently measures mud weight and viscosity using a scale and timer. Regularly maintains and inspects mud systems (mud levels, pumps, shakers, and tanks).

Regularly checks rig and equipment for problems and safety issues on an ongoing basis. Performs 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. Wears 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.

Inspects 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. Works 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.

Performs 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 follows instructions from Mud Engineer and Driller to ensure operational mud systems. Handles and mixes hazardous chemicals into the mud as directed by Mud Engineer, while properly using required Personal Protective Equipment.

Prepares stands and steadies and guides pipe into and out of elevators during drilling activities. Ensures correct mud pit valves are open / closed. Monitors Floor hands who are assisting in the pits or with chemical sacks. General upkeep and housekeeping of mud pit area. Assists with rig up / down procedures. Supports other crew members as needed, ensures compliance with safety procedures, and other 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 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.

Demonstrates clear communication skills including ability to read, write and speak English. Understands and promptly follows 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…