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 Floorhands and Motorhand and works under the supervision of the Driller and assists in day-to-day operations.
Detailed Description
* 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
* Wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times
* 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
* Performs preventative maintenance on all equipment above the rig floor and all equipment associated with the drilling fluid system.
* 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 standpipe and Kelly hose
* 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 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, and other additional tasks as assigned
Job 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
* 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
* Stay alert and focused up to12.5 hours while performing repetitive and routine activities
* Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
Minimum Qualifications:
* Internal applicants will have at least 3 months of experience as a Motorhand
* External applicants will have at least 6 months of Derrickhand experience
Preferred Qualifications
* 1 year of experience as a Derrickhand on a land drilling rig
* High School Diploma or GED equivalent
Additional Details
This position requires the person to work outdoors for an entire tour work shift in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. They will be exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located. Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80 to low 100 with high humidity winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20 . Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as -40 .
The Derrickhand must work with an emphasis on safety for themselves and others including coworkers and third parties. They must be able to work closely with others as they will work together in the confined area of the drilling rig and may choose to live together in crew quarters. They must be willing to work a hitch, 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.