Most operators (oil companies) don’t own drilling rigs and instead, they hire third-party service companies for drilling the wells.
Here is a breakdown of typical positions on the drilling rig and their responsibilities.
Typical Oil Rig Positions
Roughneck (Floorman/Leasehand/Roustabout)
He is usually the most junior member of the team who reports to the driller.
He makes up and breaks down joints of the pipe while running in a hole or pulling to the surface.
He also helps to maintain all the equipment, cleans it, and assists other members of the team whenever needed.
Derrickman
He usually works above the drilling floor on the “monkey board” and his main responsibility is racking the stands of pipe.
To work as a derrickman you should be comfortable spending long hours at heights.
He also maintains mud motors and is responsible for mud preparation.
Motorman
As the name suggests he is mainly responsible to ensure that all motors and rig machinery operates without any major breakdowns.
He often spends his time doing preventative maintenance and performing machinery inspections to avoid downtime during the drilling operations due to engine failures.
Driller
The driller is in charge of the drilling crew and reports to the tool pusher.
He is responsible for running the rig which includes raising and lowering the drill pipe, controlling speeds, operating BOPs, and following the drill program.
Toolpusher
He is the most senior member of the team and everyone on a drilling crew reports to him.
He oversees the drilling operation and usually stays on location while the rest of the crew stays in the camp or hotel.
Toolpusher also works closely with a company man to ensure that the well is drilled as per plan.
Company man
The company man or on-site representative (OSR) works for the operator.
He is the one who is in charge of every operation happening on a lease.
Related: Working for Oil and Gas Operator vs Oilfield Service Company
How to Start Working On a Drilling Rig?
Most people start working on a drilling rig as roughnecks and then progress to more senior positions and eventually become drillers and tool pushers.
Many company men worked as tool pushers on drilling rigs before moving to the operator.
Basic requirements
- Driving license with a good driving record – having a class 1 license can be an asset
- High school diploma (however having a postsecondary education related to the oil and gas industry can help you to get promoted faster).
- Ability to pass drug, alcohol, and physical test.
- Able to lift 80 lbs.
- H2S and First Aid course certificates.
- Good people skills – you will be working on a team and it helps if you can work in a team environment.
- Problem-solving and analytical skills – being able to think fast on your feet is an asset.
Related: Working as a Frac Equipment Operator
How to Get a Job on a Drilling Rig?
If you can fulfill most of the requirements that we discussed, you can start looking for a rig job by applying online.
When the industry is booming it is pretty easy to get a job on the drilling rig.
Even though you can get a job with no experience in the oil patch, it might be easier if you have previous experience working in similar industries that involve hard labor like construction.
It also helps if you know someone who can recommend you to a tool pusher and pass your resume to him.
I know several people who got their first rig job at 18 without any previous experience just because someone recommended them.
Related: What Do MWD Operators Do?
What to Expect When Working on a Drilling Rig?
Most shifts are 12 hours long and it takes another 30 minutes to get to the hotel or camp where you will be staying.
Most rotations are 15 days and 6 days off. However, if you work in very remote locations rotations can be longer.
Quite a bit of physical work is required when working on the drilling rig especially if you are just starting out.
You will need to be prepared to get dirty and work in extreme weather conditions. There is also quite a bit of noise on location.
Salaries are usually pretty good even for roughnecks but working on the rig is not the easiest job in the oilfield.
However, as you gain more experience and get promoted the amount of physical work you will be doing will slowly decrease.
Read next: Working In the Oilfield | Requirements, Entry Level Jobs and Work Conditions