Driller - North Dakota Region

Patterson-UTI Drilling

The New Standard for Drilling Performance
Drill safer, smarter and faster with Patterson-UTI Drilling's comprehensive fleet of pad-capable rigs featuring advanced walking systems to enhance your operations so you can reach your apex.

The Driller is responsible for monitoring well conditions and drilling parameters. Additional responsibilities include delegating tasks to Derrickhand, Motorhand, and Floorhands based on drilling activities. The Driller must be able to communicate with a variety of employees and third parties including Customer representatives and Directional Driller.

Key Relevant Tasks

• Oversee all drilling activities and monitor rig employees and third parties that are working on, entering or exiting rig floor
• Follow established plan for drilling operations
• Continually monitor well conditions and drilling parameters
• Provide leadership, along with the Rig Manager, to delegate tasks, instruct, train, and develop all rig employees
• Ensure regular maintenance of all equipment and machinery
• Assist Rig Manager with preventing and solving problems to keep the rig operational
• Communicate with Rig Manager, Company Man, and Directional Driller as necessary
• Responsible for well control
• General upkeep and housekeeping of the Driller's cabin
• Maintain daily logs of drilling activities
• Direct other rig employees and assist with rig up / down procedures
• Support other crew members as needed, ensure compliance with safety procedures, and other additional tasks as assigned

Work Environment

This position requires the Driller 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 Driller 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Able to use a computer and multiple screens to monitor drilling activities.
• Have an understanding of down hole operations and daily operations to be able to give instructions to hands
• Able to use a calculator, standard formulas, and basic math for well control calculations

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced education (college, trade school, etc...)
• Prior experience working as a Driller for Patterson UTI

Certifications: Well Control

Supervisory Responsibilities: Direct work activities of other rig employees and third parties.