Rig Manager - Drilling

Western Energy Services Corp; City of Leduc; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Immediate Employee Benefits

Matched Savings Program – up to 5%

Job summary

Western Energy Services Corp. seeks a Rig Manager to direct drilling rig operations, oversee crew activities, and uphold safety standards on site.

You will manage daily tasks, coordinate rig moves, and ensure equipment readiness while maintaining regulatory compliance and reporting requirements. The ideal candidate offers prior rig management experience, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to operate in varying weather conditions and travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Previous drilling rig experience as Rig Manager or equivalent role.
• Proven leadership and team supervision abilities.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong mechanical understanding and manual dexterity.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.
• Willingness to travel/relocate per project needs.
• Certifications as required by company training matrix.
• Ability to pass pre-employment testing.

Responsibilities

• Direct the drilling rig operations and crew activities, including setup, move, and safety oversight.
• Supervise daily rig crew tasks and ensure work aligns with client expectations.
• Maintain safety standards and respond to emergencies on site.
• Order supplies, coordinate rig maintenance, and manage equipment readiness.
• Plan rig moves and organize staff for various operations.
• Monitor performance, provide coaching, and address gaps through action plans.
• Lead safety meetings and ensure documentation of all procedures and training.
• Communicate hazards, risk assessments, and controls to all personnel.

Skills

Strong leadership

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Mechanical aptitude

Manual dexterity

Fluent English

Willing to work away from home

Certifications per matrix

Job description

TheRig Manager reports directly to the Field Superintendent. The Rig Manager is primarily responsible for directing the actual operations of the drilling rig and work performed by the crews including setup, take down and moving, along with the safety of the workers on the rig while in operation. The Rig Manager is also responsible for completing daily reports, ordering necessary supplies and other business matters pertaining to the rig. The Rig Manager will ensure compliance with safety requirements on the Rig and will respond to all emergency situations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Ensure that the safety & well-being of all personnel and the public is the first priority
• Supervise and monitor the day-to-day activities of the rig crew, including employee motivation levels, safety, and ensuring that tasks are completed according to client expectations
• Resolve work issues and recommend productivity improvement measures
• Order supplies and materials and suggest rig maintenance
• Manage crew performance and provide coaching and progressive discipline as required
• Organize rig moves and coordinate staff
• Plan various rig activities such as repairs, daily maintenance of the rig and equipment, rigging up or down etc.
• Assess all employees on the rig against established competency standards and provide action plan for identified performance/training gaps
• Ensure that activities are performed with minimal lost time or effort
• Actively report hazards, near misses and other HSE incidents as they occur
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures and Government regulations pertaining to the worksite
• Ensure that no work commences until a Risk Assessment has been developed and reviewed and personnel understand the hazards and controls required
• Ensure that the results of each Risk Assessment have been communicated to those involved/affected and operatives are instructed as to the precautions and controls deemed necessary
• Validate that rig safety equipment is well maintained and in good operating condition (crown saver, fall protection equipment, derrick escape system and line, fire extinguishers, etc.)
• Coordinate and enforce company policy relating to the use by crews of Personal Protective Equipment (safety eyeglasses, hard-hats, hearing protection, footwear, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), Full Body Harness and fall protection, fire retardant clothing, etc.)
• Carry out inspections and make reports as required
• Ensure cleanliness and good housekeeping of the sites and associated equipment
• Supervise and participate in safety meetings: including pre-move, pre-spud, Blow Out Prevention, weekly crew meetings, and specific operations (e.g. cementing, drill stem testing, etc.)
• Ensure that all meetings are documented
• Supervise the ‘On-The-Job’ training program
• Communicate and enforce company health and safety policy and procedures with rig crews and service subcontractors.
• Enforce local regulatory work regulations (OH&S), blow-out prevention regulations and procedures, and regional regulations relating to Transporting Dangerous Goods and handling Hazardous Materials with crews
• Follow discipline procedures and document any person(s) who fails to work safely or whose actions may result in environmental or company asset damage
• Inform the Field Superintendent of any area of work where a satisfactory level of supervision cannot be achieved or maintained
• Complete any training deemed necessary by the Company or specific Operators, which will at all times meet or exceed local certification requirements
• Fulfil all duties in accordance with the Health, Safety and Environmental Management System (HSEMS) requirements
• Other duties as assigned

Specific Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Previous drilling rig experience working in Rig Manager position

• Strong leadership abilities in decisions and planning
• Strong communication skills
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination
• Certifications Required for Rig Manager as per Company Training Matrix
• Ability to pass pre-employment testing
• Fluent in Written/Spoken English
• Be willing to work in all weather conditions and work environments with work away from home for periods of time

What we offer:

• Immediate Employee Benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage
• Matched Savings Program – up to 5%

Rig Manager position is full-time seasonal position. Seasonal work is based on operational requirements, project schedules, weather and environmental conditions and other factors outside our control.