Assistant Driller

Valaris Limited; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Valaris is seeking an Assistant Driller to assist in planning and executing drilling operations, ensuring crews are properly assigned and kept informed of changes. The role involves overseeing maintenance of drilling, hoisting and mud circulating equipment, and supporting the Driller during operations.

Strong offshore experience and leadership skills are required, with emphasis on accurate record-keeping, logs, and adherence to safety procedures.

Qualifications

• Three years offshore experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and organization skills.
• Completion of all training and certification requirements for the Assistant Driller position as described in the company’s offshore training matrix.
• Knowledge of all technical calculations required for the safe operation of the drilling unit and control of the well.

Responsibilities

• Assists in planning and execution of drilling operations and ensures crews are properly assigned and informed of changes.
• Oversees maintenance of drilling, hoisting and mud circulating equipment while following well programs.
• Maintains accurate records of gauges, tubulars, tool dimensions and line ton-miles; documents logs and reports.
• Organizes and supervises the drilling crews for all operations.
• Assists and relieves the Driller during drilling operations.

Skills

Leadership

Offshore experience

Job description

Job Description

The Assistant Driller assists in the planning and execution of all drilling operations for the main or auxiliary well centers. Is responsible for ensuring the drill crews are properly assigned to their tasks and they are kept fully in the loop as to any changes of plans. He/she oversees the drill crews verifying all relevant maintenance is performed on all drilling, hoisting and mud circulating equipment while following directions from the well program in accordance with company policies and procedures in a safe and efficient manner.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Follows standard instructions and maintains good communication with the Driller and Toolpusher; provides notification of any concern, ensuring any deviation is properly communicated and documented.
• Ensures that operations are planned, organized, supervised and executed in accordance with well programs, rig move plans, the company’s requirements and contractual obligations.
• Performs the drilling department’s daily checks.
• Assists service partners/third parties with the preparation of equipment for upcoming drilling operations.
• Organizes and supervises the drilling crews for all operations.
• Operates the pipe handling equipment for both main well and offline activities.
• Assists and relieve the Driller during drilling operations.
• Reads and interpret various gauges and meters relating to the drilling operations and assist the driller in maintaining records and logs.
• Maintains accurate record of tubular and tool dimensions in the hole (for instance but not limited to internal and external diameter, fish neck, serial numbers).
• Maintains accurate records of drilling line ton‑miles and assist the Driller ahead of time with the planning for Slip and Cut operations.
• Maintains an organized drilling equipment store and records of tubulars, subs and fishing tools inventory.
• Ensures the solid control equipment and mud mixing operations are being monitored constantly and keep accurate records of fluid displacement when running tubular in or out of the hole.
• Implements, follows and regularly reviews Valaris work instructions, ensures they are understood and observed by all drill crews.
• Demonstrates leadership support for Valaris’ Competence Management Program and implements all program requirements to ensure direct reports have the necessary competencies, training and skills to perform their job.
• Provides regular mentoring, appraisal and feedback to direct reports.
• Maintains the hygiene and housekeeping on the rig floor and associated areas to Valaris drilling standards with a particular focus on clear escape routes and walkways.

Qualifications / Experience

• Three years offshore experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and organization skills.
• Completion of all training and certification requirements for the Assistant Driller position as described in the company’s offshore training matrix.
• Knowledge of all technical calculations required for the safe operation of the drilling unit and control of the well.

About Us

At Valaris, our core purpose is to provide responsible solutions that deliver energy to the world. Our purpose is the driving force that defines us as a leading organization in our industry. Our diverse fleet of ultra‑deepwater drillships, versatile semisubmersibles and modern shallow‑water jackups is capable of meeting a wide spectrum of customers’ well program requirements. Our rig fleet is among the most technologically advanced in the industry and our well‑trained crews perform at the highest levels in the most challenging offshore environments. With an unwavering focus on safety and dedicated employees, we provide innovative solutions and aim to deliver excellence in everything that we do.