Directional Driller - Consultant

Cathedral Energy Services; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Career advancement opportunities

Exposure to advanced drilling tech

Job summary

Altitude Energy Partners is seeking an experienced Directional Drilling Operator to perform directional drilling services across the USA. The successful candidate will plan and execute drilling operations efficiently while ensuring safety and adherence to client specifications.

This role includes supervision of drilling equipment setup, real-time data monitoring, troubleshooting issues, and mentoring junior personnel.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience as a Directional Driller in oil and gas operations.
• Strong understanding of directional drilling mechanics and MWD/LWD systems.
• Ability to work independently in remote environments with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute directional drilling operations based on well plans.
• Monitor and optimize drilling performance and address any issues.
• Mentor and supervise junior Directional Drillers and field personnel.

Skills

Directional drilling mechanics

MWD/LWD systems

Troubleshooting

Communication skills

Leadership

Tools

H2S Clear certification

Standard First Aid certification

Valid Driver’s License

Job description

Altitude Energy Partners is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Directional Drilling Operator / Senior Directional Drillerto perform field and remote directional drilling services at rural and remote rig sites throughout the USA.

The successful candidate will be responsible for planning, executing, monitoring, and optimizing directional drilling operations to ensure the wellbore is drilled safely, efficiently, and within client specifications and target tolerances. This role requires strong technical expertise, leadership ability, and excellent communication skills to coordinate between field personnel, drilling contractors, MWD staff, and client representatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and execute well plans, trajectories, anti-collision requirements, lease lines, geological prognosis, and client objectives prior to spud.
• Plan and recommend appropriate Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA)configurations, including motors, RSS tools, stabilizers, bits, jars, and related drilling components.
• Supervise installation and setup of directional drilling equipment in the drilling contractor’s BHA.
• Operate and optimize directional drilling tools and systems in accordance with Altitude Energy Partners procedures, operating limits, and execution plans.
• Control wellbore trajectory by managing slide/rotate sequences, build, turn, and hold sections while maintaining positional accuracy.
• Monitor and interpret real-time drilling data, MWD surveys, and downhole tool performance to make corrective actions as required.
• Verify critical MWD and survey input data including:
• Surface and downhole offsets
• Magnetic declination
• Survey reference points
• Toolface orientation
• Collision avoidance parameters
• Perform well-path projections, and drilling trend analysis to optimize performance.
• Troubleshoot drilling dysfunctions, tool failures, and operational issues, and recommend corrective actions promptly.
• Analyze PASON data, job files, and offset well information to identify inefficiencies and drilling risks.
• Maintain accurate daily reports including:
• Directional reports
• Morning reports
• Cost control sheets
• Failure/NPT reports
• Client communications
• Submit reports via email, phone, and digital reporting systems in a timely manner.
• Update internal job tracking systems with daily operational and upcoming job information.
• Including asset tracking in daily updates
• Provide direct communication to:
• Rig contractors
• Client representatives
• Office support staff
• MWD personnel
• Remote drilling teams
• Provide updates and guidance to operations personnel as wells progress and issues present themselves.
• Conduct visual inspections and assess the serviceability of used equipment.
• Attend and participate in:
• Pre-job meetings
• Safety meetings
• Daily operations meetings
• Client planning meetings
• Mentor, train, and supervise junior Directional Drillers and field personnel.
• Communicate when tools are leaving location and provide return manifests to operations and hotshot.
• Promote and comply with Altitude Energy Partners’ Quality Management System (QMS).
• Promote environmental awareness and ensure proper classification and disposal of solid and hazardous waste.
• Adhere to all company policies, procedures, and HSE requirements.

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum 3+ yearsof experience as a Directional Drillerin oil and gas operations.
• Prior drilling rig experience with a minimum background of Derrickhandor higher preferred.
• Proven field experience drilling:
• Horizontal wells
• Extended reach wells
• Build and turn profiles
• S-curves
• Re-entries
• Plug-backs
• Sidetracks
• Fish avoidance / steering around fish
• Strong understanding of:
• Directional drilling mechanics
• MWD/LWD systems
• Mud motors and RSS tools
• Survey management
• Anti-collision analysis
• Torque and drag principles
• Wellbore positioning
• Experience interpreting PASON and real-time drilling data.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with experience mentoring junior personnel.
• Strong troubleshooting and decision‑making abilities under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in remote environments.
• Strong client‑facing professionalism and relationship management skills.

Certifications Required

Must maintain current certifications including:

• H2S Clear
• Standard First Aid
• Safe Land
• Valid Driver’s License / Safe Driving Record
• Additional oilfield safety tickets considered an asset

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation
• Opportunity to work with a growing and innovative directional drilling team
• Exposure to advanced drilling technologies and complex well profiles
• Career advancement opportunities into senior field or remote operations roles
• Rotations on projects as available