Directional Driller - Consultant

Altitude Energy Partners; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Growth opportunities

Rotations on projects

Exposure to advanced drilling tech

Job summary

Altitude Energy Partners is seeking an experienced Directional Drilling Operator / Senior Directional Driller to perform field and remote directional drilling services across the USA. The role involves planning, executing, monitoring, and optimizing procedures to ensure safe, efficient drilling that meets client specs and tolerances, with strong leadership and communication across field and client teams.

Responsibilities include reviewing well plans, configuring BHA, supervising equipment

Qualifications

• 3+ years of directional drilling experience.
• Experience with horizontal and extended-reach wells.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.

Responsibilities

• Review and execute well plans and trajectories before spud.
• Plan and recommend BHA configurations and components.
• Supervise installation and setup of directional drilling equipment.
• Operate and optimize directional drilling tools per procedures.
• Monitor real-time drilling data and MWD surveys; take corrective actions.
• Maintain accurate daily reports and client communications.
• Provide updates to operations, rigs, and remote teams.

Skills

Directional Drilling

MWD/LWD interpretation

Leadership

Field operations

Safety awareness

Tools

MWD tools

Drilling rigs

Anti-collision software

Job description

Altitude Energy Partners is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Directional Drilling Operator / Senior Directional Driller to 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+ years of experience as a Directional Driller in oil and gas operations.
• Prior drilling rig experience with a minimum background of Derrickhand or 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