Solids Control Operator

NOV; Odessa (TX); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NOV in Odessa, TX seeks a solid controls technician with field experience in drilling fluids and solids control. You will operate closed loop systems, perform rig ups/downs, troubleshoot equipment, and complete daily reports while maintaining safety standards.

The role requires knowledge of shale shakers, mud cleaners, hydrocyclones, centrifuges, and vacuum degassers, plus the ability to train others and communicate effectively with crews and supervisors.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of oilfield, drilling fluids, or solids control experience preferred.
• Experience working on land drilling rigs.
• Knowledge of rig-up and rig-down procedures.
• Equipment troubleshooting and repair experience.

Responsibilities

• Sitting closed loop jobs, operating solid controls equipment, running heavy equipment and doing daily reports.
• Ability to satisfactorily complete solid control rig ups, rig downs, trouble shooting, and minor repairs.
• Ability to satisfactorily perform solid control analysis of equipment.
• Ability to satisfactorily perform electrical rig ups, rig downs, and minor repairs.
• Possess satisfactory knowledge of solids control and vacuum unit jobs.

Skills

Strong mechanical aptitude

Inspect, maintain, and repair solids‑t

Read gauges and operating parameters

Basic computer and reporting skills

Problem-solving and troubleshooting

Effective communication with drilling/

Work independently

Tools

Shale shakers

Mud cleaners

Hydrocyclones

Centrifuges

Vacuum degassers

Agitators and mixing systems

Job description

• Sitting closed loop jobs, operating solid controls equipment, running heavy equipment such as trackhoes, and doing daily reports


• Ability to satisfactorily complete solid control rig ups, rig downs, trouble shooting, and minor repairs


• Ability to satisfactorily perform solid control analysis of equipment


• Abilty to satisfactorily perform electrical rig ups, rig downs, and minor repairs


• Possess satisfactory knowledge of solids control and vacuum unit jobs


• Ability to follow proper sampling procedure


• Attain necessary NOV WSS core training and maintain annual refresher training


• Ablity to satifactorily complete daily reports


• Abilty to communicate with customers, supervisors, and co-workers


• Abilty to successfully train other employees


• Possess a professional attitude


• Demonstrate a willingness to complete general labor tasks as deemed necessary by supervisor

Job Description

• Sitting closed loop jobs, operating solid controls equipment, running heavy equipment such as trackhoes, and doing daily reports


• Ability to satisfactorily complete solid control rig ups, rig downs, trouble shooting, and minor repairs


• Ability to satisfactorily perform solid control analysis of equipment


• Abilty to satisfactorily perform electrical rig ups, rig downs, and minor repairs


• Possess satisfactory knowledge of solids control and vacuum unit jobs


• Ability to follow proper sampling procedure


• Attain necessary NOV WSS core training and maintain annual refresher training


• Ablity to satifactorily complete daily reports


• Abilty to communicate with customers, supervisors, and co-workers


• Possess satisfactory rig etiquette


• Abilty to successfully train other employees


• Possess a professional attitude


• Demonstrate a willingness to complete general labor tasks as deemed necessary by supervisor

Responsibilities

• Sitting closed loop jobs, operating solid controls equipment, running heavy equipment such as trackhoes, and doing daily reports


• Ability to satisfactorily complete solid control rig ups, rig downs, trouble shooting, and minor repairs


• Ability to satisfactorily perform solid control analysis of equipment


• Abilty to satisfactorily perform electrical rig ups, rig downs, and minor repairs


• Possess satisfactory knowledge of solids control and vacuum unit jobs


• Ability to follow proper sampling procedure


• Attain necessary NOV WSS core training and maintain annual refresher training


• Ablity to satifactorily complete daily reports


• Abilty to communicate with customers, supervisors, and co-workers


• Possess satisfactory rig etiquette


• Abilty to successfully train other employees


• Possess a professional attitude


• Demonstrate a willingness to complete general labor tasks as deemed necessary by supervisor

Qualifications

Technical Knowledge

• Understanding of drilling fluid systems and mud properties


• Knowledge of solids control equipment, including:




• Shale shakers


• Mud cleaners


• Hydrocyclones (desanders/desilters)


• Centifuges


• Vacuum degassers


• Agitators and mixing systems




• Familiarity with drilling operations and rig processes


• Ability to monitor and optimize solids removal efficiency


• Basic understanding of fluid testing and maintenance

Experience Requirements

• 1-3 years of oilfield, drilling fluids, or solids control experience preferred


• Experience working on land drilling rigs


• Knowledge of rig-up and rig-down procedures


• Equipment troubleshooting and repair experience

Skills & Abilities

• Strong mechanical aptitude


• Ability to inspect, maintain, and repair solids control equipment


• Ability to read gauges, pressure readings, and operating parameters


• Basic computer and reporting skills


• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities
  
• Effective communication with drilling crews, mud engineers, and company representatives


• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50-75 pounds regularly


• Ability to work in extreme weather conditions


• Ability to climb ladders, stairs, and rig structures


• Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and work extended shifts (12+ hours)


• Willingness to work rotational schedules and weekends

Safety Qualifications

• Strong commitment to company and customer safety policies


• Ability to identify and mitigate operational hazards


• Understanding of Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures


• Proper use of PPE


• Participation in safety meetings and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs)