Drilling Supervisor - Onshore Oil & Gas Operations

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Field allowances

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a safety-focused Drilling Supervisor for onshore operations in the Nelspruit area, Mpumalanga. The role requires overseeing rig activities, directing crews and equipment, and ensuring strict HS&E compliance on site.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years in drilling with 5+ in supervision, IWCF Level 3 well control, and proven leadership in demanding field environments. Rotating shifts apply.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years in drilling operations, with at least 5 in supervision.
• Onshore drilling experience.
• IWCF Level 3 (or equivalent) well control certification.
• Strong HS&E knowledge and practices in oil & gas.
• Proven leadership, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Willing to work rotating shifts in the Nelspruit area.
• Experience with directional and horizontal wells preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all drilling operations on assigned rigs, ensuring safe and efficient execution.
• Direct drilling crews, service personnel, and equipment.
• Ensure adherence to drilling programs, company policies, and HS&E regulations.
• Monitor well parameters and operations, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee well control procedures and emergency response.
• Manage drilling supplies, equipment, and logistics on location.
• Conduct daily safety meetings and inspections, promoting a strong safety culture.
• Prepare daily drilling reports, including progress, issues and resolutions.
• Liaise with management, geologists and engineers for alignment and decisions.
• Mentor and develop junior rig personnel.

Skills

Drilling operations

Supervisory experience

Well control

Leadership

Safety culture

Communication

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a major operator in the energy sector, is seeking an experienced and safety-focused Drilling Supervisor to oversee onshore drilling operations in the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region. This is a hands-on, field-based role critical to the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling programs. The Drilling Supervisor will be responsible for managing rig operations, personnel, equipment, and ensuring strict adherence to safety and environmental standards. The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of drilling operations, well control, and risk management. This position requires regular presence on drilling rigs and associated facilities, fostering close collaboration with drilling crews, service companies, and management. It is a key role for ensuring operational excellence in the challenging landscape of Mpumalanga .

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise all drilling operations on assigned rigs, ensuring safe and efficient execution.
• Manage and direct drilling crews, service company personnel, and equipment.
• Ensure strict adherence to drilling programs, company policies, and HS&E regulations.
• Monitor well parameters and operations, implementing corrective actions as needed.
• Oversee well control procedures and emergency response.
• Manage drilling supplies, equipment, and logistics on location.
• Conduct daily safety meetings and inspections, promoting a strong safety culture.
• Prepare daily drilling reports, including operational progress, encountered problems, and resolutions.
• Liaise with management, geologists, and engineers to ensure alignment and effective decision-making.
• Mentor and develop junior rig personnel.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in drilling operations, with at least 5 years in a supervisory role.
• Proven experience in onshore drilling operations.
• Strong knowledge of drilling equipment, techniques, and procedures.
• Valid Well Control Certification (e.g., IWCF Level 3 or equivalent).
• Thorough understanding of HS&E regulations and best practices in the oil and gas industry.
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a demanding field environment.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa and willing to work rotating shifts in the Nelspruit area.
• Experience with directional drilling and horizontal wells is preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package commensurate with experience, including field allowances, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and a robust retirement fund.
• They are committed to employee development, providing opportunities for advanced training and career progression.
• The role offers the satisfaction of direct involvement in critical energy projects and the opportunity to lead a team in a dynamic operational environment.
• Enjoy the unique challenges and rewards of working in the oil and gas sector within the beautiful province of Mpumalanga.