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Assistant Derrickhand Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valaris

Assistant Derrickhand

Houston, TX · On-site

Job Summary The Assistant Derrickhand works in the mud pump room and assists the Derrickhand in performing all tasks related to drilling fluid management including operating and maintaining drilling ...

Valaris

Assistant Derrickhand

Houston, TX

Job Summary The Assistant Derrickhand works in the mud pump room and assists the Derrickhand in performing all tasks related to drilling fluid management including operating and maintaining drilling ...

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Assist Driller with equipment maintenance specifically ... for Derrickhand position including but not limited to: * H2S Awareness * Aerial Work Platform

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Assist Driller with equipment maintenance specifically ... for Derrickhand position including but not limited to: * H2S Awareness * Aerial Work Platform

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Assist Driller with equipment maintenance specifically ... for Derrickhand position including but not limited to: * H2S Awareness * Aerial Work Platform

Stoneham Drilling

Derrickhand

Denver, CO · On-site

$42/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities * Assist Driller with equipment maintenance specifically ... for Derrickhand position including but not limited to: * H2S Awareness * Aerial Work Platform

Independence Contract Drilling

Derrickhand

Odessa, TX

$34/hr

Derrickhand GROUP:Field Based PHYSICAL DUTY CLASSIFICATION:Heavy IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:Driller ... Assist the Driller in drilling operations, managing tubulars in the mast and on racks and managing ...

Western Energy Services Corp.

Derrickhand

Williston, ND · On-site

Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Assist Driller with equipment maintenance specifically ... Derrickhand position including but not limited to: o H2S Awareness o Aerial Work Platform o Fall ...

NABORS

WYOMING DERRICKHAND I

Casper, WY

The Derrickhand is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and support function of the mud ... assigned to assist with the sack handling or the shakers Perform the general housekeeping ...

Patterson-UTI

Derrickhand - Permian Basin

Midland, TX · On-site

Derrickhand Location: Regional Brief Description: The Derrickhand is responsible for the mud ... General upkeep and housekeeping of mud pit area * Assist with rig up / down procedures * Support ...

NABORS

NORTH DAKOTA DERRICKHAND I

Williston, ND

The Derrickhand is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and support function of the mud ... assigned to assist with the sack handling or the shakers Perform the general housekeeping ...

Patterson-UTI

Motorhand - Oklahoma

El Reno, OK

Keep a daily log of maintenance and repair activities * Assist Derrickhand with mixing chemicals and other mud maintenance as needed * Assist with rig up / down procedures * General upkeep of the rig ...

NABORS

WTX - DERRICKHAND I

Odessa, TX

The Derrickhand is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and support function of the mud ... assigned to assist with the sack handling or the shakers Perform the general housekeeping ...

NABORS

ETX FIELD.DERRICKHAND I

Tyler, TX

The Derrickhand is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation and support function of the mud ... assigned to assist with the sack handling or the shakers Perform the general housekeeping ...

Patterson-UTI

Motorhand -Lower Rockies

Fruita, CO

Keep a daily log of maintenance and repair activities * Assist Derrickhand with mixing chemicals and other mud maintenance as needed * Assist with rig up / down procedures * General upkeep of the rig ...

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Assistant Derrickhand information

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$12

$19

$26

How much do assistant derrickhand jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant derrickhand in the United States is $19.04, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant Derrickhand, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Derrickhand, you need a solid understanding of drilling operations, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often complemented by safety certifications like H2S and First Aid. Familiarity with rig equipment, drilling fluid systems, and safety management systems (such as IADC or IWCF) is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate clearly are crucial soft skills in this physically demanding role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient drilling operations and help prevent accidents in hazardous work environments.

What are Assistant Derrickhands?

Assistant Derrickhands are entry-level workers in the oil and gas drilling industry who support the Derrickhand and drilling crew. Their main responsibilities include handling drilling fluids, maintaining equipment, assisting with pipe handling, and ensuring the worksite is safe and organized. They often work long shifts in challenging outdoor environments. This role is essential for the smooth operation of drilling rigs and can be a stepping stone to more advanced positions on the rig.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant Derrickhands, and how can they be managed effectively?

Assistant Derrickhands often face physically demanding work conditions, including exposure to extreme weather, high noise levels, and the need to work at heights. Managing these challenges involves maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and participating in regular safety training. Good physical fitness, clear communication with team members, and staying alert to potential hazards are essential for success and safety in this role.

What is the difference between Assistant Derrickhand vs Derrickhand?

AspectAssistant DerrickhandDerrickhand
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic oilfield certificationsOSHA safety training, advanced certifications, experience
Work EnvironmentSupport role on drilling rigs, assisting with equipment and safetyLeading role on drilling rigs, operating equipment, overseeing crew
Employer & Industry UsageOil and gas drilling companies, offshore and onshoreOil and gas drilling companies, offshore and onshore

The Assistant Derrickhand primarily supports Derrickhands by assisting with equipment and safety tasks, requiring basic certifications. Derrickhands take on more responsibility, operate equipment, and oversee operations. The roles are part of the same drilling team, with the Assistant Derrickhand serving as a support position to gain experience before advancing to Derrickhand.

More about Assistant Derrickhand jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Derrickhand jobs? The most popular types of Derrickhand jobs are:
What states have the most Assistant Derrickhand jobs? States with the most job openings for Assistant Derrickhand jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Assistant Derrickhand jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Assistant Derrickhand jobs are:
Assistant Derrickhand jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Derrickhand job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,596 per year, or $19 per hour.
Assistant Derrickhand

Assistant Derrickhand

Valaris

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description


Job Summary
The Assistant Derrickhand works in the mud pump room and assists the Derrickhand in performing all tasks related to drilling fluid management including operating and maintaining drilling fluid pumping, treatment, and mixing systems. This position also assists in the execution of all drilling operations for the main or auxiliary well centers as required. All duties will be conducted 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 Derrickhand; provides notification of any concern, ensuring any deviation is properly communicated and documented.
  • Ensures operations are planned, organized, supervised, and executed in accordance with well programs, rig move plans, Valaris requirements, and contractual obligations.
  • Assists Derrickhand in performing daily checks (i.e. QHSE checks, tank volumes, manifold line ups etc.).
  • Assists and relieves the Derrickhand as required.
  • Assists Derrickhand in mixing tasks, forklift driving, sack store management, etc.
  • Monitors the mud pumps, mud tanks, and fluid treatment systems during operations and reports any unexplained changes to the Driller.
  • Ensures solid control equipment and mud mixing operations are being monitored constantly and keeps accurate records of fluid transfers, fluid treatments, and fluid properties.
  • Lines up mud pumps, mud tanks, and flow paths as directed.
  • Checks and monitors oil levels of machinery in mud pump and mud processing rooms.
  • Maintains records of mud pump hours.
  • Maintains hygiene and housekeeping to Company standards with a particular focus on clear escape routes and walkways.
  • Works on the rig floor and any other areas where drilling operations are being conducted when required.
  • Performs preventive maintenance or maintenance repairs occurring on all fluid pumping and treatment equipment.
  • Provides detailed written handover at end of shift to the relieving Assistant Derrickhand.

Qualifications / Experience
  • Offshore experience including time on a floating rig (preferably drillship).
  • Good communication skills (oral and written).
  • Basic computer skills.
  • Completion of all training and certification requirements for the Assistant Derrickhand position as described in the training matrix.

Behaviors
As part of our commitment to fostering a high-performance culture, employees are expected to align their actions and decisions with the principles outlined in our Behavioral Framework. This framework serves as the foundation for our organizational culture and guides our behaviors to drive better outcomes across the company. Employees are responsible for incorporating these behaviors into their daily actions, relationships, and decision-making to help manage expectations, strengthen relationships, and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
Our five behaviors that define our culture are:
Analyze & Plan - Being deliberate in understanding and describing the problem to solve and using information from a range of relevant sources to develop solutions that are effective and evidence-based.
Collaborate - Collaborating effectively, sharing ideas, and leveraging one another's strengths based on trust, transparency, and empathy, creating an environment where everyone's input is valued.
Communicate - Communicate clearly with all employees and stakeholders, ensuring active listening, understanding, and timely information sharing.
Learn, Grow & Adapt - Building organizational capability through our own learning and development while coaching others and supporting others to adapt, learn, and develop.
Deliver Results - Striving to deliver and exceed required results, identifying and overcoming obstacles, and taking responsibility for the outcome while respecting our values.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.
Valaris is an equal opportunity employer in all aspects of employment to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation or any other non-job related factors. Valaris is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in our job application process. If you need such an accommodation, or a religious accommodation, please contact recruiting@valaris.com.
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.

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