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Directional Well Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Operations Support Engineer

Dallas, TX

$69K - $93.40K/yr

Perform directional well planning, including Anti-collision analysis for permitting purposes * Provide technical recommendations based on Torque and Drag modeling for horizontal wells * Stay current ...

Directional Coordinator

Conroe, TX · On-site

$21.75 - $26.75/hr

Directional Coordinator will report to U.S. Operations Manager. Detailed Description ... Receive all pre-well planning information for jobs assigned to. * Work with various support groups ...

Operations Support Engineer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$66.90K - $90.40K/yr

Perform directional well planning, including Anti-collision analysis for permitting purposes * Provide technical recommendations based on Torque and Drag modeling for horizontal wells * Stay current ...

Directional Coordinator

Conroe, TX · On-site

$20.75 - $25.75/hr

The Directional Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the directional drillers are complying ... Receive all pre-well planning information for jobs assigned to. * Work with various support groups ...

Operations Support Engineer

Dallas, TX

$66.90K - $90.40K/yr

Perform directional well planning, including Anti-collision analysis for permitting purposes * Provide technical recommendations based on Torque and Drag modeling for horizontal wells * Stay current ...

Senior Planner

San Diego, CA · On-site

$91.06K - $135.54K/yr

Familiarity with the California Coastal Act, as well as experience working directly with or for a ... DEFINITION Under general direction, serves as a team leader or project manager over specialized ...

New

Management team to ensure effects on operations are recognized, well planned and coordinated ... Recognize the priority of the work order backlog and re-schedule when appropriate seeking direction ...

Directional Drill Foreman

Tampa, FL

$23 - $28.25/hr

We reward integrity and commitment, and when we do well, you do well. Our employee's have the ... strategic planning. KCI is currently ranked #50 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 ...

Directional Drill Foreman

Tampa, FL · On-site

$23 - $28.25/hr

We reward integrity and commitment, and when we do well, you do well. Our employee's have the ... strategic planning. KCI is currently ranked #50 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 ...

$20.75 - $25.50/hr

... as planned including correct make-up torque, doping and handling. Proficient in the use of DD ... Proficient in updating well profile plots and providing client representative with accurate ...

Directional Drill Foreman

Tampa, FL

$23 - $28.25/hr

We reward integrity and commitment, and when we do well, you do well. Our employee's have the ... strategic planning. KCI is currently ranked #50 on Engineering News-Record's list of the Top 500 ...

$20.75 - $25.50/hr

... as planned including correct make-up torque, doping and handling. Proficient in the use of DD ... Proficient in updating well profile plots and providing client representative with accurate ...

Management team to ensure effects on operations are recognized, well planned and coordinated ... Recognize the priority of the work order backlog and re-schedule when appropriate seeking direction ...

Senior Planner (Planner III)

Golden, CO · On-site +1

$76.18K - $91.41K/yr

Under the direction of the Planning Manager, prepares land use related recommendations for zoning ... Comfortable speaking in formal public meetings, as well as the ability to connect with small groups ...

Convenient commuting from all directions. Paid time off - Paid vacation starts at 16 days (that ... well as the ability to connect with small groups and individuals and understand their concerns ...

... planning, and conducting remote wellsite analysis. Conduct post-drilling evaluations to identify ... complex directional well paths, ensuring accurate wellbore placement within the designated ...

... planning, and conducting remote wellsite analysis. Conduct post-drilling evaluations to identify ... complex directional well paths, ensuring accurate wellbore placement within the designated ...

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Directional Well Planner information

See salary details

$25.5K

$78.6K

$157.5K

How much do directional well planner jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for directional well planner in the United States is $78,592.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Directional Well Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Directional Well Planner, you need a solid background in geology, drilling engineering, and well planning, typically supported by a degree in engineering or earth sciences and relevant industry experience. Proficiency with directional drilling software (such as Landmark, WellPlan, or Compass), CAD tools, and familiarity with industry regulations and reporting systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in collaborating with drilling teams and ensuring precise execution of well trajectories. These skills and qualities are crucial for optimizing drilling operations, minimizing risks, and ensuring project success in complex drilling environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Directional Well Planners and how can they be managed?

Directional Well Planners often face challenges such as unexpected subsurface conditions, maintaining wellbore stability, and ensuring accurate trajectory execution. These challenges require strong problem-solving skills, close collaboration with geologists and drilling engineers, and the ability to quickly adapt plans based on real-time data. Utilizing advanced planning software and regularly communicating with the drilling team can help manage risks and optimize well performance. Staying updated on technological advancements and best practices is also crucial for success in this role.

What are Directional Well Planners?

Directional Well Planners are specialists in the oil and gas industry who design and plan the paths of wells that are drilled at angles, rather than straight down, to reach specific underground targets. They use advanced software and geological data to create detailed drilling plans that maximize resource extraction while minimizing environmental impact and risk. Their work is essential for optimizing well placement, avoiding obstacles, and ensuring the safety and efficiency of drilling operations.

What is the difference between Directional Well Planner vs Drilling Engineer?

AspectDirectional Well PlannerDrilling Engineer
CredentialsPetroleum engineering degree, certifications in well planningPetroleum engineering degree, certifications in drilling operations
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with site visits for planningField and office-based, overseeing drilling operations
Industry UsagePrimarily involved in well design and planningResponsible for executing drilling plans and operations

The Directional Well Planner focuses on designing and planning well trajectories, ensuring safety and efficiency. The Drilling Engineer executes these plans on-site, managing drilling operations. While both roles require petroleum engineering credentials and industry experience, the planner emphasizes design, whereas the engineer emphasizes execution.

More about Directional Well Planner jobs
What cities are hiring for Directional Well Planner jobs? Cities with the most Directional Well Planner job openings:
What states have the most Directional Well Planner jobs? States with the most job openings for Directional Well Planner jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Directional Well Planner jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Directional Well Planner jobs are:
Infographic showing various Directional Well Planner job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Part Time, and 4% Temporary. Highlights an 6% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 93% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,592 per year, or $37.8 per hour.
Operations Support Engineer

$69K - $93.40K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Operations Support Engineer

Dallas LBJ - Dallas, TX 75240

Overview

Level Entry Position Type Full Time Education Level 4 Year Degree Category Engineering

Description

Rotational position responsible for supporting drilling, completions and production engineers. Participate in multi-disciplinary teams to ensure operations are executed efficiently to meet all goals.

Job Requirements

  • Work closely with geologists to geo-steer horizontal wells and place wellbores effectively in zone
  • Provide daily operational updates on drilling performance, including technical recommendations based on offset analysis
  • Assist engineers in trouble shooting operational issues and provide recommendations to increase operational efficiency
  • Perform in-depth analysis of drilling performance to ensure continuous improvement
  • Initiate technical studies and make recommendations to improve performance, reduce costs and overcome challenges
  • Support Engineering teams in well planning and regulatory processes
  • Perform directional well planning, including Anti-collision analysis for permitting purposes
  • Provide technical recommendations based on Torque and Drag modeling for horizontal wells
  • Stay current with emerging technologies, tools, and frameworks, including AI ML/LLM
  • Use multiple sources of data including but not limited to Pason, AI Driller, Landmark (WellPlan/Compass/Stress Check), Petra, WellView, XSPOC, Merrick, eVIN, Zedi to track and monitor operational performance

Schedule

  • Work 7 days on & 7 days off for 12 hour+ shifts to support Matador 24/7 operations

Job Benefits

Compensation includes industry competitive salary commensurate with experience, performance incentives, plus medical and dental benefits, 401(k), etc. Details are available upon application.

Qualifications

  • B.S. degree in Engineering
  • Working knowledge of Excel, Powerpoint, Word, Tibco Spotfire
  • Good written and verbal communication skills a must
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced setting, process work rapidly, set priorities, work under pressure and follow through with assigned tasks with limited supervision
  • Willing to make on-site field visits
  • Willing to work night shifts
  • Permian Basin and/or Delaware Basin field operations experience is a plus