Entry Level Drill Rig Operator Jobs in Houston, TX

The Pad Foreman oversees the assembly and installation of fabrication units on designated drilling

pads, ensuring the rig construction process adheres to operational safety standards, maximizes 

efficiency, and complies with all regulatory requirements. Additionally, the Pad Foreman ensures crew 

members have the necessary tools and supplies while supervising the execution of rig-up and rig-down 

activities in strict accordance with drawings, specifications, and quality standards, all within the established construction timelines.

Detailed Description: 

• Ensure crew members have appropriate tools and supplies needed to perform rig up and rig down activities
• Prepares and monitors the pad crew work schedule ensuring that sufficient coverage for each shift is available, and that work is completed in accordance with the set timelines.
• Plans and coordinates job procedures with pad crewmembers on tasks as needed.
• Supports other crew members as needed, ensuring compliance with safety procedures, and assist with other tasks
• Ability to take directions and give feedback to team members regarding shared work performance in a respectful and constructive manner. 
• Guide pad crew members, third party contractors, crane operators, and others as required
• Lead pre- and post-tour meetings to coordinate tasks with the pad crew, emphasizing safety and potential hazards before starting the job.
• Proactively work with other departments to ensures all new hires are assigned mentors and complete HSE trainings and checklists, while also supporting other Pad Crew team members as needed, ensuring compliance with safety procedures, and assisting with additional tasks.
• Provide training, on-the-job instruction, and daily guidance to Pad Crew.
• Ensure that the Internal Test Procedure documents are completed signed off and given to the appropriate parties for uploading into the system.
• Prepares required inspection and construction reports and completes all required job safety analysis forms.
• Responsible for ensuring the Commissioning Book and or ITP is fully completed with accuracy and all required signatures obtained before the final check by the leadership team.
• Work with the supervisors to complete PTW work, Pre Mast raise inspections and other rig inspections as required to complete the work necessary to meet company's contractual obligations.
• Oversees daily work plans under the instruction of a Pad Supervisor for rig crews to complete the installation of components and conducts and documents the final check of installation works.
• Review and promote the completion of Time Out for Safety (TOS) performed by pad crew members and other site personnel to identify risks and immediately provide recommendations and input to revise safety processes
• Ensures all tools minus simple end wrenches are kept in the RUY shop tool room where they can be logged in and out by the tool program.
• Ensures execution of all rig-up and rig-down work is done in accordance with drawings, specifications, and quality requirements
• Oversees the assembly and installation of fabrication units for each designated drilling pad, managing operational safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance of the rig construction operation.
• Ensures that all equipment is parked in the designated areas and that the keys are accounted for on the equipment keyboard.
• Partner with the equipment operators to ensure inspections are done on equipment prior to equipment being utilized for work.
• Inspects all work related to the construction and structure of the rig unit.
• All other duties as assigned. 

Job Requirements: 

• Strong understanding of Rig-up Yard operational processes and the ability to read, comprehend, and execute rig-up and rig-down instructions.
• Excellent organizational skills, including time management, delegation, prioritization, and multitasking.
• Ability to take direction, provide feedback, maintain confidentiality, and communicate effectively in English- both verbally and in writing- with team members, third parties, and customer representatives.
• Capable of guiding, motivating, and collaborating with crew members, third-party contractors, crane operators, and management in a safe, respectful, and productive manner.
• Ability to work in physically demanding conditions, including:
• Climbing heights and working in various weather conditions (hot/cold).
• Lifting heavy objects (50-100 lbs.), bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, and crawling as needed.
• Strong situational awareness and spatial orientation to safely navigate high-activity environments, including:
• Monitoring work activities, judging distances, and listening for unusual equipment noises. Remaining focused and alert, even during extended work periods.
• Maintain required certifications, including Forklift, Manlift, CPR, and AED.
• Perform job-related mathematical calculations (whole numbers, fractions, and decimals).
• Valid certifications in Hot Weather Safety, Confined Space, Forklift, Man Lift, and Fire Extinguisher Safety (for internal employees).

Minimum Qualifications: 

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in Rig Construction or working on Land Drilling rigs 
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in a leadership or mentorship role.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Prior experience serving as a Pad Foreman or Assistant Pad Foreman on rig construction projects.

Additional Details:

This position requires work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, including

precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. Incumbents in this role must be able to effectively navigate across work sites with continuous walking, climbing, stepping, and some standing, etc. during normal operating conditions (outdoor hot/cold weather).