Freelance Solids Control Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stage 3 specializes in high quality solids control equipment designed for mud systems to effectively manage solids, reducing costs for the customer and providing limited or zero discharge solutions as necessary. But we don’t stop there. Additionally, Stage 3 uses a team of Solids Control Field Technicians, field supervisors, engineers and scientists to make intelligent and informed recommendations on how to best manage your job for efficiency and cost savings.

While our business has expanded, our mission remains to provide superior service and performance through:

• Emphasis on Safety
• Teamwork
• Technology innovation
• Operational integrity

As a Solids Control Field Leader, you are the on-site expert in all aspects of solids control field operations — leading by example to ensure safe, efficient, and high-performing operations for both Stage 3 and the Operator. You’ll oversee and mentor a team of Solids Control Technicians and contractors, driving operational excellence while maintaining strict adherence to HSE standards, company policies, and rig site protocols.

In this pivotal role, you will:

• Lead and develop Solids Control field teams through hands-on supervision, training, and performance management.
• Oversee daily field operations — day and night — ensuring safety, productivity, and equipment reliability.
• Collaborate closely with fellow Field Leaders, Technicians, and Trainees to deliver seamless, high-quality service.
• Maintain accountability for all solids control activities in the “backyard” of assigned rig sites, ensuring full operational readiness.
• Report directly to the Basin Area Manager, providing critical insight and leadership that extend beyond the rig site.

Ideal candidates bring proven technical expertise, professionalism, and patience, with the leadership skills to inspire teams and uphold Stage 3’s reputation for safety and operational excellence.

Essential Functions:

• Able to work 17 days on and 11 days off. (Rotation will vary by Basin).
• Able to work a 12-hour shift, including overtime.
• Able to oversee a team of up to 20 technicians, on a rotational schedule that will consist of day, night and possibly a swing shift.
• Must be able to travel domestically to remote rig locations, in company vehicle, throughout the United States.
• Will be assigned to one rig, or multiple rigs, based on business needs.
• Maybe required to sit a tower on an active rig.
• Ability to perform standard rig up and rig out procedures, while coaching and mentoring technicians at every level.
• Will oversee a crew of technicians who operate and maintain a variety of solids control equipment including shaker tanks, centrifuge, drying equipment, and pumps.
• Will have an expert level understanding of oil and gas drilling processes.
• Will have expert knowledge of Environmental Services (construction, utilities).
• Will be responsible for knowing how to troubleshoot electrical issues by having basic knowledge of electrical principles including currents, volts, circuits, and power.
• Will oversee various solids control services such as, air drilling, barite recovery, de-watering, floc water, fluid transfers, target lo gravity solids, cuttings drying/invert recovery, etc.
• Will have comprehensive understanding of drilling fluid properties including drilling fluid weight, funnel viscosity, retort analysis and will perform drilling fluid analysis.
• Will oversee, and when necessary, perform routine maintenance services, and routine electrical services on various equipment.
• Will oversee and mentor and coach technicians on standard operating procedure for moving cuttings from pits to trailers, by operating heavy machinery, safely and efficiently.
• Must complete mentor certification program aiding in the ability to handle a variety of personality issues appropriately.
• Will perform rig audits.
• Will pick up and deliver necessary equipment to rig site(s), as required.
• Will make grocery runs with/for your technicians, as required.
• Must maintain a clean and orderly “backyard” and employee housing.
• Will audit daily PJRA/JSA, inspection reports, observation reports, and checklists, daily and as required.
• Will oversee PPE/FR’s protocols for staff working in the backyard.
• Will lead by example, all safety protocols.
• Will be required to work in the shop on crossover days or as otherwise directed.
• Will send weekly updates to Area Leaders, summarizing staff activity (concerns).

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Will lead by example, demonstrating leadership skills by coaching, mentoring, and training field technicians.
• Must have the ability to build professional, constructive, and effective relationships with everyone working on the rig site including customers.
• Have the ability to problem solve, troubleshoot, and use logic.
• Have the ability to motivate, encourage, and empower others.
• Must be able to meet deadlines.
• Must be professional, patient, and calm while building appropriate rapport with clients and employees.
• Must be customer service oriented, tactful, and diplomatic.
• Must be mechanically inclined with comprehension for electronics.
• Will input routine data into various systems including company Portal.
• Must have the ability to problem solve, multi-task, troubleshoot, and make use of time efficiently.
• Will operate and oversee heavy machinery including an excavator, forklift, or Wheel Loader.
• Will carry valid safety certifications for various Rig Safety programs including PEC Safe Land, H2S, and CPR/First Aid, or required customer specific certifications, ensuring all assigned technicians have proper certifications for assigned rig location.
• Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (cold, wet, and hot).
• Must have the ability to be away from home for 17 days or longer, to complete scheduled rotation.
• May be required to transport technicians to different locations or job sites.
• Field Leaders are expected to move from one rig site to another, overseeing rig operations and staff.
• Must be able to share living accommodations with peers and coexist professionally.
• Must keep living quarters clean, and orderly.
• Must be able to read, write and comprehend English.
• To become a Field Leader, you must have the ability to pass a performance evaluation and have worked a minimum of 36 months of verifiable Solids Control experience.

Minimum Required Education, Credentials, Licenses and Experience:

• High School diploma, or GED equivalent, preferred.
• 2-year Associate’s degree or technical diploma, in Technology, Electronics, or Mechanics, or similar field, is preferred.
• Prior Forklift, Excavator, or Wheel Loader experience, or Certifications, is required. Re-Certification training will be provided prior to working.
• Microsoft Office proficiency including Outlook, required.
• Must have a valid State driver’s license, valid insurance, and acceptable driving record.
• Must maintain company vehicle in a professional manner and follow the rules of the Company Vehicle Policy.
• Must be able to pass a Pre-employment; Fit for duty test, drug test (urine and hair follicle), background evaluation and have an acceptable driving record.

Requirements

• 3+ years Solids Control Field operations experience.
• More than one year of experience supervising and directing field staff.
• Provide hands-on supervision during rig-up and rig-down operations, leading by example to ensure all activities are conducted safely.
• Proven ability to cultivate and sustain a culture of safety and productivity within field operations.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective professional relationships with employees at all levels and with customers.
• Conduct reviews of field technicians’ performance and safety records.

Benefits

• Employee Health Insurance (100% Employer-paid)
• Family Health Insurance (After 18 months, 100% Employer-paid)
• Life Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Additional Life Insurance
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• EAP
• 401(K)
• Bonus Potential
• Company Vehicle