A drilling supervisor manages drilling and workover processes, directs and manages the crew, and oversees onshore or offshore projects. They prioritize safety and document details of drilling, including safety reports, cost controls, and environmental influences. A bachelor’s degree in engineering and four years of industry experience are typically required.
A drilling supervisor is responsible for the business processes of drilling and workover, as well as directing and managing the crew. He can oversee onshore or offshore projects. Transition refers to what occurs after drilling is completed and the well is cleaned and repaired in preparation for the next project or production phase.
At all stages of plotting and planning drilling activities, the drilling supervisor is usually required to keep safety in mind. Whether on land or at sea, drilling for oil is a job that has the potential to be dangerous at almost all times. Even under the most ideal conditions, dangers can arise. Typically, the drilling supervisor is expected to be prepared to handle these situations without putting himself or his team at risk.
Prior to commencement of drilling, the supervisor regularly confers with all personnel involved to ensure that all are well informed of the details of the work, including knowledge of any anticipated problems. These employees typically include support staff as well as geologists, contractors, and drilling and petroleum engineers. The drilling supervisor typically responds to questions and concerns during this pre-drill meeting.
In addition to supervising the execution of each drilling exercise from start to finish, it is often necessary for the supervisor to document details of the drilling and send the results to the drilling superintendent. Other documentation required of the supervisor often includes reports on safety and security of equipment and personnel, cost controls, and environmental influences. If operations are interrupted or aborted due to bad weather or other adversities, a detailed report of the circumstances to the supervisor is usually required.
If any of the ancillary or drilling equipment fails, the drilling supervisor is the person who typically decides how to proceed with the project. He can choose to try to repair or choose to wait for the equipment to be replaced before proceeding with the work. To prevent downtime, he is normally expected to monitor contractors and crew members to ensure they are following prescribed guidelines for storage, maintenance and repair of equipment and machinery.
Drilling supervisor jobs are typically available across the world in both offshore and onshore environments. Oil and gas companies that hire drilling supervisors include those involved in maintaining oil fields, marketing petroleum products, and refining crude oil. Natural gas manufacturing companies, as well as export companies and crude oil production operations, also commonly employ drilling supervisors.
A qualified job candidate for the position of drilling supervisor should typically have a bachelor’s degree in electrical, mechanical, or petroleum engineering, along with a minimum of four years of industry experience. Some companies only require a high school diploma if the candidate has 13 or more years of relevant experience. Experience in offshore and onshore drilling is recommended.
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