Directional Driller

Job Overview

Job Category

Operators

Sectors

Education

Environment

Outdoors only

Average Salary

$51,000 to $100,000

Career Demand

Growing

About This Career

You are brought in for the tough drilling. Directional drilling is much more complicated than straight-hole drilling. You control the angle and the depth, working through various ground conditions or the tough spots. With your experience, your math skills and underground data provided by others, you guide and instruct until the drilling head is exactly where it’s meant to be. Think you’re up for the challenge? Then let’s drill down further…

Directional Drillers control the direction of a wellbore with a variety of specialized bottom-hole assembly (BHA) tools and configurations designed to steer a drilling head. They monitor information transmitted from a number of downhole and surface sensors to measure the real-time performance of a drilling operation. Directional drilling is more complex than straight-hole drilling. The operator is required to take into account more factors and use specialized software to complete their tasks.

Directional Drillers work with other well services members at the well site. In particular, they coordinate closely with the Measurement While Drilling (MWD) Specialist to collect data that keeps a drilling project on track. Depending on the employer, there may be several levels identified within this occupation. Progression between levels is based on experience, performance and company need.

In this occupation activities may include:

Providing client representatives with accurate directional survey data
Inspecting and selecting bottom hole assembly (BHA) equipment appropriate for the job, such as bit, bit sub, directional drilling equipment, mud motor, measuring equipment, stabilizers, drill collar, drill pipe, jarring devices and crossovers
Working with the Measurement While Drilling (MWD) Specialist to ensure BHA compatibility and that the planned operating parameters meet the job specifications
Assisting with the inspection of all company equipment for use in the directional portion of the work when delivered to the work site
Assisting in the completion of service tickets and relevant paperwork, such as well data spreadsheets and daily reports

Education

A high school diploma (or equivalent) is typically required. A strong aptitude for math is an asset. Most Directional Drillers have progressed through their careers on a drilling crew or have experience as a Measurement While Drilling Specialist or Logging While Drilling Operator. Those with MWD or LWD experience are likely to have a post-secondary diploma in engineering, science, geology, petroleum or another technical discipline.

Certifications

Standard and emergency first aid
H2S Alive

Licensing

Class 5 licence and a clean driving record

You’re skilled with drilling – so much so that you spend most of your job instructing other drillers while you collect and process data. You take pride in your ability to clearly communicate critical information, while problem solving and course correcting in real time.