Solids Control Technician

Job Overview

Job Category

Technicians and Technologists

Sectors

Education

Environment

Outdoors only

About This Career

Solids control is a technique used on a drilling rig to separate the solids produced by crushed drill bits and other debris from drilling fluids or mud. You’re a Solids Control Technician, but some days, you’re part electrician, part millwright, part chemist, and part customer service representative. You wear many hats, all required to support drillers to be able to reuse drilling fluids.

Solids Control Technicians operate equipment to separate out particles, debris and other solids that are crushed by the drill and carried to the surface. The separation allows the drilling fluids to be reused in the drilling process. The separation process is carried out over stages involving multiple types of processes and equipment. Solids Control Technicians work with other well services members at the drilling site. They are also responsible for maintaining the solids control equipment and ensuring the treatment of drilling fluids complies with environmental regulations.

In this occupation activities may include:

Coordinating with other services at the well location to ensure safe and efficient operations
Maintaining a computer database of the solids control equipment, spares, tools and consumables
Setting up, tearing down and preparing the solids control equipment and its related systems for transport
Operating the solids control equipment and its related systems (e.g. mud tanks, shale shaker, vacuum degasser, centrifuge)
Conducting tests on drilling fluids to ensure the system is functioning properly

Education

A high school diploma (or equivalent) is typically required. Mechanical aptitude and the ability to troubleshoot and repair problems with motors, electrical, panels and valves are considered assets.

Certifications

Standard and emergency first aid
Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
H2S Alive

Licensing

Class 5 driver’s licence (or equivalent) and clean driving record

You have solid soft skills, such as customer service and communication. You also have solid hard skills – particularly when it comes to working with machinery and chemistry.