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Toolpusher Job Description And Salary

...Tomiwa Oladipo Published November 2022


What Is a Toolpusher in the oilfield?

The Toolpusher is the de facto manager of the rig and leads the drilling operation from the drilling contractors’ team. He supervises all drilling operations and manages the drilling rig crew members. His work is chiefly administrative and involves direct oversight over the heads of various drilling rigs’ operational departments.

The profession is in high demand in the oil and gas labor market, with limited qualified specialists in the field. Only some people working on an oil rig will eventually grow to become successful toolpushers, making it a rare profession.

 

What Is a Toolpusher Job Description?

The toolpusher job description integrates the optimal responsibilities, processes, knowledge of various oil drilling technology, and the prowess required to become one.

The toolpusher is a specialist with the following responsibilities:

  • Oversees all drilling work practices and rig operations to ensure compliance with contractual requirements, performance criteria, and mandatory rules and regulations.
  • Ensures safe working conditions on the rig site, instructs the erecting, dismantling, and lifting of various drilling rig types, and guides the drilling crew in rig moving operations.
  • Ensures all necessary rig components, spare parts, and tools are available
  • Manages and assists in setting up and operating rig equipment- drawworks, power units, and other drilling apparatus.
  • Coordinates the mixing and circulation of drilling mud to control downhole pressures as the well progresses while utilizing the required mud weight to avoid blowouts from fluid influx into the well.
  • Instructs the installation of the blow out preventer used to regulate the uncontrolled flow of hydrocarbon during the drilling procedure.
  • Ensures oil and gas well cementing meets operational needs and the availability of all essential tools, equipment, and resources.
  • Ensures inspections and accurate inventory count of drill pipe on the rig
  • Manages supplies deficiencies and informs the senior drilling supervisor of the status of such deprivations.
  • Cooperates with technical drilling engineers to draft a detailed maintenance plan for optimal use of the drilling equipment.
  • Ensures all personnel understand the inventory used in rig oilfield operations
  • Leads safety meetings of the drilling crew
  • Ensures subordinates use the proper personal protective equipment.
  • Promptly report any accident, safety hazard, near-misses, and non-conformance to their immediate superior
  • Maintains proper housekeeping on the rig site
  • Periodically checks the efficiency of the safety devices and equipment on the rig site.

 

Other Toolpusher Job and Skill Requirements

  • Effective management and leadership skills
  • Good written and communication skills
  • Excellent directional skills in supervising various drilling activities
  • Extraordinary time management expertise
  • Five to ten years of relevant work experience and a diploma or relevant certifications
  • Stout and sturdy physical health to work in extreme outdoor conditions
  • Ability to wear safety and waterproof clothing for long hours.
  • Knowledge of protective equipment
  • Analytical skills to make proper use of the drilling equipment.

 

Tool Pusher Qualifications

O&G employers demand some or all of the following certifications for you to work as a toolpusher in the oilfield:

  • Valid BOSIET (Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training) Certificate (if offshore)
  • Well Control Certificate (Supervisor Level, Surface/Subsea BOP Stack issued by an institution approved by IWCF)
  • Experience on land rigs of up to 3000 HP
  • Experience with Conventional or Cyber drilling package
  • Operational Toolpusher experience

 

FAQs

What does a toolPusher do?

A toolpusher manages the crew members on an oil rig or platform. His work is mainly administrative. He’s also responsible for running and supervising all drilling operations.

 

How do I become a toolpusher?

Toolpushers usually start at an entry-level position (i.e., a roughneck or roustabout) and work their way up over several years. The advancement in offshore drilling technology makes cyber drilling experience an essential requirement for a driller to be promoted to the position of tool pusher.

 

How long does it take to become a toolpusher?

Toolpushers usually start at an entry-level position (i.e., a roughneck or roustabout) and work their way up over several years. This can take 5-10 years.

 

How much does a toolpusher make?

The average salary range for a Toolpusher ranges from $102,943 to $121,283. The salary varies depending on location, education, job level, experience, and skills.

 

Who does a toolpusher report to?

A tool pusher reports to the Rig Superintendent when onshore or the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) when offshore.

 

Who works under their command?

A toolpusher is the second-in-command on the drilling rig and manages all personnel on the rig except his superior: the drilling superintendent.

 

ToolPusher jobs near me

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