- Environment Primarily indoor/office work
- Education High school diploma
- Average salary $80,000 to $116,000
Career profile
Rig managers are responsible for every aspect of rig operations including set up, take down and rig moves, as well as managing personnel and the financial, technical and performance aspects of a drilling rig. The rig manager is typically the point of contact for the operator and provides input during rig marketing and contracting activities.
Rig managers are responsible for daily paperwork pertaining to rig production and costs. They also ensure that health and safety guidelines are communicated and followed, and that rig operations comply with environmental and governmental regulations. They interact with all drilling rig personnel in addition to well services providers and management.
In this occupation activities may include:
- Ensuring that the permit to work system and other health, safety and environmental (HSE) management tools are used correctly
- Conducting pre-tour meetings with rig crews
- Coordinating rig moves with the client and transportation personnel
- Managing the set up and take down of rigs
- Coordinating rig crews
- Resolving operational and personnel issues with rig crews and contractors
Education
- A high school diploma is required, along with extensive experience working in a rig environment. Additional education, such as college or industry-approved training courses or a post-secondary diploma in petroleum engineering technology may be preferred by some employers.
Certifications
- Standard and emergency first aid
- Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
- H2S Alive®
- Transportation of dangerous goods (TDG)
- Confined space entry
- Fall protection and rig rescue
- Aerial Lift Training
- Traffic Control
- Respirator fit training
- High angle rescue, loader evaluator
- Second line well control (drilling rig managers) or well service well control (service rig managers)
- Safety management and regulatory awareness for well site supervision
- Detection and control of flammable substance
Licensing
- Although Rig Technician journeyman certification is not a legal requirement for this occupation, rig managers are encouraged to apply for a journeyman certificate
- Valid class 5 driving licence
- Travel likely required
- Shiftwork/variable work hours
- Primarily indoor/office work
- Physical work
- Safety-sensitive environment
- Work away from home/in camps
- Low risk environment
You’re a strong communicator, highly organized, detail oriented and can perform well under pressure. You gain the respect of your crew when you demonstrate your hands-on technical skills, and efficient problem solving capabilities.
- Mechanical
- Judgment and decision making
- Operation and control
- Planning and organizing
- Public safety and security
- Troubleshooting
- Administration and management
- Managing conflict
- Attention to detail
- Law and government
- Transportation
