Offshore drilling worker
Power the world's energy future! Operate and look after drilling equipment on offshore facilities, such as oil or gas rigs or drilling platforms.
Also known as: driller, derrickman, assistant driller

About the job
Salary (before tax)
Entry
£25,000

Experienced
£60,000
In this job, new workers in Scotland start around £25,000 per year. Experienced workers can earn up to £60,000.
Source:
National Careers ServiceWhat it's like
Ever wondered how we unlock the Earth's resources and power our future? As an offshore driller, you're at the forefront of this work!
You'll be part of a skilled team that manages and operates drilling equipment on offshore facilities such as oil or gas rigs or drilling platforms. Increasingly, your skills will be used in energy transition, renewables and new technologies such as carbon capture and storage.
As a driller, you'll supervise the drilling team and control the rate of drilling. It’s a highly skilled and responsible job.
Your tasks might include:
controlling operations on the drill floor
overseeing the assembly of the drilling tools and connect sections of the drill pipe
operating and controlling the machinery that raises and lowers the drill
maintaining records of the drilling process
making sure that the whole team follows health and safety rules
coordinating with geologists and engineers during the drilling operations
Within the drilling team, there are specific roles needed which you could progress to through on-the-job training and getting experience.
As an assistant driller, it'd be your job to coordinate the activities on the drill floor. For example, you would pass on instructions and information from the driller to the rest of the drilling team.
Another specialised role is the derrickhand. You'd work at a significant height of 20 to 25 metres above the rig floor on a platform attached to the derrick - the mast that supports the drilling equipment.
The derrickhand has several important tasks, such as:
handling and stacking sections of the drill pipe
maintaining the derrick
operating the lifting and hoisting machinery
controlling and maintaining mud pumps
supervising mud pimp operators
The driller and assistant driller are responsible for supervising the work of the team, with a strong focus on maintaining safety standards throughout all operations.
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Meta skills
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- analysing
- taking responsibility
- making decisions
- time management
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- working with numbers
- working with technology
- verbal communication

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