Directional Driller Consultant

Description:

Pay: Starting at $55/hr; higher rates may be considered based on experience and qualifications.

Job Code: 82940272 The WEC Specialist - M&D is responsible for planning and executing directional wellbores while also supporting (or directly performing, depending on operating model) MWD-related activities such as survey quality assurance, telemetry performance monitoring, and real-time data interpretation. The role focuses on safe, efficient trajectory delivery, wellbore quality, and strong cross-functional communication with the rig team, operations, drilling engineers, geology, and service personnel.

Key Responsibilities

• Review drilling program, well objectives, target windows, and trajectory plan; identify risks and execution constraints.
• Provide directional drilling planning support: BHA concepts, motor/RSS recommendations (as applicable), toolface strategy, and expected build/turn behavior.
• Execute real-time directional guidance: maintain planned inclination/azimuth, manage slide/rotate decisions, and keep the well within tolerance.
• Perform/lead MWD data monitoring and quality control:
• • Validate surveys (quality checks, consistency trends, and error flags)
  • Monitor telemetry performance (pulse/EM as applicable), data latency, and data integrity
  • Ensure correct survey management practices and reporting cadence
• Monitor drilling dynamics (torque/drag, vibration indicators, ECD trends, hole cleaning risk) and recommend parameter changes to reduce dysfunction and NPT.
• Coordinate closely with the driller and company representative during critical operations (kickoff, build/turn sections, landing, high dogleg risk intervals).
• Support anti-collision awareness by maintaining survey discipline and escalating risks per program requirements.
• Troubleshoot downhole and surface issues affecting trajectory or data quality (tool failures, sensor drift, telemetry degradation, downlink/uplink challenges).
• Produce accurate and timely deliverables: directional surveys, DDRs, end-of-well reports, BHA performance notes, NPT tracking, and lessons learned.
• Participate in pre-job planning, shift handovers, and post-job reviews to drive continuous improvement.
• Ensure strict compliance with HSE requirements and operational procedures; exercise stop-work authority when unsafe conditions exist.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; technical degree/trade training preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in conventional drilling operations (vertical, deviated, and/or S-curve wells).
• Hands-on experience with MWD fundamentals including survey principles, sensor checks, telemetry basics, and real-time data interpretation.
• Working knowledge of directional drilling principles: wellbore geometry, toolface control, motor behavior, directional tendencies, and basic anti-collision concepts.
• Strong understanding of rig operations and drilling practices (tripping, connections, drilling hydraulics awareness, stuck pipe prevention basics).
• Ability to interpret drilling programs, well schematics, and real-time drilling and MWD data streams.
• Familiarity with RSS workflows and/or advanced survey management and QA/QC (where applicable).

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a combined DD/MWD role or in operations requiring close DD–MWD integration.
• Exposure to performance drilling, pad drilling, or multi-well execution in conventional plays.
• DD and/or MWD certifications and relevant well control certification per local requirements.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Safety-first execution and strong risk recognition
• Real-time decision-making and operational discipline
• Data quality mindset (survey integrity, telemetry reliability, accurate reporting)
• Strong communication with rig crews and cross-functional stakeholders
• Structured troubleshooting and calm response under pressure
• High-quality documentation and shift handovers

Working Conditions

• Field-based rotational role with day/night coverage as required.
• Work performed on drilling rigs and/or remote operations center depending on operating model.
• Must be able to work in demanding outdoor/industrial environments and comply with site-specific safety requirements.

Performance Measures (Examples)

• Trajectory delivery within target window and tolerances
• Survey quality and reporting accuracy (error rate, consistency, timeliness)
• Telemetry/data uptime and response time to data-quality events
• Reduction in directional/MWD-related NPT and improved ROP consistency
• Safety performance and procedural compliance

Candidate Profile

Hiring manager's top priorities:

• Strong conventional drilling experience.
• Ability to calculate and project curves.
• Anti-collision understanding.
• Ability to respond effectively to operational situations and troubleshoot in real time.

Critical Role Clarification

Candidates will be expected to:

• Perform Directional Driller responsibilities.
• Operate in the MWD capacity.
• Take and process surveys.
• Monitor and understand wellbore telemetry.
• Submit directional and survey data as required.

Candidates should be comfortable independently performing both functions in the field.

Preferred Candidate Background

• Candidate who started their career as an MWD and later cross-trained into Directional Drilling.

Schedule / Work Environment

• Typical rotation is 20 days on / 10 days off.
• Schedule may vary based on customer activity and rig assignments.
• Initial assignments will likely be on night shift until candidate demonstrates competency with SLB standards and operating procedures.
• Day shift assignments generally require greater customer interaction and communication with drilling engineers and office personnel.

Work Location / Travel / Expenses

• Candidates do not need to reside in Midland, TX. Midland location serves as home/base office only. Actual work performed at customer rig locations across operational regions.
• Company will provide:
• • Flight accommodations when applicable.
  • Mileage reimbursement for approved personal vehicle travel.
  • $45/day per diem.
  • Hotel accommodations when required.

Interview Process

• Interviews may be conducted via video, phone, or in-person when practical.

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