Rig Manager - Permian Basin

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to ensure safety of all onsite personnel with the goal of working incident‑free.
• Supervise, direct, and train drilling rig crew members, ensuring compliance with safety and operational procedures.
• Manage rig operations, production, maintenance, costs, and personnel to meet company business objectives.
• Understand and apply Comprehensive Rig Inspection (CRI) criteria; conduct regular inspections and maintenance of rig and equipment.
• Develop and maintain productive partnerships with customer representatives.
• Apply basic management concepts such as delegation, motivation, discipline, goal setting, and performance evaluation.
• Plan and execute preventative maintenance, including ordering replacement supplies.
• Anticipate, troubleshoot, and resolve operational, equipment, and maintenance issues to minimize rig downtime.
• Plan daily rig operations with the Driller and customer representative; lead pre‑ and post‑tour meetings and conduct crew fit‑for‑duty evaluations.
• Fill in for the Driller or other rig‑based employees as needed.
• Maintain rig and drilling floor housekeeping (sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing equipment).
• Plan and supervise rig moves, including rig‑up/rig‑down procedures.
• Read/write emails and prepare daily rig paperwork, status reports, and other business documents.
• Address and resolve concerns or disputes among team members and customers to build a cohesive work group.
• Perform other duties as assigned that may fall outside the standard job description.

Requirements

• Physical ability to lift/carry, pull/push, reach, squat, kneel, and climb ladders or stairs; frequently exert 25–50 lb, constantly 10–20 lb.
• Capable of independently lifting and carrying 50 lb while walking on uneven surfaces and climbing steep stairs.
• Comfortable working at heights of 50 ft or greater for extended periods.
• Maintain spatial orientation around moving machinery and hazardous chemicals.
• Clear vision for near and far distances to monitor work activities.
• Proficient in English (read, write, speak) to understand and give clear instructions.
• Willingness to work an irregular sleep pattern and be available to observe and direct drilling procedures at any time.
• Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, gloves, respirator, hearing protection) at all designated times.
• Demonstrated ability to perform duties of all rig crew positions (Floorhand, Motorhand, Derrickhand, Driller).
• Strong computer skills (reports, email, spreadsheets, graphs) and ability to use basic mathematical formulas for rig metrics.
• Effective verbal communication of directions and expectations to crew and third parties.
• Willingness to travel to remote locations on a rotational schedule: 14 days on / 14 days off, 12.5‑hour shifts (days, nights, weekends, holidays).
• Ability to work mandatory and unscheduled hours with little or no notice.
• Willingness and ability to complete classroom training and testing for rig qualification.
• Pass pre‑employment testing (drug/alcohol tests, background checks) and comply with periodic testing as required by law.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Valid state‑issued driver’s license and eligibility to meet company vehicle use and driving policies.
• At least 3 years of rig‑based work experience, including 1 year as a Driller.
• Experience as a Driller or Rig Manager on an AC/VFD style rig.
• Supervisory‑level certifications in Well Control, CPR/First Aid, and Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) Safety Training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced education (college, trade school, etc.).
• 1–2 years experience as a Rig Manager.
• Experience as a Rig Manager on Omron, Peak, or XK rigs.

Certifications

• Supervisory‑level Well Control.
• CPR/First Aid.
• Hydrogen Sulfide (H₂S) Safety Training.

Leadership Competencies

• Builds and maintains effective relationships.
• Develops self and others.
• Builds effective teams.
• Courageous leadership.
• Managing vision and purpose.
• Business acumen.
• Drive for results.
• Customer focus.
• Decision quality.

Schedule

Rotational schedule consisting of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5‑hour shifts that may include days, nights, weekends, and holidays. Mandatory and unscheduled hours may be required with little or no advanced notice.

Additional Details

This position requires work both indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions, including precipitation, extreme heat or cold, high wind, and turbulence. In southern states, summer temperatures range from 80 °F to low 100 °F with high humidity, while winters rarely drop below 20 °F. In northern states, summers are similarly hot, but winters can be windy and as cold as –40 °F.

About Us

Patterson‑UTI Drilling delivers the new standard for drilling performance, offering safer, smarter, and faster operations with a comprehensive fleet of pad‑capable rigs featuring advanced walking systems. The company is committed to a workplace free from discrimination and harassment, providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of protected personal characteristics. Employees are encouraged to report concerns through multiple channels.