Derrick Hand

***This job has preference to qualified local job seekers within 60 miles of our Axis El Campo, TX facility.

The Derrick Hand is part of a 4–5-person workover rig crew responsible for performing services on workover rigs. This position reports to the assigned Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor or Rig Operator. Primary responsibilities include performing elevated work on the derrick, including the tubing board and rod basket; accessing the work area by ladder and working at heights of 50 feet or more while using required fall protection and following applicable safety procedures; completing routine maintenance on derrick structures or components; and supporting other workover rig functions as directed by the Tool Pusher or Rig Operator.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to the following:

• Assists the operator in rigging up and down, lining up the well service rig with the well; performs servicing on the well.
• Responsible for all elevated work associated with rigging up/down (such as removing horse head from pumping unit).
• Responsible for all work performed for the rod basket and tubing board (transferring rods and tubing from the vertical racks to the elevator).
• Operates tubing elevators for standing tubing in derrick.
• Assists in picking up or laying down tubing, manually lifting the tubing from the rack onto the work floor or vice versa.
• Sets hydraulic jacks, handles pads/boards, and assists in attaching the guy wires to the anchor.
• Assists in walking the rods when laying down rods.
• Reports any safety hazards, accidents, or maintenance issues to the Tool Pusher/Field Supervisor.
• Ensures that work carried out follows Axis policies and procedures and according to Axis and customer safety programs.
• May be required to work floors or operate the rig when needed.
• May drive the crew truck as needed (must maintain active state issued driver license).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• High school diploma, GED, or the equivalent.

• Must have a valid state issued driver license with acceptable motor vehicle record (MVR); CDL Class A or B preferred.

• Minimum (1) year of Derrick hand experience required; at least two (2) years of workover rig floor experience required.
• Ability to effectively communicate, both verbally and written in English.

• Must be able to work a rotational field schedule and travel as business needs require.
• Must be able to climb ladders and access elevated work areas on the derrick, including the tubing board and rod basket, at heights of 50 feet or more while wearing and properly using required fall protection equipment.
• Must complete company-required working-at-heights/fall protection training before performing elevated work, including training on fall hazard recognition, ladder safety, proper inspection and use of personal fall protection systems, anchoring and tie-off procedures, equipment care and storage, and rescue/emergency response expectations; retraining may be required when equipment, jobsite conditions, procedures, or employee performance indicate additional training is needed.
• Must be able to work safely in outdoor field environments and comply with all required PPE, safety, and customer-site requirements.

• Able to perform duties with protective equipment, working near or with heavy tools and moving machinery.
• Ability to interact with others in a team environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle multiple tasks at once.
• Basic problem solving and organizational skills.
• Reliable telephone (cell phone) communication and transportation.

• Must successfully complete pre-employment drug/alcohol testing and any job-relevant post-offer evaluations required for the position, which may include physical, musculoskeletal, pulmonary, audiogram, vision, functional capacity, and DOT medical evaluations where applicable and consistent with business necessity.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, unless doing so would create an undue hardship or direct threat as defined by applicable law.

• Perform work as part of a 4-5 person workover rig crew, including rigging up and down, pulling and laying down rods, tubing, and casing, and operating rod wrenches, tongs, elevators, and other associated rig tools and equipment.
• Lift up to 50 lbs. individually. In accordance with company lifting policy, loads over 50 lbs. require a two-person lift or mechanical assistance.
• Work 12-hour shifts with posture requirements of approximately 8.0 hours standing, 1.0 hour sitting, and 3.0 hours walking per shift.
• Climb ladders and perform elevated work on the derrick, tubing board, rod basket, platforms, and other rig structures at heights of 50 feet or more; maintain balance and mobility while using required fall protection equipment and performing frequent kneeling, bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and handling of rig tools and equipment.
• Work outdoors in all weather conditions and in oil and gas wellsite environments, including exposure to temperature extremes, high noise levels, heavy tools, moving machinery, and other field hazards.
• Wear required PPE and use an H2S respirator where required in hazardous areas.
• Maintain adequate vision, hearing, mobility, and communication ability to safely perform work in hazardous field environments.

Equal Opportunity Employer


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For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.