Drilling Superintendent (Reno)

Position Summary

The Drilling Superintendent is responsible for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution of drilling operations across multiple geothermal projects. This role ensures that drilling programs are implemented in accordance with company standards while maintaining alignment with corporate safety, operational, and financial objectives.

The Drilling Superintendent provides field leadership to drilling personnel and contractors, oversees operational performance, and ensures the delivery of high-quality wells through effective planning, coordination, and problem solving.

Essential Functions

Safety & Compliance

• Champion and enforce Ormat’s safety culture across all drilling operations.
• Ensure all drilling operations are conducted in compliance with established well control procedures and drilling standards.
• Participate in safety audits and work closely with the HSE department to maintain safe operations.
• Assist with the development and implementation of emergency response and contingency plans.
• Participate in investigations related to safety and environmental incidents.

Personnel Leadership

• Provide leadership, training, and supervision to Drill Site Managers and field personnel.
• Ensure field teams are properly prepared and equipped to execute drilling operations.
• Hold third-party contractors accountable for safety performance, operational execution, and compliance with contract requirements.
• Promote a culture of operational discipline, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
• Collaborate closely with the well engineering and geoscience teams to build robust drilling programs to support operational excellence

Operational Leadership

• Oversee the safe and efficient execution of drilling programs at assigned projects.
• Ensure drilling operations comply with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical leadership in addressing operational challenges including well control events, stuck pipe, and other drilling hazards to minimize non-productive time (NPT).
• Ensure accurate and consistent operational reporting including daily drilling reports, NPT tracking, flat time, and cost documentation.
• Coordinate logistics and operational sequencing with internal teams and third-party service providers.
• Oversee rig mobilization, demobilization, and major operational transitions.

Operational Standards & Vendor Management

• Develop and maintain written drilling procedures to standardize operations across projects.
• Lead supplier quality meetings (SQMs) with key vendors and communicate performance outcomes internally.
• Ensure adequate inventory and availability of consumables and operational equipment required for drilling activities.
• Review and approve field expenses and invoices in accordance with company cost control policies.

Other Responsibilities

• Support the evaluation and implementation of new drilling technologies and techniques applicable to geothermal development.
• Provide technical input to office-based teams related to drilling optimization, scheduling, planning, and permitting.
• Support cross-functional collaboration with engineering, supply chain, and project management teams.
• Perform other duties and projects as assigned by management.

Education, Experience, And Skills Required

• Must have 15+ years of drilling experience
• Must be well control certified at IWCF supervisor level
• Proven leadership in safety and drilling operations
• A Bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred but not required
• Geothermal experience preferred but not required
• Willing to travel internationally and be on drilling location during operations (Up to 30% travel)
• Be familiar with invoicing and cost control as it applies to approval of Ormat expenses
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal using Microsoft Office suite and Teams
• Must be able to communicate with other employees and third parties and read and write at a level that will enable work to be performed in a safe and efficient manner

Physical Requirements

• This job requires sitting approximately 50% and standing up to 50%
• This job requires standing and sitting with moderate bending, stooping, and kneeling
• Must be able to wear any required protective equipment, as required by safety procedures and regulations
• Must be able to frequently climb to and work off of elevated platforms, ladders and walkways
• Must be able to work in severe weather conditions
• Up to 30% travel is expected