Rig Manager Job Description

The rig manager, sometimes also called a Toolpusher, essentially supervises all the staff on the oil rig as well as the drilling activities and equipment. The drill team members look to their rig manager for leadership, safety training, as well as dispute resolution and help in solving personnel and operational issues.

It’s typical in the oil and gas industry for people to work their way up the ranks, and it’s no different for rig managers. They often start out as roughnecks and move into higher level jobs from there. In this way s/he accumulates all the knowledge necessary to manage the complete operation. A good rig manager can handle just about any kind of problem on the rig and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty during peak times.

Rig managers spend most of their time interfacing with the rig crews, but must also meet and communicate regularly with his superiors with contracting oil company.

Major responsibilities of the rig manager are:

• Managing the set up and take down of rigs
• Adherence to safety practices.
• Coordination of the rig crews, typically three or four crews.
• Management of the day-to-day drilling activities.
• Adherence to environmental and other government laws and policies 
• Conducting prep work prior to rig set up.
• Handling personnel issues

You can’t be a successful rig manager unless you possess leadership skills, the ability to communicate and listen, delegate responsibilities, and maintain a high level of organization.

A number of certifications may be required before you can fulfill this position.

• First Aid
• WHIMIS (Workers Health Industrial M anagement Information System)
• Hydrogen Sulphide Safety Training (H2S)
• Fall Protection
• Oil field boiler
• Specialized safety training such as fall protection and high angle rescue

Pay varies from company to company and the scope of your experience.