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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Directional Driller

💰 $ - $

Oil & GasDrillingField OperationsDirectional Drilling

🎯 Role Definition

The Directional Driller is a field-based drilling specialist charged with executing the directional portion of well construction according to the well plan and geological target. This role requires in-depth knowledge of bottom hole assemblies (BHA), steering tools (mud motors and rotary steerable systems), MWD/LWD telemetry, survey interpretation, torque-and-drag and dogleg management, geosteering support, and real-time decision making under operational constraints. The Directional Driller liaises closely with the Drilling Engineer, Tool Pusher, Mud Engineer, Geoscience team and service companies to deliver accurate wellbore placement, optimize drilling performance, and uphold HSE standards.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Driller / Assistant Driller with directional exposure
  • MWD/LWD Technician transitioning to field directional roles
  • Drilling Fluids or Toolpusher roles with directional experience

Advancement To:

  • Toolpusher / Rig Manager (onsite leadership)
  • Senior Directional Driller / Drilling Supervisor (multi-rig oversight)
  • Drilling Engineer or Drilling Operations Manager (office or field leadership)

Lateral Moves:

  • MWD/LWD Field Supervisor
  • Completion or Well Intervention Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Plan, prepare and execute directional drilling programs to achieve reservoir-target wellbore placement while meeting design tolerances for inclination, azimuth and dogleg severity.
  • Design, specify and validate bottom hole assemblies (BHA) and drilling tools (mud motors, rotary steerable systems, stabilizers, drill collars) to optimize steering, ROP, and reliability.
  • Operate and supervise real-time MWD/LWD and directional-tool data to steer the well, interpret surveys, and make corrective steering decisions that meet the well plan and geological objectives.
  • Coordinate with the Drilling Engineer and Geosteering team to convert geological targets into practical well trajectories and provide continuous input on deviation strategy and change requests.
  • Execute wellpath adjustments in response to formation mechanical properties, torque-and-drag predictions, hole cleaning concerns, and drilling dynamics to maintain well integrity and efficiency.
  • Monitor directional drilling parameters (inclination, azimuth, dogleg severity, toolface, gamma, build/drop rates) and intervene to correct trajectory deviations or to prevent mechanical issues.
  • Troubleshoot downhole tool performance and failure modes, diagnose causes (vibration, tool wear, motor stall) and implement corrective action plans with service providers.
  • Interpret and validate survey data, create updated wellbore plots, and maintain accurate directional records for inclusion in well files and handover documentation.
  • Plan and supervise slide and rotate operations, establishing appropriate slide/rotate cycles, toolface orientation, and measurement intervals to meet trajectory targets.
  • Assess and mitigate risks related to stuck pipe, torque-and-drag, differential sticking and excessive doglegs through proactive measures and contingency planning.
  • Manage and optimize drilling parameters to balance rate of penetration (ROP) with BHA longevity and wellbore quality while minimizing non-productive time (NPT).
  • Communicate drilling progress, trajectory updates and operational issues clearly to the rig crew, tool vendors and the operations team via daily reports and shift handovers.
  • Ensure correct spares, tool inventories, and service agreements for directional tools and MWD/LWD equipment are in place and verified prior to operations.
  • Implement and enforce well control and safety procedures during directional operations, including initiation of well control if required and collaboration with the Rig Management team.
  • Supervise rig-based personnel and third-party directional crews, provide on-the-job coaching, and ensure adherence to company and regulatory HSE standards.
  • Validate torque and drag and hydraulics model outputs, update models based on actual drilling conditions, and apply findings to optimize BHA design and drillstring configuration.
  • Participate in pre-drill well planning, tool selection workshops, and readiness reviews to align directional strategy with drilling objectives and cost targets.
  • Lead root-cause investigations following directional tool failures or trajectory losses, document findings and drive corrective actions with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
  • Coordinate wireline/MWD/LWD logging runs and ensure survey quality control, including running backup surveys where required to verify wellbore position.
  • Control cost by evaluating service costs, recommending alternatives, and working with procurement to ensure value-for-money directional services and equipment rentals.
  • Maintain comprehensive as-drilled logs, directional records and geospatial data deliverables for integration into subsurface and reservoir models.
  • Apply geosteering input during reservoir sections to refine lateral placement, optimize reservoir contact and maximize production potential.
  • Ensure compliance with all regulatory and internal reporting requirements for directional operations, including permits, tool certifications and incident reporting.

Secondary Functions

  • Support post-well analyses and lessons-learned workshops to capture directional performance metrics and continuous improvement opportunities.
  • Mentor junior directional staff and MWD/LWD technicians through structured on-the-job training and competency assessments.
  • Collaborate with the drilling fluids and cementing teams to ensure hole stability and zonal isolation objectives are achieved during directional phases.
  • Participate in emergency response drills and maintain readiness for well-control or evacuation procedures.
  • Contribute to procurement and vendor evaluation for directional tools and telemetry services, including performance KPIs and SLA monitoring.
  • Provide input to digital drilling initiatives (real-time dashboards, telemetry integration and automated steering workflows) to enhance operational decision making.
  • Assist in budgeting and forecasting directional service costs and consumables for well-level CAPEX/OPEX control.
  • Prepare and present directional operation summaries to internal stakeholders, operators and joint venture partners as needed.
  • Support HSE audits, toolbox talks and safety communications specifically related to handling and maintenance of directional tools and heavy equipment.
  • Help create standardized directional procedures, checklists and templates to improve operational consistency across rigs and basins.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Directional drilling operations — proven ability to plan and execute complex deviated and horizontal wells, including lateral placement and geosteering collaboration.
  • BHA design and optimization — experience selecting and configuring BHAs for performance, durability and steerability.
  • Rotary Steerable Systems (RSS) & mud motors — hands-on knowledge of RSS operation, mud motor behavior and tool selection trade-offs.
  • MWD/LWD telemetry & survey interpretation — skilled at reading MWD logs, interpreting surveys, and validating positional data.
  • Torque & Drag modeling — competency with torque-and-drag software and applying model results to string design and operational changes.
  • Dogleg and wellbore mechanics management — understanding DLS control, buckling, and bending stresses on drillstrings.
  • Well control fundamentals — certified in IWCF or IADC WellSharp (or equivalent) and capable of leading well-control responses.
  • Drilling hydraulics and hole-cleaning — ability to work with mud engineers to optimize flow regimes and solids transport.
  • Data analysis and reporting — proficient with directional reporting tools and common office software (Excel, Word, email) and familiarity with real-time data platforms.
  • Equipment maintenance and inspection — knowledge of common directional tool maintenance, troubleshooting and pre-run checks.
  • Geosteering support — ability to collaborate with geologists and use formation evaluation data to refine trajectory in reservoir sections.
  • Regulatory and HSE compliance — understanding of local regulations, permits, and safety management in drilling operations.

Soft Skills

  • Strong leadership and crew management — lead multi-disciplinary teams on-shift and mentor less-experienced personnel.
  • Clear communication — concise reporting to rig management, engineers and service providers, and ability to present technical updates to non-technical stakeholders.
  • Problem solving and decision making — fast, structured operational judgment under pressure to minimize NPT and maintain safety.
  • Team collaboration — work cross-functionally with drilling, geology, completions, and service teams to align objectives.
  • Attention to detail — meticulous record keeping of surveys, BHA configurations and deviation data.
  • Time management and prioritization — manage multiple operational tasks and change requests efficiently.
  • Adaptability and resilience — operate effectively in dynamic field environments, onshore and offshore.
  • Continuous improvement mindset — apply lessons learned and drive process improvements to directional methodologies.
  • Cultural awareness and stakeholder management — navigate multinational crews and joint-venture reporting requirements.
  • Training and coaching — develop competency programs and train rigs on best-practice directional techniques.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with strong mechanical aptitude and field experience in drilling operations.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Geosciences, or related technical discipline.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Geoscience / Geology
  • Drilling Technology / Applied Drilling Sciences

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–12+ years in drilling operations with minimum 2–4 years specifically in directional drilling roles; experience ranges vary by complexity (onshore conventional to deepwater horizontal wells).

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of direct directional drilling experience on analogous rig types (land rigs, jackups, semisubmersibles, drillships).
  • Prior exposure to rotary steerable systems and long-reach horizontal wells.
  • Certifications: IWCF or IADC WellSharp well control, BOSIET (for offshore roles), H2S Alive, and company-specific safety certifications.
  • Demonstrated track record of reducing NPT, achieving wellbore placement to plan, and successful collaboration with geosteering and drilling engineering teams.
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