Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Drill Technician

🎯 Role Definition

A Drill Technician (Drilling Technician) is responsible for the safe setup, operation, maintenance and troubleshooting of drilling equipment and associated systems at wellsites or drill locations. This role supports drilling engineers and rig supervisors by executing routine and complex mechanical tasks, ensuring rig and downhole tools function reliably, performing inspections, maintaining drilling fluids and BOP systems, and documenting operational and safety activities. The Drill Technician must demonstrate hands-on mechanical aptitude, strong adherence to HSE and well control protocols, and the ability to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary crews in high-pressure field environments.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Floorhand / Roustabout with relevant rig experience
Maintenance Technician or Field Mechanic
Technical diploma graduate (mechanical, petroleum, or mining)

Advancement To:

Derrickhand / Senior Drill Technician
Rig Mechanic Lead / Lead Drilling Technician
Drilling Supervisor / Rig Manager
Field Service Technician (specialist roles: BOP, directional drilling, mud systems)

Lateral Moves:

Wireline Technician
Wellsite Geologist Assistant / Core Logging Technician
HSE Specialist (field-side roles)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Assemble, rig up and commission drilling rigs, substructures, mast/derrick components, top drives, rotary tables and ancillary equipment, ensuring all assemblies meet manufacturer specifications and site safety standards.
Conduct routine and preventive maintenance on mud pumps, shale shakers, centrifugal pumps, mud mixing systems and solids control equipment; diagnose faults and execute mechanical repairs to minimize downtime.
Operate and troubleshoot surface and downhole drilling tools including drill pipes, drill collars, drill bits, downhole motors, mud motors and reamers; monitor wear and performance and recommend replacements.
Perform regular inspection, testing, maintenance and pressure testing of Blowout Preventer (BOP) stacks, annular preventers and related well control equipment in accordance with IWCF/IADC and company procedures.
Maintain and service hydraulic systems, power units and high-pressure hoses; isolate, repair or replace hydraulic components and ensure leak-free operation during drilling activities.
Monitor and assist with drilling fluid systems and solids control processes: check fluid properties, assist with mud mixing, add chemical treatments, and ensure cuttings removal and volume management.
Support wellsite rigging operations including running and pulling drill pipe, handling tubulars, makeup and breakout of tool joints, and verifying torque readings using manual and hydraulic tongs.
Perform non-destructive testing (NDT) and visual inspections on structural components, pipe, and critical fasteners; document findings and raise work orders for corrective action when necessary.
Calibrate and maintain measurement and instrumentation devices used on the rig (pressure gauges, flow meters, depth counters, torque monitors) and ensure accurate data collection for engineers.
Assist drilling engineers and directional drilling teams with bit changes, motor runs, measurement while drilling (MWD) tool handling, and preparation for directional surveys and logging tools.
Execute safety-critical tasks such as BOP activation drills, well control simulations, and emergency shutdown procedures; document training and competency checks for rig personnel.
Maintain accurate and timely operational logs, maintenance records, parts usage reports and inspection checklists using paper or digital systems to support audits and regulatory compliance.
Oversee inventory control for spare parts, consumables and tooling; coordinate procurement requests, organize storeroom, and stage parts for mobilization/demobilization.
Mobilize and demobilize rig equipment and support vessels/trucks: secure loads, prepare lifting plans, perform rigging inspections and collaborate with logistics teams to meet schedules.
Troubleshoot diesel engine-driven generators, air compressors and electrical distribution equipment on the rig; perform basic electrical tests and coordinate with electricians for complex repairs.
Install and maintain rig safety systems including gas detection, H2S monitors, fire suppression gear and personal protective equipment stations; ensure devices are functional and calibrated.
Support wireline, logging and coring operations by preparing tool strings, managing fluid returns and assisting with sample/document handling and labeling protocols.
Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by identifying recurring failures, recommending engineering modifications or maintenance improvements to increase equipment reliability.
Mentor junior technicians and provide on-the-job training in safe rig practices, mechanical skills, tool handling, and procedural compliance; prepare handover notes for shifts.
Respond to field service requests and emergency breakdowns 24/7 as required; assess faults, perform emergency repairs, and coordinate parts and specialist support to restore operations.
Ensure compliance with environmental and waste management procedures on site, including handling of cuttings, mud disposal, spill response and documentation for regulatory inspections.
Coordinate with contractors and third-party service providers (well control, directional, testing) to ensure scope clarity, safe access, and correct interface management during complex operations.
Assist in conducting root cause analyses after equipment failures, compiling technical reports, and recommending corrective and preventive measures for inclusion in maintenance plans.
Maintain fitness-for-duty and certification records, ensuring required refresher training, medical clearances and competency assessments are up to date for all assigned personnel.
Implement and follow lockout/tagout procedures, confined space entries and permit-to-work systems for maintenance activities; verify isolation and document verification steps before work begins.

Secondary Functions

Support pre-job planning by verifying tool lists, materials and spare parts are available and by participating in toolbox talks and risk assessments.
Provide technical input to wellsite engineers on equipment limitations, potential bottlenecks and practical methods to optimize drilling processes and operational windows.
Assist in basic data collection and quality checks for drilling parameters to support drilling performance analyses and cost optimization projects.
Participate in vendor liaison for warranty items and technical escalations; facilitate on-site vendor visits and support equipment commissioning processes.
Help maintain and update digital maintenance management systems (CMMS) by logging jobs, assets and parts used to improve preventive maintenance scheduling and spare parts forecasting.
Contribute to cross-functional safety committees and participate in incident investigations by providing technical perspectives, photos and repair history documentation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Hands-on operation of rotary drilling rigs, including top drive systems, drawworks, rotary tables and mud pumps.
Well control skills and certification: IWCF or IADC Well Control (Stack/Surface BOP) and practical BOP maintenance experience.
Proficiency in hydraulic systems diagnosis and repair, including hydraulic schematics, pumps, valves and high-pressure fittings.
Experience with solids control equipment and drilling fluid systems: shakers, centrifuges, desilters and mud mixing systems.
Competence with tubular handling, makeup/breakout of drill pipe and use of torque/tensioning tools and slips.
Mechanical maintenance skills: bearings, seals, gearboxes, couplings, shaft alignments and rotating equipment balancing.
Basic electrical and instrumentation troubleshooting: multimeter use, motor starters, control panels and gauge calibration.
Ability to perform pressure testing, NDT visual inspections and basic weld inspection procedures.
Familiarity with MWD/LWD equipment handling procedures and safe staging for downhole tool runs.
Experience using CMMS or maintenance tracking systems to log repairs, inventory and work orders.
Diesel engine servicing and generator set maintenance knowledge.
Rigging and lifting competency with accredited slinger/signaller / rigging certifications and safe load handling practices.
Competence in confined space entry procedures, LOTO (lockout/tagout) and permit-to-work systems.
Knowledge of HSE compliance standards and incident reporting frameworks relevant to drilling operations.

Soft Skills

Strong safety mindset with the ability to enforce procedures and lead by example in high-risk environments.
Excellent problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities under pressure to restore operations quickly.
Clear, calm communication skills for effective interaction with engineers, supervisors and third-party service providers.
Team player with the ability to mentor junior staff and share technical knowledge.
Good organizational skills and attention to detail for maintenance documentation and parts management.
Adaptability and resilience for extended field deployments and variable working conditions.
Time management and prioritization skills to balance reactive repairs and planned maintenance needs.
Cultural sensitivity and professionalism when working in diverse, multi-national crews.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED with vocational/technical training in mechanical or industrial trades.

Preferred Education:

Certificate or diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology, Petroleum Technician, Heavy Equipment Maintenance, or equivalent technical program.
Additional short courses in hydraulics, diesel mechanics, or rig technology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mechanical Engineering Technology
Petroleum/Drilling Technology
Industrial Maintenance / Heavy Equipment Mechanics
Welding and Fabrication

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

1–8+ years of hands-on drilling or rig maintenance experience, depending on role seniority.

Preferred:

3–5 years on active rigs or in field service roles supporting drilling operations with demonstrable experience on BOP systems, mud systems and rotating equipment.
Valid well control certification (IWCF/IADC), site safety certifications (e.g., H2S Alive, Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) where applicable), and relevant trade tickets (forklift, crane slinger, confined space) as required by region or employer.