Directional Drilling Manager - Communications

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Planning and Coordination

• Assess project requirements, blueprints, and technical specifications.
• Develop comprehensive drilling plans, including bore paths, site layouts, and material requirements.
• Collaborate with clients, project managers, and engineers to align on project goals, deliverables, and timelines.

2. Equipment and Resource Management

• Select appropriate drilling equipment and ensure proper maintenance for optimal performance.
• Oversee mobilization and demobilization of drilling rigs and other resources.
• Manage the inventory of drilling tools, fluids, and other consumables to prevent delays.

3. Team Leadership

• Supervise drilling crews, foremen, and subcontractors to ensure operational efficiency.
• Provide training and support to enhance team skills and enforce safe working practices.
• Evaluate team performance, address skill gaps, and resolve inefficiencies.

4. Operational Oversight

• Monitor drilling operations to ensure adherence to project plans, budgets, and timelines.
• Troubleshoot and resolve issues such as equipment malfunctions, bore path deviations, or unexpected subsurface conditions.
• Utilize and interpret steering tools, sensors, and logging systems to guide drilling operations accurately.

5. Safety and Compliance

• Enforce safety protocols and conduct regular safety meetings and drills.
• Ensure full compliance with local, state, and federal regulations related to drilling and environmental protection.
• Investigate and address any incidents or near-misses on-site to prevent recurrence.

6. Technical Expertise and Problem-Solving

• Analyze geological data to identify potential risks or challenges.
• Optimize drilling techniques to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Evaluate and implement new technologies or methods to enhance operational performance.

7. Quality Assurance

• Ensure accuracy in bore paths and successful installation of conduits or pipelines.
• Conduct quality checks to meet client expectations and regulatory standards.
• Address issues related to alignment, depth, or material integrity promptly.

8. Environmental Considerations

• Minimize environmental impact through responsible drilling practices.
• Oversee the disposal of drilling mud and waste materials in compliance with environmental regulations.

Key Skills and Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of HDD equipment, techniques, and operations.
• Ability to read and interpret construction blueprints, technical drawings, and utility maps.
• Proficiency with directional drilling software and tracking systems.
• Leadership and communication skills to effectively manage teams and coordinate with clients.
• Strong problem-solving abilities to address on-site challenges.
• Comprehensive understanding of safety and environmental regulations.