Jobs, Careers and Occupations

Roughneck

Roughneck Nature of Work

A roughneck is a low-ranking member of the drilling crew.

The roughneck carry out a variety of general laboring duties and operate equipment to assist in the drilling and servicing of oil and gas wells. Roughnecks are employed by drilling and well servicing contractors and by petroleum producing companies.

Roughneck Work Conditions

The roughneck usually work long hours in all weather conditions on extended roster systems, usually as member of a crew. The roughneck usually performs semiskilled and unskilled manual labor that requires continual hard work in difficult conditions for many hours.

Roughneck Personal Requirements

• able to work as part of a team
• aptitude for mechanics and able to handle machinery
• be 18 years old (as it is a legal requirement on most mine and quarry sites)
• enjoy practical and manual activities
• good organization skills
• have a drug and alcohol clearance
• pass a medical examination
• physically fit
• willing to work in remote areas under difficult conditions

Roughneck Employment Requirements

• After roughnecks understand how the rig operates and demonstrates their work ethic, they may be promoted to other positions in the crew
• Completion of secondary school may be required
• Completion of introductory college or Petroleum Industry Training Service (PITS) courses may be required
• Certificates in hydrogen sulphide awareness, workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS) or transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) may be required
• On-the-job training

Roughneck Duties and Tasks

Roughnecks perform some or all of the following duties:

• Assist in setting up, taking down and transporting drilling and service rigs and service equipment
• Clean up rig area
• Handle, sort and move drill tools, pipe, cement and other materials
• Maintain drilling equipment on the drill floor
• Manipulate sections of pipe or drill stem at the rig floor during drilling and during the removal and replacement of strings of pipe or drill stem and drill bit
• May drive truck to transport materials and well service equipment

Roughneck Example Titles

• Floorman/Woman
• Laborer
• Leasehand
• Service Rig Helper
• Shakerhand
• Wireline Helper

Roughneck Related Occupations

• Company Men
• Electricians
• Miners
• Motormen
• Derrickmen
• Helpers
• Laborers
• Testers
• Operators
• Roustabouts
• Drillers
• Toolpushers

Oil and Gas Related Industries

• Engineering
• Environmental
• Mining