Roustabout
Roustabout Nature of Work
A roustabout may be part of the drilling teams or crews, or
may be on location temporarily for special operations.
Roustabouts are commonly hired to ensure that the skilled
personnel that run an expensive drilling rig are not distracted
by peripheral tasks, ranging from any unskilled manual labor on
the rigsite like cleaning up location to cleaning threads to
digging trenches to scraping and painting rig components.
Roustabouts are employed by drilling and well servicing
contractors and by petroleum producing companies.
Roustabout Work Conditions
The roustabout usually work long hard days on extended
roster systems, and either outdoors in all weather conditions
or underground. The work is generally hard and physically
demanding. This type of work can lead to more steady employment
on a rig crew.
Roustabout 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)
- clean police record
- enjoy practical and manual activities
- good organisation skills
- have a drug and alcohol clearance
- pass a medical examination
- physically fit
- willing to work in remote areas under difficult
conditions
Roustabout Employment Requirements
- 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
- Progression to more senior operating positions is
possible with experience
- After roustabouts understand how the rig operates and
demonstrates their work ethic, they may be promoted to
other positions in the crew
- On-the-job training
Roustabout Duties and Tasks
Roustabouts may perform some or all of the following
tasks:
- Assemble or repair oil field equipment using hand and
power tools
- Assist in slotting, welding and inserting casing
screens
- Assist with well development and pumping tests
- Carry out minor maintenance and repairs, including
lubrication
- Clean equipment, drill and camp sites
- Dig and clean mud pits and drains
- Help move drilling rigs and equipment from site to
site, set up in the new site and connect power cables or
hoses for water and air supply
- Help obtain drilling core samples
- Mix and test drilling fluids, chemicals and grout
- Operate equipment such as pumps for air, water and mud,
and equipment and tools used to correct problems in drilled
holes caused by mechanical breakdowns or by harmful natural
conditions
- Perform other tasks as needed
Roustabout Example Titles
- Floorman/Woman
- Laborer
- Leasehand
- Service Rig Helper
- Shakerhand
- Well Treatment Helper
Roustabout Related Occupations
Oil and Gas Related Industries
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