Jobs, Careers and Occupations

Toolpushers

Toolpusher Nature of Work

A toolpusher is the location supervisor for the oil and gas drilling contractor. The toolpusher supervise and co-ordinate the activities of drill rig crew engaged in drilling for oil or gas, operating service rigs, or providing oil and gas well services.

The toolpusher is usually a senior, experienced individual who has worked his way up through the ranks of the drilling crew positions. His or hers job is largely administrative, including ensuring that the oil rig has sufficient materials, spare parts and skilled personnel to continue efficient operations. The toolpusher also serves as a trusted advisor to many personnel on the rigsite, including the operator's representative, the company man.

Toolpushers are employed by drilling and well service contractors and by petroleum producing companies.

Toolpusher Work Conditions

The toolpusher usually work long hard days on extended roster systems in all weather conditions. The work is generally hard and physically demanding.
There is little mobility for supervisors from well services to well drilling.

Toolpusher 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

Toolpusher Employment Requirements

• Completion of secondary school is required
• Completion of college or Petroleum Industry Training Service (PITS) courses is required
• Extensive experience of up to eight years in the occupations supervised is required
• A two-year college diploma in petroleum engineering technology may be required
• Certificates in first aid, hydrogen sulphide awareness, blowout prevention, well control, workplace hazardous materials information system (WHMIS), transportation of dangerous goods (TDG) or other safety and technical subjects are required and are obtained by completing short courses

Toolpusher Duties and Tasks

Toolpushers may perform some or all of the following duties:

• Establish methods to meet work schedules and co-ordinate work activities with other departments
• May set up machines and equipment
• Prepare production and other reports
• Recommend personnel actions such as hirings and promotions
• Requisition materials and supplies
• Resolve work problems and recommend measures to improve productivity
• Supervise, co-ordinate and schedule the activities of workers who drill for oil and gas, operate service rigs or provide oil and gas well services
• Train workers in job duties, safety procedures and company policies

Toolpusher Example Titles

• Crew Supervisor
• Drilling Foreman
• Multi-Service Operator
• Pusher
• Rig Manager
• Rig Supervisor

Toolpusher Related Occupations

• Company Men
• Derrickmen
• Drillers
• Electricians
• Miners
• Mining Engineers
• Motormen
• Petroleum Engineers
• Operators
• Roughnecks
• Roustabouts
• Supervisors

Oil and Gas Related Industries

• Engineering
• Environmental
• Mining