Description
Plan, steer, and execute directional and horizontal wells using MWD/LWD and rotary steerable or motor assemblies, monitoring drilling parameters to place the wellbore safely, avoid collisions, and meet geological targets in coordination with rig crews and subsurface teams.
- • Develop directional drilling plans, including kickoff points, build/turn rates, targets, and anti-collision constraints.
- • Run and interpret surveys to compute inclination, azimuth, and dogleg severity, updating the wellpath versus plan.
- • Steer the bit by orienting toolface for slide/rotary drilling or operating rotary steerable systems to hit targets.
- • Monitor WOB, torque, RPM, differential pressure, flow, and ECD, adjusting parameters to optimize ROP and hole quality.
- • Coordinate tripping, BHA changes, and hole conditioning with the driller and company representative.
- • Assemble, inspect, and function-test motors, MWD/LWD, and RSS tools; verify telemetry and battery status.
- • Calibrate toolface offsets and validate sensor quality and gamma/resistivity responses.
- • Geosteer in real time using LWD data to land and maintain the lateral within the reservoir window.
- • Recommend bit and BHA designs based on formation tendencies, torque-and-drag limits, and planned doglegs.
- • Maintain accurate daily directional reports, surveys, BHA run sheets, and time and depth records.
- • Perform anti-collision scans and enforce separation rules on pad and infill wells.
- • Supervise rig crew during slides, orientation, connection procedures, and survey acquisition.
- • Troubleshoot downhole tool faults and coordinate repairs or tool swaps with service providers.
- • Model hydraulics and torque-and-drag, advising on hole cleaning, mud properties, and flow rates.
- • Liaise with the mud engineer to ensure fluid properties meet ECD, lubrication, and hole-cleaning requirements.
- • Assist with stuck-pipe prevention and fishing operations involving directional assemblies.
- • Ensure compliance with company standards, permits, and safety procedures; lead pre-job and shift briefings.
- • Plan and execute corrections or sidetracks to restore the wellpath when required.
- • Verify casing and liner landing depths and tolerances against the directional plan.
- • Prepare end-of-well reports with final surveys, as-drilled coordinates, and lessons learned.
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
