Derrickhand (Western Canada)

Posted Friday, November 14, 2025 at 5 : 00 AM

JOB SUMMARY

A Derrickhand works up the derrick on the drilling rig and guides drill string or casing. They also monitor tank levels, add chemicals and take care of shale shakers and mud pumps.

INTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

EXTERNAL RELATIONSHIPS

Client Representatives, Third Party Services

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Derrickhands must use a harness and platform-climbing device to get to the proper position on the derrick when the drill string (lengths of pipe) or casing pipe is being raised from or lowered into the hole. Individuals who do not feel comfortable working in high places do not usually move into the position of Derrickhand. However those wishing to advance to the Driller position must have a good understanding of the Derrickhands duties.
• When rig is making a trip (running drill pipe in and out of the hole), he works off of the monkey board. There, while coming out of the hole, he unlatches the elevators from the pipe and racks the pipe sequentially in the fingers after it has been set on the pipe-racking floor by the Floorhand. While running in the hole, he pulls the proper stand of pipe from the fingers and, when the elevator comes to his position latches it around the stand. Whenever a Derrickhand goes up the monkey board the blocks stay at the rig floor until the Derrickhand comes to the end of the driving board and signals to the Driller that his fall arrest system is hooked up. Under direction of the Driller, he conditions the drilling fluid and maintains the mud pumps and mud handling and treating equipment.
• Performing all duties in a safe manner. Handling all miscellaneous duties above the derrick floor, lubrication of the hoisting equipment, stringing of lines, and minor repairs to the hoisting equipment and derrick.
• Assisting the Driller in the maintenance of the drilling rig and other equipment
• Become familiar with the work of the Drill as time permits
• Inspecting and reporting to the Driller the condition of the derrick and derrick fall arrest equipment
• The morning and evening tour Derrickhand must note and report changes in the condition of the derrick or hazards that have developed during their tour
• Ensure anyone climbing the derrick uses a full body harness and fall protection above 3 meters
• Derrickhand should never be out of racking fingers when travelling block and hook are passing. Pipe left standing in the derrick should be securely tied.
• Derrickhand will change shifts on the rig floor, not on the monkey board.

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

BEHAVIORAL COMPETENCIES

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

QUALIFICATIONS

OTHER ACCOUNTABILITIES

Occupational Health and Safety – Understands fully the Ensign Health and Safety policy and self-responsibility for own health and safety at work; Demonstrates responsibility to avoid adversely affecting the health and safety of others through any act or omission

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