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Senior Well Site Leader (SWSL) - Rig

  • Location:

    Basrah

  • Sector:

    Oil & Gas

  • Contact:

    Elaf Khoshnaw

  • Job ref:

    5257

  • Published:

    about 12 hours ago

  • Expiry date:

    2025-11-26

mselect is looking to hire a Senior Well Site Leader (SWSL) - Rig for an international oil and gas operator in Basrah, Iraq. Candidates must have a minimum of 15 years’ drilling and workover experience, at least 5 years as SWSL. Fluency in English and Arabic is a must.

Role Synopsis
  • This role will cover both drilling and workover operations as operational requirements dictate
  • The SWSL reports to the client Drilling Team Leader, who in turn reports to the client Drilling Manager
  • The SWSL is responsible for the implementation of the drilling or workover program
  • The role of the SWSL is to ensure that HSE goals, Operational Integrity, client Standards, and Well Objectives are not compromised during well operations
  • Mentoring of client staff is a key role

Description
  • This job will be a combination of day-rate and turnkey operations working an equal time rotation, predominantly rig-based
  • The workover operations will be predominantly tubing change out, ESP operations, and well integrity repairs
  • The new drill wells will be vertical, directional S and J-shaped with varying step outs, and high-angle to horizontal with varying step outs
  • Must possess a valid well control certificate (IWCF or IADC surface stack supervisor)
  • Must have good English verbal, written, and listening skills
  • Must be able to work effectively as part of a team
  • Must be able to work on own initiative; use a proactive approach to problem solving and avoidance
  • Pad-drilling experience would be an asset
  • ESP experience would be an asset

Expectations
  • Must drill wells in a safe, efficient, and effective manner for the client
  • Must be able to take responsibility and manage tasks through to completion
  • Must adhere to a rigid code of conduct and respect diverse cultural backgrounds and religious beliefs
  • Must mentor/coach client or drilling contractor staff to follow API and oilfield best practices
  • Must review/audit at least one JSA and PTW daily and ensure that TBTs are actually taking place and, more importantly, are participated in/understood
  • Must get engaged in incident investigations Must ensure rigs follow the approved standard operating procedures (SOP) for their operations
  • Must review SOPs for suitability/completeness and identify gaps and work with various entities to improve client/drilling contractor operations
  • Must lead after-action and lessons-learned reviews per hole section to quickly communicate improvement opportunities to the client, Drilling Engineer
  • Must conduct well control (and other) audits
  • Must review and close out write-ups on the Corrective-Action Registers (CARs) on the rig while implementing a continuous-improvement program
  • Must participate in pre-tour and critical pre-job safety meetings
  • Must review and follow/implement the agreed-upon drilling program, verifying that approved operational steps are adhered to and promulgated in appropriate plans forward
  • Must ensure an MoC is accomplished if operations need to deviate from the agreed-upon drilling program or SOP
  • Must directly oversee operations that deviate from normal activities, such as tight hole/hole problems/flow checks/tripping off bottom/running casing/all cementing operations
  • Must convey the HSE lessons learned (review incident reports) with assigned rig crews and client personnel
  • Must participate in ALL drills and offer post-drill constructive criticism, if necessary
  • Must verify/witness BOP tests and ensure the BOP testing schedule is adhered to or dispensation is approved
  • Must witness all operations involving client equipment, such as wellhead installation, setting and recovering test plugs, and wearing bushings
  • Must verify casing operations are happening in accordance with client/API standards
  • Must verify/ensure all appropriate equipment, personnel, OCTG, and supplies are ordered/called off to execute the drilling program in a timely, competent, and coherent fashion
  • Must review cementing programs and monitor/execute cementing operations (volumes pumped, densities, losses, returns, types and weights of spacers, placement/operation of DVs/MSIPCs)
  • Must monitor and report ANY well-control event and be prepared to assume on-site senior client representative responsibilities
  • Must ensure morning reports are well-written and accurate, and that appropriate well data is input into the Landmark Open Wells platform
  • Must conduct morning, noon, and night walks around the rig and location looking for safety, environmental, and operational hazards; must intervene if required
  • Must participate in the rig STOP card program or equivalent
  • Must conduct periodic job observations and discuss with the rig managers how to correct errant behaviors
  • Must ensure rig leadership meetings are occurring daily and that valid issues/concerns are actioned or addressed
  • Must perform operator field authorizations and approvals for all contracted work, as required
  • Must possess a valid well control certificate (IWCF or IADC surface stack supervisor)
  • Must be able to work effectively as part of a team
  • Must be able to work on own initiative; use a proactive approach to problem solving and avoidance
  • Must use initiative to ensure issues are overcome
  • Must have a patient and calm personality

Key Responsibilities
  • Active HSE Leadership
  • Active monitoring and directing of operations including but not limited to HSE; well control; planning and preparation of upcoming operations; issuing of clear instructions to the rig contractor based on the requirements laid down in the client Standards, the drilling programme, discussions with the office and indications from the well; communication with various contractors on and off site; observing, interpreting, understanding and reacting to changes in downhole trends; adequate reporting; good oilfield practices etc.
  • The SWSL will provide mentoring and support for the development of the client's Iraqi staff
  • Monitor service providers through formal audit and inspections to promote good HSE & oil field practice

Requirements
  • 15 + years’ drilling and workover experience, at least 5 years as SWSL
  • Proficient in safe working practices and good oil field practices
  • Proven ability to lead drilling and workover operations through a theoretical and practical approach
  • Ability to understand and work with differing cultures
  • Valid Well Control certification, as per client Standards (Level 4 Surface)
  • Proven Leadership (HSE and Operational) and Mentoring qualities

Rotation
14/14 



*Only applicants meeting the strict criteria outlined above will be contacted as part of the shortlisting process.