An Overview of Oilfield Floorhands: Duties, Skills, Salary, and Career Path

In the dynamic world of oil and gas extraction, floorhands play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of drilling rigs. As an integral part of the drilling crew, they perform a wide range of tasks that contribute to the overall success and safety of drilling operations. This article delves into the duties, skills, salary, and career path of floorhands, drawing insights from reputable sources such as Primus Workforce, Energy Job Shop, and Zippia.

Duties of a Floorhand

Floorhands are responsible for a diverse array of preparatory and physical tasks on oil rigs. Their duties encompass:

• Servicing and cleaning drilling rigs, including pressure washing the drill floor.
• Replacing oil and air filters on pumps.
• Moving equipment from one location to another.
• Tightening, loosening, and monitoring sections of pipe using hydraulic clamps during drilling operations.
• Maintaining daily logs of mud weight and viscosity levels for the driller.
• Driving trucks to transport oil drilling and service rig equipment and materials.
• Removing or installing wellhead and associated equipment.
• Reporting safety hazards, accidents, or maintenance issues to the rig operator or supervisors.
• Servicing wells in the oil and gas industry.
• Handling, sorting, and organizing tools, pipes, and other materials.
• Rigging up and rigging down anytime the rig has completed and serviced the well.
• Performing regular maintenance of the pipe and drill stem or drill bit.
• Inspecting and conducting safety checks on a regular basis.
• Repairing machinery.
• Digging ditches.
• Mixing chemicals.
• Connecting and disconnecting drill pipe.
• Removing debris and waste from the work site.
• Following company policies and procedures.

Essential Skills for Floorhands

To excel in their role, floorhands require a combination of mechanical proficiency, systems evaluation, physical strength, stamina, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, teamwork, communication skills, and a willingness to learn.

• Mechanical ProficiencyFloorhands must possess the ability to learn new mechanical techniques, understand technical manuals, and operate various machinery.
• Systems EvaluationThey should be able to identify measures or indicators of system performance and take appropriate actions to improve or correct performance.
• Physical StrengthThe job demands physical fitness, including the ability to walk and stand for extended periods, lift heavy materials and tools up to 150lbs, climb ladders, and crawl and maneuver into tight spaces.
• StaminaFloorhands must have great stamina to perform highly physical tasks for long periods of time, often in extreme atmospheric conditions such as heat, cold, and rain.
• Problem SolvingThey should be able to identify complex problems, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement solutions.
• Attention to DetailAs they work with complex and dangerous machinery, floorhands must be highly attentive to details and safety methods.
• TeamworkFloorhands work as part of a crew and must be able to collaborate effectively to accomplish tasks. They should be able to take direction, anticipate needs, and follow orders closely.
• Communication SkillsExcellent communication skills are essential for conveying information to other employees effectively, ensuring optimal operation during drilling.
• Willingness to LearnFloor hand roles are typically entry-level positions that require a great deal of learning on the job site. Open-mindedness and flexibility are crucial as conditions can change rapidly.

Salary and Benefits of a Floorhand

The average salary for a floor hand in Canada is $54,230 per year, which translates to approximately $27.81 per hour. However, experienced floor hands on a drilling rig can earn up to $84,492 per year.

In addition to the monetary compensation, working as a floor hand offers several benefits:

• Development of Physical StrengthPerforming highly physical tasks, such as lifting and moving heavy machinery, contributes to the development of physical strength.
• Formation of Strong BondsWorking as part of a crew in harsh conditions fosters strong bonds among team members.
• Experiencing Different Environments and CulturesMoving to different states or regions for work provides the opportunity to experience diverse environments and cultures.
• Working Outside of a Typical Office EnvironmentFloorhands work outdoors, often in remote locations, which offers a unique and dynamic work environment.

Steps to Become a Floorhand

The path to becoming a floor hand involves several steps:

1. Obtain a High School Diploma or GEDWhile most floor hand positions do not require formal education, a high school diploma or GED is often preferred.
2. Consider Acquiring a DegreeSome candidates pursue an associate of applied science in oil and gas production technology or a similar degree from a community college or vocational school to enhance their career prospects.
3. Obtain a Valid Driver’s LicenseFloorhands require a valid driver’s license to operate vehicles for transporting equipment and materials to and from the oil rig.
4. Become CertifiedEnrolling in courses and obtaining certification as a floor hand can provide a competitive advantage in job hunting and increase overall value for other jobs at an oil rig.
5. Create a Compelling ResumeDevelop a resume that highlights relevant information, including education, training, experience, and certifications. Carefully review the resume for grammatical and spelling errors.
6. Relocate to an Area with Oil FieldsWorking on an oil rig may require relocation to areas with oil fields, such as Alberta or Nova Scotia.
7. Consider an Apprenticeship ProgramApprenticeship programs offer on-the-job training and can provide valuable experience.
8. Gain ExperienceMost floor hands begin by working on a land-based rig for several years to gain experience in the field. This experience increases their chances of securing higher-paying positions on an offshore rig with greater responsibilities.
9. Apply for Floor Hand JobsSearch for available floor hand jobs on industry websites and online job boards. With several years of experience on an onshore rig, candidates can apply for higher-paying positions on an offshore rig with greater responsibilities.

Conclusion

Floorhands play a crucial role in the oil and gas industry, ensuring the smooth operation of drilling rigs and contributing to the overall success of drilling operations. They perform a wide range of duties that require a combination of mechanical proficiency, physical strength, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, teamwork, and communication skills. The job offers competitive compensation, various benefits, and the opportunity for career advancement. With the right skills and experience, individuals can embark on a rewarding career as a floor hand in the oil and gas industry.

References

1. Primus Workforce. (2022, October 19). A Guide to Working as Floor Hand. Retrieved from https://primusworkforce.com/blog/floor-hand/.
2. Energy Job Shop. (2020, March 12). Floorhands in the Oilfield – What Do They Do and How Much Do They Earn? Retrieved from https://www.energyjobshop.com/articles/what-do-floorhands-do/.
3. Zippia. (2023, December 8). Floor Hand Overview. Retrieved from https://www.zippia.com/floor-hand-jobs/.

FAQs

What are the primary duties of a floorhand?

Answer: Floorhands perform a range of tasks on oil rigs, including cleaning and servicing drilling rigs, moving equipment, monitoring pipe sections, maintaining logs, transporting equipment, installing and removing wellhead equipment, and following safety procedures.

What skills are required to be a successful floorhand?

Answer: Floorhands require mechanical proficiency, systems evaluation, physical strength, stamina, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, teamwork, communication skills, and a willingness to learn.

How much do floorhands earn on average?

Answer: The average salary for a floor hand in Canada is $54,230 per year, with experienced floor hands on drilling rigs earning up to $84,492 per year.

What are the benefits of working as a floorhand?

Answer: Working as a floorhand offers benefits such as the development of physical strength, forming strong bonds with team members, experiencing different environments and cultures, and working outside of a typical office environment.

What steps should I take to become a floorhand?

Answer: To become a floorhand, you should obtain a high school diploma or GED, consider acquiring a degree or certificate in oil and gas production technology, obtain a valid driver’s license, become certified, create a compelling resume, relocate to an area with oil fields, consider an apprenticeship program, gain experience, and apply for floor hand jobs.

What are the career prospects for floorhands?

Answer: Floorhands can advance their careers by moving up to positions such as motorhand, derrickhand, driller, and rig manager. With experience and skills, they can earn higher salaries and take on greater responsibilities.

What are the physical demands of being a floorhand?

Answer: Floorhands must be physically fit to perform tasks such as lifting heavy materials and tools, climbing ladders, and crawling and maneuvering into tight spaces. They must also be able to work in extreme weather conditions.

What safety precautions do floorhands need to take?

Answer: Floorhands must follow strict safety procedures to minimize risks on the job. This includes wearing appropriate safety gear, being aware of potential hazards, and following established protocols for handling equipment and materials.