Job Description
Rig Manager - Colorado and Utah Patterson-UTI life insurance, paid time off, 401(k) United States, Colorado, Fruita 1509 Highway 6 and 50 (Show on map) May 28, 2026 The Rig Manager is responsible for every aspect of daily rig operations and supervises all employees working on the rig as well as drilling activities and rig equipment. This includes compliance with Company policies, rules and regulations, ensuring that employees and onsite personnel are working safely, planning maintenance and minimizing rig down time. The Rig Manager provides leadership, safety compliance and direction in resolving operational and personnel issues. The Rig Manager is also responsible for planning and directing drilling operations, rig moves, as well as regular communication with Company personnel, third parties and Customer representatives.
The successful candidate will:
set high standards of performance for themselves and others; be professional in written, verbal and personal actions in any situation; seek new knowledge and experiences; have an analytical mindset that can utilize factual data to develop creative and business-oriented solutions; be self- aware and adjust accordingly to different environments and audiences This role performs under the direction of the Drilling Superintendent. Detailed Description:
Provide leadership to ensure safety of all onsite personnel with goal of working incident-free
Supervision, direction and training of drilling rig crew members including compliance with all safety and operational procedures
Management of rig operations, production, maintenance, costs and personnel to the meet the Company's business objectives
Understand Comprehensive Rig Inspection (CRI) criteria and strive for continual improvement by regularly inspecting and maintaining rig and equipment
Initiate and foster productive partnership with Customer representative
Understand and use basic management concepts and principles including delegation, motivation, discipline, goal setting and performance evaluation
Efficiently and proficiently operate and maintain rig equipment by planning preventative maintenance including necessary replacement supplies
Anticipate, quickly troubleshoot and resolve operational, equipment and maintenance issues to minimize rig downtime
Work in a heavy industrial environment which includes working around constantly moving overhead machinery, being in close proximity to loud equipment and handling potentially hazardous chemicals
Adhere to Company policies, guidelines and work requirements
Promote a diverse and inclusive work environment where employees of all backgrounds feel included and their contributions are valued
Promptly address and resolve concerns and disputes among team members and customers with the goal of building a stronger, more cohesive work group
Plan daily rig operations with Driller and Customer representative
Lead pre- and post-tour meetings including crew fit-for-duty evaluations
Fill in for Driller or other rig-based employees as needed
Work independently and prioritize tasks while managing distractions
Responsibility for Company resources, equipment, and personnel
Read / write emails and prepare daily rig paperwork including status reports and other business matters related to rig operations
General upkeep of the rig and drilling floor; includes regular sweeping, shoveling, cleaning, painting, washing of equipment and related housekeeping duties
Plan and supervise rig moves including rig up / down procedures
Other duties as assigned that may be outside of this job description Job Requirements:
While performing the job, will be required to lift/carry, pull/push, reach, squat, kneel, and or climb ladders or stairs
Exerting 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects
Able to repetitively climb steep stairs and be able to lift and carry 50 pounds independently while walking on uneven surfaces
Must be comfortable working at heights (50 ft. or greater) for extended periods of time
Maintain spatial orientation and awareness to safely move around work environment with many moving objects
Clear vision to judge near and far distances to maintain awareness of, watch, and direct ongoing work activities of employees and third parties
Ability to read, write and speak English to the extent needed to understand verbal and written instructions and to give clear verbal and written instructions in English to direct rig employees and third parties as well as communicate with Customer representatives
This job requires an irregular sleep pattern, as the Rig Manager needs to be available to observe and direct specified drilling procedures as well as resolve unanticipated rig operational, equipment or maintenance issues
Wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all designated times which could include but is not limited to: hard hat, safety glasses, coveralls, work gloves, respirator, and hearing protection
Demonstrated ability to successfully complete duties of all rig crew positions (Floorhand, Motorhand, Derrickhand, and Driller)
Must possess strong computer skills (.e.g., reports, email, spreadsheets, graphs, etc.)
Must be able to utilize standard formulas and basic mathematical equations to compute and report various rig operation metrics
Must be able to verbally communicate directions and expectations effectively to the rig crew and third parties
Willing to travel to and work in remote locations on a rotational schedule which consists of 14 days on / 14 days off, working 12.5 hour shifts that can include days or nights and as well as weekends and holidays
Willing to work mandatory and unscheduled hours outside of your assigned schedule with little or no advanced notice
Must be willing and able to attend and successfully complete classroom training and testing to qualify for a rig assignment
Able to successfully meet pre-employment testing requirements which may include, without limitation, pre-employment drug and alcohol test(s) and background checks as well as drug and/or alcohol testing periodically during employment (subject to state and federal laws) Demonstrated ability in the following leadership competencies: Builds and Maintains Effective Relationship
Develops Self and Others
Builds Effective Teams
Courageous Leadership
Managing Vision and Purpose
Business Acumen
Drive for Results
Customer focus
Decision Quality Minimum Qualifications High School Diploma or GED
Valid state-issued driver's license and be eligible to meet requirements of Company's Vehicle Use Agreement and Driving Policy
Good written and verbal communication skills
2+ years of prior experience as a Driller
1+ years of prior experience as a Rig Manager with PTEN Preferred Qualifications Advanced education (e.g., college, trade school, etc.) Certifications:
Well Control
CPR/First Aid
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) Safety Training
Must be able to complete Supervisory Well Control course within 14 days of start date Additional Details This position requires work both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions, including precipitation, cold / heat, high wind, and turbulent conditions. The Rig Manager will be regularly exposed to the typical conditions of the local area where the rig is located. Southern states generally experience hot summers where temperatures range from 80 to low 100 with high humidity; winters have temperatures that generally do not go below 20. Northern states generally have hot summers with similar conditions and have cold, windy winters, with low temperatures that can be as cold as -40. Rate of pay:
Starting at $134,500 Role Classification:
Salaried This role is eligible to participate in per diem, car allowance, and cell phone allowance. At Patterson-UTI, we are committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package to you and your family. Employees are eligible to participate in the following benefits based on timely election and any associated premium payments: Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Health Savings Account with the appropriate Medical Plan, Life Insurance, AD&D and Disability, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Savings and Employee Assistance Program. In addition, this role may be eligible for Paid Time Off as per Company policy The wage and benefits information provided herein are accurate as of the date of posting. All terms and conditions of employment are subject to change at any time, without notice, subject to applicable law.