The Directional Drilling Specialist (DDS) key role is to provide technical and specialist advice on all aspects related to directional drilling and to act as focal point for Directional Drilling contracts.
The DDS is responsible for delivering expert technical guidance on all aspects of directional drilling in support of Oxy’s drilling operations in Oman. Serving as the primary office-based contact for directional drilling-related inquiries and contracts, the DDS assesses and resolves complex technical challenges, developing strategies to optimize the selection and deployment of directional drilling tools and technologies from both technical and commercial perspectives. This role requires applying advanced engineering principles to ensure wellbore placement accuracy and integrity, while also guaranteeing that service providers operate safely and efficiently within Oxy’s drilling programs.
Key responsibilities include supporting field operations across Oman through various communication channels such as email, face-to-face meetings, and MS Teams, as well as conducting regular visits to vendor facilities, tool service centers, and rig sites. The DDS provides ongoing assistance for field activities, including potential after-hours, weekend, or holiday work, and ensures that all directional drilling operations adhere to established standards for safety, effectiveness, and efficiency.
Reduce drilling costs and improve well quality by increasing the operational capability of Oxy in Oman, and by directly applying personal skills in directional and performance drilling, wellbore surveying, directional planning, survey data management, bottom-hole assemblies (BHA), and drill string integrity, collectively referred to as “Directional Drilling” (DD).
Work with Oxy Oman team members, supply chain management and HES to measure, monitor, and improve Oman directional drilling and borehole surveying contractor performance.
Assist or act as directional drilling contract proponent and effectively manage contract as per the Oxy Worldwide Drilling and Completions (WWDC) Contract Performance Management Standard. Work with supply chain management and HES to measure and monitor Directional Drilling contractor’s performance. Prepare Directional Drilling contract technical specifications, scope of work and assist with tendering processes and evaluations as required.
Participate in “Performance Drilling Community of Practice” as a member.
Lead and promote “Oxy Drilling Dynamics methodology” in the group and be the focal point for external discussions.
Consult with Drilling personnel on specific Directional Drilling, Gyro or Measurements While Drilling/Logging While Drilling (MWD/LWD) issues as required.
Ensure Directional Drilling plans are optimized and to challenge, advise and approve Directional Drilling plans.
Provide operational Directional Drilling and MWD/LWD system support to ensure optimal drilling performance.
Ensure compliance with the Oxy Worldwide Drilling and Completions (WWDC) Standards including but not limited to Anti-Collision and Well Planning in addition to other WWDC guidelines related to Directional Drilling, drilling dynamics, performance drilling and borehole surveying.
Responsible for quality assurance of borehole survey data and administer the Oxy Oman survey database. Ensure the final definitive surveys are complete, consistent and accurate. Ensures all surveys are fittingly projected to the total depth drilled.
Current with the recommended practices outlined by the Society of Petroleum Engineers Wellbore Positioning Technical Section (WPTS) and the Industry Steering Committee for Wellbore Survey Accuracy (ISCWSA) and ensures all borehole survey reference information, post survey corrections and enhancements to survey data are consistent with proven industry standard practice set by the ISCWSA.
Ensure the appropriate survey instrument performance model is identified for each survey data set.
Provide guidance on BHA Design to Drilling Engineers, and ensure BHA’s Fit-for-Purpose, that minimize risk and damage to tools in the environment they will be operating.
Develop, deploy, and institutionalize proven engineering industry practices for Directional Drilling and MWD/LWD systems including, but not limited to, the Oxy Drilling Dynamics program, advanced realtime drilling data systems, advanced geosteering, torque/drag/pressure monitoring and trajectory scorecards.
Work with the major Directional Drilling and survey measurement service companies and the Drilling personnel to identify areas of technology needs for Oxy Oman and establish options to utilize supplier capability and expertise to fill those needs.
Make regular field visits to QA/QC the performance of Directional Drilling personnel and assist with field Directional Drilling challenges.
Supervise and direct Field Directional Drilling Specialists by prioritizing their activities and focus areas
Focal point for failure investigations and non-conformance report related to Directional Drilling personnel, equipment and services
Ensure that directional providers follow and adhere to Quality Plans and perform periodic audits to ensure compliance.
As requested, participate in Peer Assists and Reviews as required
As part of a team or as an individual, carry out special projects as needed to develop capabilities, evaluate new technology, and make other improvements in Directional Drilling performance.
Identify areas of potential improvement and take action to improve performance through personal support, training, new technology, and other means.
Maintain knowledge of surveying and other Directional Drilling business unit operational area regulatory requirements and industry proven engineering practices and ensure that Oxy Oman Directional Drilling operations conform to Oxy Standards, Guidelines and Procedures.
Deliver basic, advanced, and specialized Directional Drilling training course
Develop competencies for Drilling Engineers and Drill Site Managers related to Directional Drilling. Continuously maintain state-of-the-art skills in Directional Drilling.
